A controversial works depot scheme - close to an Ashby hotel and restaurants - has been given the green light by North West Leicestershire District Council.

That was despite some councillors describing the scheme as 'a misery', 'wrong', 'an awful mistake' and even having the possibility to cause fatalities.

One councillor predicted the traffic overspill 'would bring the whole of Ashby to a standstill'.

But the council's planning committee was split on the decision tonight (Tuesday), with chair Cllr Ray Morris getting the deciding vote which enabled the scheme to finally get the go-ahead.

The EG Group wants to build a road related storage, maintenance and management facility next to the fuel station off Flagstaff Island at Lountside.

But this would also be adjacent to the Brewers' Fayre restaurant and Premier Inn hotel and opposite the McDonald's restaurant.

The scheme, which already had outline planning permission, was set to be given the go ahead in November before councillors asked for it to be deferred.

Councillor were advised to permit the application.

But Cllr John Legrys said: "The issue I'm concerned about is, it's a private road, and rightly, Leicestershire County Council are saying 'It's not our problem guv'.

"But I am bothered about road safety issues.

The area will now have a works depot built on it. Image: Instantstreetview.com

"It's not just lorries turning up randomly - there's no time control - queuing up and blocking the businesses on that site, from the hotel to the restaurants, to the fast food outlets and the filling station.

"But I believe the responsibility for the roundabout is Highways England, not the county council.

"Were they consulted about the process? And did they raise concerns about overspill vehicles blocking the roundabout?

"I use that roundabout quite a lot, and, at peak time, any blockage brings the whole of Ashby to a standstill - along with the motorway."

Councillors heard Highways England was not interested and did not object.

Cllr Legrys added: "No doubt Leicestershire Constabulary will take a view if any tailgating of vehicles queuing up for the site will have an effect on the access to the A42 from Ashby town centre.

"Some of this site is being extended to get the lorry park spaces in.

"I also agree with the objector who spoke earlier about the turning circles in the event of overcrowding."

Cllr David Everett added: "It's an inappropriate situation.

"Most people can see the problems, but it comes from the fact these issues weren't raised earlier.

"But that highlights a weakness in the planning system here, where we have to go ahead because a decision had already been made.

"What bothers me is that the developer hasn't brought anyone along to put their side.

"When it's developed, it may be uncommercial for the hotel, people may not like the ideas queuing up with lorries.

"It won't do the other businesses much good.

"This could've attracted other businesses like McDonald's, that sort of thing where the kids can play.

"Something where the public can be entertained, that would've been ideal for this site.

"But no, we have something which is going be a complete misery, and might even cause a few fatalities if it's as bad as some people think.

"It's an awful mistake and it demonstrates where we cannot put things right, when we know they're wrong, because of the way the system works."

Cllr Dave Bigby said: "We have a difference in figures which is quite stark.

"A paper has been submitted by one of the objectors that, at peak times in the morning, there will be 10 HGVs an hour, but on the paper in front of us, it says there will be only three."

Cllr Morris added: "If there is a backlog of vehicles, then the other businesses will soon contact the landlord."

Ashby-based councillor Jim Hoult said: "It's wrong, my conscience won't let me vote for this, we're going to have problems."

But Ashby ward councillor Dan Harrison raised concerns over the amount of traffic that would be using the facility.

Cllr Harrison said: "We're looking at a volume of 30 vehicles an hour, two bays, and roughly two hours to empty the average vehicle.

"Why is all this not talked about?"

District Council officer Dylan Jones said: "The River Mease issues were dealt with in the outline planning permission.

"As for highways issues, if the vehicles clog up the site, then that's the owner's issue, not ours. It's up to the site operator to resolve."