Plans for six holiday lodges in a village north of Coalville have been rejected by North West Leicestershire District Council.

An application was made in April by Mr. S. Stewart, of Newbold Coleorton, to build the units on land adjoining the village's Pipeyard Lane Works.

While the council officers accepted that the tourism generated would bring a small benefit to the area, the scheme was thrown out for two main reasons.

The officer's report says: "The applicant has not demonstrated that the proposed development, including the retrospective earthworks, would not result in increased flood risk elsewhere, or that the development would not result in the unacceptable loss of biodiversity or harm to protected species and their habitats."

It was felt that the plans would have an adverse impact, specifically, on Great Crested Newts.

But ward councillor Ray Morris also raised objections on the grounds of:

• Poor access

• Contaminated land

• Harm to biodiversity

• Flood risk

• Harm to neighbouring residents' amenity.

The council also received 29 letters from nearby residents. A number of issues were raised about the plans. They included:

• The proposed use is contrary to Local Plan Policy

• The proposed use and development is out of keeping with the rural area

• Increased flood risk

• Unsustainable location

• Lack of amenities within walking distance

• Additional vehicular movements

• Poor access for vehicles and pedestrians

• The economic benefits are limited

• Additional noise impacts during and after construction

• Overlooking and loss of privacy

• The land is contaminated, polluted and unstable

• Proposed use is incompatible adjacent to commercial uses

• Lack of need or demand for holiday accommodation

• Harm to features of biodiversity

The council's report concluded: "The application fails to demonstrate that the proposed development would not have an adverse impact on a protected species, specifically Great Crested Newts.

"The development if approved will also result in a significant loss of biodiversity overall, which is not adequately mitigated or compensated for.

"The submitted information has not demonstrated that the development has or will not increase flood risk elsewhere in the surrounding area."