An Ashby pub's plans for a beer garden have been given the go-ahead - amid claims that some local residents were 'frightened' to attend Wednesday's council meeting to discuss the scheme.

The Railway Tavern in Tamworth Road had applied for a change of use from what is currently garden land at the rear of the building, with new fencing and seating as part of the redevelopment.

It was claimed by objectors that the plans would result in a loss of privacy, as well as increased noise levels and smokers.

The application was 'called in' by ward councillor Dave Bigby which meant it was discussed by North West Leicestershire District Council's planning committee.

Councillors heard from a representative of the residents whose properties would border the new garden area.

He told the committee that relations between neighbours and the pub had not been good.

But he also made a claim that some had been 'frightened' to attend the meeting in Coalville due to 'comments made on social media' after they had objected to the plans online.

However, Keith Buckby, representing the applicant Caroline Funnell, said that one of the objectors had since built a bar in their garden close to the pub land.

The residents' representative, from Upper Packington Road, said: "Some residents did not want to come here, as they were frightened due to comments being posted on social media when they objected on the planning website.

"The houses are tranquil places, there is also a lot of wildlife that could be lost.

"There is some raucous noise from the facility but we put up with that, it was there when we moved in.

"But there could be around 50 people in that garden.

"All the local residents are against it."

But Mr Buckby defended the plan and said: "It's been a protracted process, during which one of the objectors managed to complete a bar in a garden neighbouring the pub.

"Highways say have no objections about traffic, most people walk to the pub, it for the local community.

"The pub has existed for 150 years as a pub.

"This is an opportunity to restore the original footprint of the pub.

"There'll be no big screen, no music and no plans to sell food.

The Railway Tavern's plans are shown here. Image: North West Leicestershire District Council

"Any unwanted behaviour will result in people being asked to step inside or leave completely."

Cllr Bigby said the scheme conflicted with the local plan.

He added: "I suggest if there was an application that should be turned down this is it.

"The Ashby neighbourhood plan says such proposals should minimise the impacts on the amenity and give consideration to privacy of local properties.

"This area was part of a large neighbouring garden which was sold to the pub.

"How would the committee members feel if the area behind them was turned into a larger beer garden?

"A reduction of fencing from eight feet to six, adds insult to injury, people would be able to look over the fence into people's gardens."

It was agreed that the the planning permission should include a requirement that the fence must be eight feet tall.

Cllr John Legrys added that a similar application from the Halfway House in Donisthorpe was refused on the grounds of noise and nuisance to local community.

He said: "Here, the recommendation is to approve, I don't get it.

"You'll get raised voices. This is 24/7, it's there constantly all the time. There's nothing to allay my fears of what happens in the event of a fire.

"When it's sold on to another operator, we have no control over what happens on that land, that worries me."

Cllr Terri Eynon added: "I'm worried about any application that nibbles away at the local plan, the local plan needs to be sacrosanct or we're wasting our time."

The vote was carried five in favour to three against, with one abstention.