Huge wharf project gets approval

Some residents oppose the wharf redevelopment

Councillors have approved plans for a £14m redevelopment of the canal waterfront in Loughborough despite strong local opposition.

Campaigners who oppose the Wharf project say it will ruin the character of the town's canal area.

Charnwood Borough Council's regulatory committee approved the project, which includes a housing block, restaurant and café, on Monday.

British Waterways has said it has consulted residents over the plans.

'Too noisy'

Hilda Puttick, from the Wharf Action Group, said: "The buildings are going to be so high they will cast shadows all the way up the canal and beyond."

Max Hunt, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: "There has been a lot of compromise on this and we have listened to the residents for weeks on this issue.

"British Waterways will extend the basin so narrowboats can turn around and park up so there are some advantages," he added.

The action group argue the scheme is a flood risk, will cut out light, and be too noisy for people on canal boats using the wharf.

The project was originally estimated to cost about £30m but has since been scaled down, a spokesman for developer William Davis said.