Plans to build four new apartments on an 'eyesore' site in Hugglescote were given the go-ahead by just one vote by councillors.

Tuesday's meeting of North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee discussed the application, by Mr Craig Farrell of Evo Real Estate Ltd.

The scheme was called in ward councillor Russell Johnson.

But the meeting heard concerns about parking and traffic problems due to the positioning of the site at the junction of Central Road and Grange Road.

When a final decision was put to the vote, it scraped through by six votes to five.

Cllr Johnson's reasons for 'calling in' the application were down to:

• Concerns relating to highway safety (including a lack of car parking within the development)
• Design, character and appearance concerns (relating to the side elevation)
• Impacts upon the residential amenity
• The proposals would constitute overdevelopment

Council officers advised the committee to permit the application, which was submitted in January.

Cllr Nigel Smith described the current, partially demolished, building as an 'eyesore' while Cllr Ray Morris said there was 'no compelling reason' to reject the application.

An impression of how the completed building will look if planning permission is granted. Image: Ionic Design/North West Leicestershire District Council

Hugglescote and Donington le Heath Parish Council had already made its feelings known about the 'congested' crossroads.

It said: "Members are of the opinion that this is an optimistic objection, despite the fact that parking is not required there is nowhere for residents of the flats or their visitors to park. 

"This will make the parking situation in the vicinity worse exacerbating the congestion problems. On street parking is already at capacity, for hundreds of yards, in the area and restricts local shopping and access to businesses."

Cllr John LeGrys raised the issue of the planned expansion of Hugglescote Primary School and the extra traffic that would cause.

He described the planned development as 'wrong'.

Cllr Dave Everitt also pointed out that parking issues can make residents' life 'a misery.'.

Cllr Dave Bigby also pointed out that, with carers visiting the property, it is likely that parking would be required for as many as six cars instead of two.

He said: "That's a big difference."