A scheme to convert the Loudon House former care home in Ashby into a 'new secure residential institution facility' was been given planning permission by North West Leicestershire District Council on Wednesday night.

Despite strong objections from local residents, with over 770 people signing a petition against the Ridgway Road development, a motion to go ahead with the Rushcliffe Care Group plan was passed with six councillors voting for, and four against.

Loudon House set to get the green light

In what was described as an 'emotional' debate among councillors at the district council planning committee meeting, objections were raised as to the location and the design of the building that has been proposed - following the demolition of the current structure.

But other councillors said it was wrong to 'hide' away people in need of mental health treatment.

Ashby de la Zouch Town Councillors David Bigby and Geraint Jones spoke against the proposal in terms of the the positioning of the building at the entrance to a council estate and Ashby Willesley Primary School.

Mr Tim Jones, representing local residents, raised potential crime and safety issues, said that if there was an incident involving a patient in future, it would be on the councillors who allowed the scheme to go ahead.

Some councillors also expressed disappointment that Rushcliffe Care Group, nor an agent for the development, were present at the committee meeting to address issues raised.

Cllr Bigby said that communication between Rushcliffe and Ashby de la Zouch Town Council had been 'very poor'.

Cllr John Le Grys made the point that he felt he was being 'blackmailed' into supporting the motion by suggestions that he was against the introduction of mental health institutions in the district.

He made it clear that that was not the case.

But Cllr Le Grys described it as a 'monstrosity of a building' and should not be the first thing visitors to Ashby see in the town when coming in from the A42.