Plans for a care home complex between Moira and Ashby have been given the go-ahead - eight years after the scheme was first put forward.

A 62 bed care-home development, 15 care related dwellings and a 45 unit apartment block will be built on Ashby Road, close to the junction with Blackfordby Lane.

Councillors voted 10 to one to allow the revised MACC Group and Prospect Capital scheme despite hearing opposition from nearby residents and Ashby Woulds Town Council.

It was made clear that outline planning permission had already been given for the development in 2018 - after an application in 2015 - and that councillors were not to make a decision based on care standards or the principle of the scheme as a care home.

The latest plans put the main block away from the road with housing now replacing it at the front of the development.

But a representative of local residents expressed concerns over parking and that the plans presented to the committee showed structures that were, in some cases, inaccurate by two metres.

The only District Councillor vote against the scheme was Cllr John Legrys, who was on the planning committee that granted outline planning permission five years ago.

He said: "There was a lot of public disquiet at the time.

"But I quibble over the car parking, there are not enough spaces.

"For a lot of people living here it will be end of life care, that generates family visits. There won't be enough car parking spaces.

"I'm concerned about the lay-by opposite and that visitors will be using that service road.

"My concern is when tenants want to go to the convenience store, it's up to us to put a proper crossing facility there. We need to put some pressure on Leicestershire County Council Highways.

"I'd like to encourage the developer to work with the town council over the aesthetics of the site.

"Can we have a letter to the applicant to encourage the developer have a proper dialogue where the town councillors can reflect what's going on with this application."

Eddie Shephard, of Ashby Woulds Town Council, also spoke to the committee and said. "We care passionately about the community where we live.

"From 2015, to the present day, when we first heard about it, we've had no feedback from North West Leicestershire District Council.

"In terms of road safety, we have serious concerns. This is an already busy road with a record of accidents, including fatals.

"This is adjacent to industrial units, also schoolchildren are dropped off by taxis at external provision school."

He called for a 30mph speed limit and a pedestrian crossing.

Cllr Shepherd added: "If these conditions not mandated, more mobile residents will be socially excluded from the community and local services.

"Parking is also a concern. On this busy road, it must be avoided, and double yellow lines are necessary.

"Is there a need for the development? The reality is the past eight years, the situation has changed and needs to be looked at again.

"There is provision for a care home at Money Hill and Oakleigh in Moira. In 2023 there are 26 care homes local to Ashby."

Katherine Else, agent for the developer and representing Claremont Planning Consultancy, said: "There are 26 conditions, a section 106 agreement with contributions, of more than £100,000.

"People have a 24 hour care service.

"Other accommodation has a nursing facility, the care home is more towards nursing and can provide treatment for conditions such Dementia.

"People can move into care home and keep the original property that they bought.

"Homes are regularly inspected, and this meets all required standards.

"There have been changes, they reflect the feedback from local residents - there's a reduction in dwellings, and fewer apartments. The care home has been relocated and single access, not double.

"The height of the buildings will be concealed, the bungalows are barely visible from the road.

Ward councillor Andrew Woodman was unable to attend the meeting, but provided written comments.

The scheme is planned for Ashby Road in Moira, close to the junction with Blackfordby Lane. Photo: North West Leicestershire District Council

He also expressed concern regarding the private drive opposite.

But he added: "Residents need some assurance that this is a definitive plan and a timeline should be made available."

Concerns were also raised by the residents' representatives about disturbing wildlife such as bats, owls and newts.

Cllr Terri Eynon added: "How can we assure this development is the best it can be? We need to get what it says on the tin.

"The pedestrian crossing needs to be up to the mark, there needs to be a crossover between the new and existing community.

"Where I am a little concerned is over the two-storey dwellings. These need to be easily adaptable and a home for life. Will people be able to die in there?

"Will there be wheelchair access? I can't see how the two-storey homes work. Dying people need level access."

But the developers' agent gave assurances the homes will provide disabled access.

Ashby councillor Dave Bigby added: "If I'd been on the planning committee when it was given outline planning permission, I wouldn't have supported it - because I don't think it's in the right place.

"I can think of much better places where a care home could be located.

"But this is far better than the original plan that was put forward again a couple of years ago.

"This is something approaching the original plan

"The idea that the care home would be on the front and dwarf the other houses was unacceptable, but it's good to see it's now been resolved."