The Rotherhill (Asfordby) Syndicate had sought outline planning permission to develop industrial and warehouse units on land next to Holwell Works, with access provided from Welby Lane.

Numerous local and national companies had previously expressed an interest in moving to the business park.

And the development proposals also had the backing of Rutland and Melton MP Alan Duncan for bringing jobs to the area and making good use of a brownfield site.

Residents living near the site raised numerous concerns including additional traffic created along Welby Road, loss of privacy due to the proximity of units to nearby homes and increased noise.

Asfordby Parish Council also raised concerns about traffic levels, the suitability of Welby Road to accommodate heavy traffic and the hours of operation.

Both the parish council and county councillor for Asfordby division Joe Orson called for a section 106 agreement in relation to traffic calming measures along Welby Road.

Melton Council's development committee met last night (Thursday) to decide on the plans.

Gary Lees, agent for the applicants, said they were comfortable with some of the suggested conditions to address concerns.

He also stressed it was an outline application so all of the detail regarding siting and design of units, parking and layout would be subject to further reserved matters approval.

He said the applicants were happy to look at concerns about the proximity of one of the proposed units to nearby properties and that they had agreed some measures with County Hall to reduce speed along Welby Road.

Committee chairman Mark Barnes welcomed the scheme. He said: "I think it's good thing. The site has been crying out for this and I'm just disappointed it has taken so long to reach this stage."

Councillor Gerald Botterill added: "What a good investment opportunity there is here."

The committee approved the application subject to conditions including completion of a section 106 agreement, securing the delivery of highways improvements, as well as meeting other conditions.