A plan to build 52 holiday lodges on a new National Forest tourist site in Swannington has been given the go-ahead.

But there was strong opposition to the scheme from parish councillors.

Tuesday's meeting of North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee met to discuss the proposed site which will be off Spring Lane.

The plan had been for more than 200 units on the site and had since been reduced by around 75 per cent.

But Cllr Roger Cairns, of Swannington Parish Council, said there had been 'hundreds' of objections to the planned application by Finney's Park Homes.

Cllr Cairns told the committee: "While it is understandable that the council establishes dialogue with any applicant, have you got too close here?

"There's a lot of tipping on the site, over 1,000 tonnes of rubble, and it's disturbing.

"Nothing's been done about it, and that's a worry for all of us at Swannington Parish Council.

"Our second concern, is allowing developments, that might otherwise be refused, where tourism is concerned.

"We understand the pressure you're under.

"But what tourism? If anyone seriously thinks this supplies any demand in the area, then approve it.

"Would any of you recommend to any of your friends that anyone seriously take a holiday in Swannington at the caravan park.

"If the answer is no, then you have no reasonable cause to override your own limits of development.

"Please, the whole village desperately needs your help and co-operation in refusing this egregious application."

An anonymous resident made a statement which raised concerns that an Environment Impact Assessment had not been requested.

The resident suggested that, without this, the planning decision could be considered unlawful and open to any legal challenge.

The person added the decision should have been deferred and that it was 'almost laughable' that the area needed tourist accommodation.

The application is for a hybrid planning application for development of the site comprising a full application for the change of use of land for use as a caravan site, and outline application for an associated restaurant/bar/shop.

Councillors were told: "The submitted planning statement identifies that the applicant's vision is to 'generate more staying visitors in the National Forest by developing woodland holiday accommodation in a location that would allow cycle and pedestrian access to nearby settlements and the wider National Forest'.

But David Hancock, agent for the applicant, told councillors: "This site will bring in around £300,000 a year in direct and indirect spending in the local community on a regular basis.

"It will have economic benefits for the area and create much needed jobs.

"The lodges are for holiday use only.

"The community should be assured that the Swannington Lakes scheme will be delivered to a high standard.

"The applicant want to bring the development to fruition so that the benefits can be seen as soon as possible."

Councillors voted eight to two in favour of allowing the scheme to go ahead.