Councillors have this afternoon approved an apartment complex in the town centre.

The planning committee of South Kesteven District Council backed officer recommendations to allow the scheme for 15 flats in the former Westgate Social Club.

The vote- 9 for, with one abstention and one against- followed 'concerns' over access to the site using a narrow passageway.

As Nub News has previously reported, Mr Rahu Patel of Leicester applied to build the flats on a 0.05ha site between Westgate and Greyfriars.

A report by SKDC planning staff said: "The proposed development would involve the partial demolition of the former Social Club and a proposed 2-storey rear extension and extension of the roof of the former hall on the western side of the site, as well as the re-development of elements of the existing structures."

Part of the site where the club is would be demolished to provide an outdoor courtyard amenity space for residents and members of the public, the report added.

At the meeting this afternoon, Jade Meadow White said she did not object to the development in principle, but she had concerns over disabled access and a narrow passageway the scheme would use.

Richard Elvin of Elvin Properties objected, saying the applicant relied on a right of way that exists on land he does not own.

The applicant, Mr Patel, said the scheme would rejuvenate a part of Grantham, using a site that was in disrepair and had experienced arson.

He said there was a right of way through the passageway, noting people had used it when visiting the former social club.

Coun Iain Selby told the meeting he had 'happy memories' of the former Westgate Social Club and other clubs in the town centre that no longer exist.

"Narrow alleyways tend to be part of Grantham's history," he added.

Coun Charmaine Morgan said she faced a dilemma as the flats were the kind of development the town centre desperately needs, with their residents using the nearby shops. But she had concerns over access.

Planning officer Phil Moore said his staff were content with the access and right of way arrangements, but warned if the developer can't get the access right, the development couldn't go ahead.

Members then overwhelmingly voted to approve the scheme.