Plans approved for £15m Leicester complex

Plans for a £15m complex including a new hotel, restaurant and banqueting venue in Rushey Mead, Leicester have been approved.

The scheme is set to replace the existing Indigo restaurant which has been running for nearly 20 years, with owner Jargish Ghelani wanting to expand his business.

According to Leicestershire Live, plans include a five-storey complex compromising 125 bedrooms, which council planning officials approved over an online meeting, despite receiving over 100 objections, mainly from residents concerned whether the new builds are acceptable in a “largely residential area” 

However, Rushey Mead city councillor Rita Patel said: “I, as the local councillor, can see some of the benefits that can come from a development like this. However we must take into account the needs and concerns of people who have lived in the area for decades, many of whom are elderly.”

Planning committee chairman councillor Vijay Singh Riyait added: “I think we have had a very long and detailed discussion on this. It is quite clear that there is a fine balance in terms of this development.

“It’s clear from the discussion we have had, and the issues that have been highlighted by the objectors, that there is an impact in a number of areas like air quality, ecology, biodiversity, parking, traffic. For us it is to make that judgement and balance between the potential benefits this development would bring and those issues.”