Plans to build three 'floating' holiday lodges on a small disused quarry lake in Oakthorpe have been given the go-ahead by North West Leicestershire District Council.

The green light comes almost two years after an application was submitted by Housemartin Designs of Swepstone.

The application consists of three National Forest holiday water lodges with parking and associated works on land to the rear Of 47 Chapel Street in Oakthorpe.

A council officer's report says: "The application site relates to a small disused quarry which is now a large pond with associated land to the south of Oakthorpe.

"The surrounding uses consist of residential land to the north, a car repair garage to the east, a disused railway line to the south and public highway, which includes a bridge that overpasses the railway line to the west.

"The land is currently used by the applicant for their own personal enjoyment although it is not considered to be residential.

"The application seeks full planning permission for the stationing of three floating holiday lodges on the pond with associated works to provide foul drainage and parking.

"The scheme has been amended since first submission which has resulted in the proposal changing from fixed lodges to floating lodges and the submission of a Noise Impact Assessment."

The scheme has met with some opposition locally, and the District Council received the following concerns from residents.

• Increased surface water flood risk to neighbouring properties

• Existing use of the pond is exaggerated by the applicant

• Existing private right of way to the commercial premises should be maintained

• Noise impacts from adjacent commercial premises

• Obtrusive impact on neighbours

• Insufficient on site parking

• The pond has dried up due to digging through the clay base and therefore not suitable for floating accommodation

However, the council saw little wrong with the amended application.

The officer's report added: "The proposed development would consist of three floating lodges externally faced in Cedar timber cladding with sedum roofs and associated pontoons for access.

"It is considered that the scale of the lodges are appropriate to the size of the pond and the external appearance appropriately responds to the character and appearance of the area.

The pond is behind houses in Oakthorpe. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

"The use of materials is high quality and would help to assimilate the development into the surroundings and as such is given positive

"Given the small scale of the development, the distance from boundaries and the low increase in intensity level expected from holiday lets of this size, it is not considered that there would be any impact in terms of noise and disturbance nor would there be any impact in terms of light, overshadowing, privacy or outlook.

"The holiday lets are located in close proximity to a commercial premises, currently in use as a car repair facility which can generate noise.

"The operator of the adjacent commercial facility has raised concerns that the uses could be incompatible.

"The applicant has submitted a noise impact assessment which considers that the impact on future occupiers of the holiday lodges will not be unacceptable.

"Furthermore, the use as holiday lets would lessen any potential for impacts or noise complaints as the use is sporadic and will not be occupied as permanent residential accommodation.

"It should be acknowledged that the holiday lets are small in size and as dwellings would not comply with Local Policies in terms of internal space standards or outside amenity space.

"However, the use is for holiday let for short stays and as such will not be used in the same way as a conventional dwelling.

"It is recommended that the use as a short term holiday let be restricted by planning condition. Overall, the proposal is not considered to result in significant impacts upon existing surrounding or future occupier residential amenity."