There was widespread criticism of the building's modern design and a host of other concerns were raised including insufficient parking, flood risk, and increased traffic.

Councillors openly expressed their disappointment with the building's design and were also concerned about a lack of parking.

But when it came to the all-important vote councillors voted 5-4 in favour that they were 'minded' to approve the application subject to approval from the Environment Agency and subject to highways and other conditions.

The committee was unable to approve the application due to current objections raised by the Environment Agency regarding drainage.

Ten parish councils had raised objections to the scheme and other objectors included the Melton and District Historical Society, Melton and District Civic Society, Melton Town Estate and National Rail.

If approved the new offices, to house 200 employees, will be built on the derelict town station site.

It's understood the cost of new council HQ, subject to tender, will be around £5.3m. Insurance money will cover nearly £3.7m of the total with a contribution towards the shared offices from County Hall of just under £1.3m. The remainder will come from tenanted or partner space. The Probation Service and other agencies are set to take up some of the office accommodation.

The proposed new council offices comprises a reception and customer service area plus modern open-plan offices, a civic suite and 75 car parking spaces.

Dinah Rudman, secretary of the Melton and District Civic Society, was the first objector to speak at last night's meeting.

She said: "We are deeply concerned at the lack of proper consultation. It's clear that there is a profound feeling among residents that this application appears to be pre-determined and that it's being promoted purely on financial grounds and not for the long-term interests of the borough.

"The town station site should be used for strategic car parking for south Melton and a landscaped traffic interchange linked to the railway station. This would be both environmentally and financially beneficial for the borough."

She added: "The issue of flooding on this site has not been fully addressed and continues to be of great concern to us."

After seeing an outline impression of the proposed new building, shown along with other images at the meeting, Mrs Rudman described the building as 'an absolute affront to the town centre'.

Other objectors who spoke at the meeting raised similar concerns in terms of the building's design and impact on the surrounding area, lack of parking, flood risk, traffic and access.

In a report to the committee Jim Worley, Melton Council's head of regulatory services, said: "The development would physically regenerate a site that has been in a derelict state for many years and, despite being extensively marketed, has not attracted redevelopment."

Mr Worley also claimed traffic flows would not increase overall quantities on Burton Street by more than 10 per cent and that any over demand for parking could be accommodated within other car parks in the town centre.

Councillor Mark Barnes, chairman of the development committee, expressed his deep disappointment with the building's design.

He said: "I was under the impression we were going to get a landmark building. When I finally saw it I felt a bit underwhelmed. This building could be on any business park in any town and wouldn't look out of place.

"When I look at this I just feel very disappointed and a bit let down."

Councillor Rex Holt said: "I think the 75 parking spaces are going to be taken up very quickly and that's a serious problem. I also think the traffic survey done in 2005 is already seriously out of date. Since then we've had a major bypass constructed around Oakham which draws traffic this way."

Councillor Pru Chandler also had concerns. She said: "We do need this new civic accommodation but we've got to get it right. I don't like the design and the parking situation is a serious problem. Where are all these cars going to go?"

Councillor Pat Cumbers added: "I find the whole thing difficult. It's not the special building I was hoping to see and the car parking is just not being realistic. There aren't going to be enough spaces."

Coun Cumbers also felt strongly that the derelict appearance of the current site shouldn't be a factor in the council's decision-making.

Councillor John Wyatt said: "I find the building best described as 'functional'. It will do the job it's designed to do but it's not a beautiful or a landmark building."

The committee's final decision - minded in favour of the scheme – was greeted with disgust by objectors at the meeting, with one objector commenting 'what a load of rubbish. You should be ashamed of yourselves'.

Speaking after the meeting committee chairman Mark Barnes said: "I think it's another missed opportunity. I was led to believe we were expecting a landmark building but what we've got you could find on any business park."

Bernard Ludwig, past mayor and chairman of Burton and Dalby Parish Council, said he was amazed by the committee's decision.

Mr Ludwig is among a group of six past mayors who have been strongly opposed to the plans and have urged the council to reconsider.

He said: "I'm amazed that eight councillors can criticise the building and say it's no good but then, when the ninth councillor proposed it was acceptable, four of the others changed their minds."