Applicant Jonathan Lloyd had wanted to build 11 apartments and two business units as part of a partial redevelopment of the Phoenix Roofing and Flooring Contractors site on Newgate Lane.

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Councillors blocked the scheme on the recommendation of planning officers, who said it would have an adverse affect on the street because of its design –– while they also described its internal access layout as inadequate.

In addition, planners said the applicant had not provided information to show the site was not needed for employment.

But some other planning committee members disagreed and said the application was similar to one they had approved at the same meeting for the former Speeds Garage site on Nottingham Road.

Speaking at the meeting on Monday, Coun Barry Answer said: "Both sites are similar. There's not a lot of difference. The sites are predominantly similar but we are saying you can't build houses on this one but with the other one, we are saying it is alright.

"How are we seen as a planning committee if we are not consistent with particular sites?"

But planning chief Steve Normington said the council had a policy where applicants had to show sites were not needed for employment and told councillors that applicants had not made improvements to the plans –– despite requests from officers.

Councillors voted to turn down the proposals, but said they were broadly supportive of the development if the required changes were made.