CONTROVERSIAL plans for a housing development in Nailsworth's Old Market have been approved - sparking concerns from parish leaders.

Developers at McCarthy and Stone have been given the go-ahead to build a three-storey sheltered housing block containing 32 flats on land adjacent to the Tesco Express store.

This was despite fierce opposition from civic leaders in the town, who say it is too large.

They also say it is affordable housing for young families, not flats for the over-60s, that are needed locally.

Town councillor and former mayor Lesley Williams-Allen said: "Everyone in the town thinks it's too big and out of scale for the town.

"Surveys and studies have shown that it is affordable housing that we really need not sheltered accommodation."

When the issues was discussed at last Tuesday's town council meeting concerns were also raised about a nearby badger sett.

Members also felt the site could have been used for shops or for a landmark feature in the future.

Stroud district councillor Dorcas Binns (Con, Nailsworth) said parking provision was inadequate.

She is concerned because the development will take away free parking spaces currently used by shoppers.

"Nailsworth is a thriving town and one of the reasons for its success is free parking for shoppers," she said.

"This development, with its pressure on existing parking facilities, will inevitably mean that parking charges will come."

Last year, the town council objected to the proposal and the plans were later dismissed.

But Stroud District Council approved a modified application on February 14.

Paul Davies, spokesman for McCarthy and Stone, said: "We have worked with planners at SDC for a long time so we could agree on a building appropriate for the size and context of the site.

"Where car parking is concerned there is a ratio of one space to three flats which is the accepted norm for this type of development as they will be full of mostly older people, many of whom have given up driving."

He said the badger sett will be safe.