Canalside property is up for sale

The original project was opposed by some residents

A canalside development in a Leicestershire town has been called off after the developer decided against an eight-storey building on the site.

The apartment building was planned as the second phase of development of Loughborough's Canal Wharf.

British Waterways, which owns the site, has decided to sell the land.

Many people in Loughborough opposed the original plans for student accommodation and other housing along the town's canal off Bridge Street.

Businessman Les Cope Newman said: "The hoardings are getting graffiti on them and are a general eyesore. We would like to see the property landscaped with some beautiful gardens as this is still a pretty waterway."

Campaigners who opposed the original £13m Wharf project said it would ruin the character of the town's canal area.

Charnwood Borough Council said: "The council granted planning permission for the development of the site and the landowner is now looking to sell it with the benefit of that planning permission."

William Davis, which developed the original accommodation along with British Waterways, said it was not involved in the sale of the other parcel of land.

British Waterways was not available for comment.