Plans to turn a residential Hugglescote property into a children's home have been given the green light - despite concerns over road safety and parking.

The property, at 2, Frearson Road, is to change from a home into a business - even though local residents fought to stop the application going through.

Wednesday's meeting of North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee heard that a petition containing 96 signatures had been signed - while over 40 objections had been lodged.

The application had been 'called in' by Cllr Terri Eynon on the grounds of road safety.

It was felt by some councillors that the added traffic at the property would make an already difficult parking situation even worse.

Cllr John LeGrys described the situation on Frearson Road as 'a nightmare' - and said he based his comments on local knowledge of the area.

A plan of the area which is to be changed into a business. Image: NWLDC

But there was some support for the provision of a children's home in the district.

Both Cllrs Dave Everitt and Rachel Canny supported the scheme - saying that the forecast traffic difficulties would be worked out.

It was also pointed out to councillors that Leicestershire County Council Highways had not raised any objections to the plans.

As a result, councillors were told that, if the application were to be rejected, any appeal would be lost with Highways supporting the scheme.

A council officer's report had also recommended that the scheme be permitted - and when it was put to the vote, it went through with 10 councillors for the plans, and one - Cllr LeGrys - against.