A council has approved plans to develop a piece of land into a "light-touch, nature-focused" walking area.

Uppingham town councillors agreed to consult with an ecological expert over how the land off the Elms Estate in Uppingham could be converted into a safe walking facility.

The decision on Wednesday (November 4) marked a welcome development for the council, after months of heated debate between members as to whether the land should be left as a nature-focused space or used for children's sporting activities.

Uppingham residents were encouraged to have their say on how the land should be used earlier this year.

Out of roughly 500 respondents, 337 supported a proposal to keep the land as a quiet, nature-focused area, while 125 advocated for sporting activities.

"A light-touch, nature-focused plan is entirely aligned with the site's ecology," Councillor Joe Hayden told the council. "Trying to develop it into something more would cause habitat destruction.

"If Uppingham does need additional sporting facilities, I think we should explore other options elsewhere, rather than trying to force them on a piece of land where there is clear potential for improving biodiversity."

Coun David Ainsley disputed claims that Uppingham already has sufficient sporting provisions, but suggested he would approve plans to turn the land into a walking area.

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He said: "We need more sports facilities, but in my opinion that land is not appropriate for them. At the moment we're in danger of doing nothing but debating every possible option.

"My vote would be to get something done here, in a safe way that's sympathetic to the people who live near the land."

The proposals were not without opposition, with Coun Chrisitne Edwards asserting "children must come before dog walkers".

The council resolved to amend the proposal's wording to ensure the walking-area plan is considered a "first phase", leaving alternate future uses on the table.

The proposal was passed with nine votes for, two against and one abstention.