Controversial plans to put eight homes on "overgrown" land behind a residential street have been given the go ahead for a second time.

The plot lies behind Garendon Road, in Shepshed, with applicant Ian Herbert having previously been given approval by Charnwood Borough Council for an almost identical scheme in 2021, but complications arising from the Covid-19 pandemic meant planning permission lapsed.

More than 40 people objected to the latest application – an increase from the 29 objections made to the original plans.

At a meeting last week, the council's planning committee heard from architect Jonah Mastin – speaking on behalf of Mr Herbert – who revealed the applicant had originally hoped to sell the land to a housing developer, but the process of finding a buyer had been disrupted by the pandemic.

A deal was finally agreed for the land last year, but the original planning consent expired before paperwork could be completed. Mr Mastin said the "previously overgrown and unused land would become a place for shared enjoyment, daily living and a flourishing community".

He said some neighbours welcomed the development "for the tidying effect it would have and the improvement to neighbourhood security that it might deliver".

The work will include the bulldozing of a bungalow to allow access to the land. Councillor Miriam Roberts of Shepshed Town Council said she was "very worried" about the access to the development. "It is one road in and out, and there are eight dwellings within it, which means at least eight cars for each of the eight houses."

The development would also make the current "dire" parking situation on Garendon Road worse, she said. Flooding and drains were also an issue for the town council. The development will have a pond for water drainage, and there will be a 10 metre gap between the development and a nearby, unnamed water course.

Cllr Roberts said the pond was "concerning" and added: "How will these features be safeguarded? Because the last thing we want is somebody drowning in such a tight space."

Ward councillor Robin Popley said he had "grave" fears about "the change of street scene and design", as well as potential traffic and highways issues. He said the homes were "out of keeping" with the area, which he said had some of "Charnwood's nicest architecture". He shared Coun Roberts' concerns over emergency vehicles accessing the development.

Members voted to allow the head of planning to grant planning permission on their behalf as long as an agreement is reached with the developer over financial contributions towards local facilities and services, and to ensure government-mandated biodiversity requirements are met.