Contentious plans to turn an unused Tesco petrol station in Tetbury into a development of 45 homes have been given the final nod.

Newland Homes got the green-light this week to begin work after months of negotiations with Cotswold District Council.

Councillors originally considered and deferred the plans for the former Northfield Garage in London Road in November.

More than 30 people and Tetbury Town Council had objected to the proposals over concerns the site would be "crammed".

Newland Homes had applied to build a mix of two and 2.5 storeys buildings with a handful of single storey garages on the land which neighbours the Tesco store in Tetbury. They would contain one-bed flats, two-bed flats over garages and houses, and three and four- bed houses.

The council asked Newland Homes to tweak the plans for the 0.9 hectare site to include more open space.They subsequently granted permission in December.

An agreement for the developer to provide contributions towards affordable housing and a library, and confirmation that there were no flooding concerns, needed to be set up as the final hurdle.

These issues have been overcome and this week the council formally granted permission for the development to commence.

Newland Homes has been told to pay a £397,499.97 community infrastructure levy.

Other conditions include ensuring the properties achieve a band A energy efficiency rating before they are occupied and that a construction management plan is submitted and approved by the local authority.