Angry Whitwick residents were last night (Thursday) told that North West Leicestershire District Council does not want to sell the Hermitage Leisure Centre site to housing developers.

A feedback meeting designed to explain the council's plans sparked a number of outbursts from unhappy members of the public.

The meeting, at the new Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre, had to be stopped on a number of occasions as Paul Sanders, Head of Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, tried to make a presentation outlining suggestions for the site.

The buiding has been described as in a 'dangerous' condition. Photo: Coalville Nub News

He also said the former Leisure Centre building should be demolished as it had reached the 'end of its life'.

It was also added that the building was unsafe, 'dangerous' and had been condemned.

Council says former Hermitage Leisure Centre is likely to be demolished

The point was then made by one resident that it was in full use as recently as February when the centre was shut down to make way for the new Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre.

Some questioned why the building had only been deemed in such poor condition during the past three months.

But the council's view that it would cost £2.5million to restore the building and bring it back into use was repeated.

A proposal by the Coalville CAN community group suggested that the area could be restored as a parkour centre and community cafe.

But it was pointed out that the cost would be hard to find and that Sport England could not be asked to contribute for another two years as they had helped support the new leisure centre.

Residents again questioned why plans for sheltered housing were being recommended for the site.

Mr Sanders said that the plan would allow the council to control how the site was developed and would allow for recreation to be included.

But many feared that the site would be sold off to a developer for housing.

Part of the presentation showed that the council believe it is a possibility - leaving them with no control over what happens.

Whitwick councillor puts forward sheltered housing plan for former Hermitage site

Another of the council's visions was for a green area linking the site with the new leisure centre.

This was a 'vision' including an eco-park, a community centre, improved play area, indoor urban sports centre and a small number of houses – together with the costs associated with different levels of investment.

The proposals now go before the council's Community Scrutiny Committee on June 29 - before a meeting of Cabinet on July 19.

But Mr Sanders said: "We make our recommendations to Cabinet, and what you saw here will be presented to them on the 29th.

"You need to show the options and if we put the site on the open market we'd lose design control.

"We want to have that - and we want local houses for local people.

"We want to develop affordable housing."

The Hermitage Leisure Centre as it was. Photo: Coalville Nub News

But some residents felt that the decision regarding sheltered housing had already been made, although Mr Sanders insisted that was not the case.

He responded: "We're here to gain your views."

Residents were then told they could fill in form saying whether they were for or against housing on the site.

More people are today (Friday) invited to take part in an online survey which can be found on the council's website HERE.