New Premises

Update 6/11/25

Dear Patient,

We are writing to update you on the current status of our planning application for the proposed new premises for Enderby Medical Centre.

This new site development is vital for the practice to remain sustainable and improve access, capacity, and quality of care for our community. Without this scheme, our practice would cease to exist, which would be a significant loss to both the local population and the wider North Blaby Primary Care Network.

While the application received broad support in principle, we are now facing challenges that could jeopardise its progress.

We remain uncertain as to why Blaby District Council (BDC) is showing such resistance to approving the planning application, and it raises concerns as to whether other influences may be at play.

Below is a summary of recent correspondence between the planning team at BDC and our property developer, One Medical Property (OMP):

Principle of Development: Accepted by BDC due to the site’s location and ICB’s formal approval and lease agreement.
Extension of Time: BDC has required OMP to accept an extension of the planning application date to 4 December 2025. By doing so prevents a flat out planning refusal but allows OMP to discuss some concerns raised by BDC.

Key Planning Concerns Raised by BDC

Road Access – BDC wants Townsend road access
- BDC strongly objects to the proposed site entrance via George Street, citing its narrow, one-way layout.
- Despite OMP widening the access to allow safe vehicle movement, BDC prefers access via Townsend Road.
- Unfortunately, Townsend Road access is not possible as the Education centre land is owned by Leicestershire County Council (LCC), who have declined to sell or share access.
- On reflection access via George street would still seem to be a better situation that the current premises entrance near corner of the road on Shortridge lane and kings street.
- Furthermore in recent years, a residential development of flats was approved with an entrance on George Street. That entrance is narrower than the one proposed for this build. It appears contradictory for the council to now refuse access via George Street when a similar or more restrictive access was previously permitted.

Visual Impact
- BDC feels the modern design does not reflect the character of nearby buildings (e.g., Edwardian school, Grade II listed property).
- They have requested pitched roofs and red brickwork.
- OMP has defended the flat roof design as a way to reduce massing and visual impact, noting the site is surrounded by industrial units.
- It should be noted that nearby properties such as off Shortridge lane feature white and multi-coloured renderings, so the proposed design would not be significantly different. In fact, the variation would complement the existing mix and enhance the visual appeal of the neighbourhood.
- The proposed design is likely to add value to the area by introducing a modern aesthetic that aligns with current architectural trends, rather than detracting from it.
Residential Amenity
- A local resident has objected to the building’s proximity to their property.
- OMP has proposed retaining a 2m hedge and installing obscure glazing to mitigate privacy concerns.
- BDC still considers the layout overbearing and has suggested repositioning the building, which is constrained by LCC land requirements.
- BDC have propose a change in the layout which may incur additional cost.
Tree Loss
- BDC raised concerns about tree removal.
- OMP has submitted a landscaping proposal including 60 trees via the NHS Forest Group.
Waste, Lighting, and Noise
- Waste strategy and lighting plan can be conditioned.
- A Noise Impact Assessment has been submitted to meet BREEAM standards.

OMP have written to us stating that the preferred option would be to keep the plans as they are to avoid incurring extra cost (circa £50k). The question would then be where would this come from?

How You Can Help?

Given the timeline pressure we are under, I would be grateful if PPG members could once again be vocal in their support for the scheme. Raise your concerns with the council. Your voices have made a difference before, and they are needed now more than ever.

Feel free to consider submitting a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Blaby District Council to ensure transparency in how this matter is being handled. Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, you have the right to request:

All records held by the Council relating to the planning application for Enderby Medical Centre
Any correspondence, internal memos, or meeting notes regarding access negotiations and objections
A response within 20 working days (as per Section 10 of the Act)

If your request is refused, the Council must provide a clear explanation citing the relevant statutory exemption(s) and supply all remaining information not subject to exemption. Under Section 16, they are also obliged to provide advice and assistance in connection with your request.

We remain committed to delivering a modern, accessible, and patient-centred facility for our community. Your continued support is invaluable, and we thank you friends of the surgery for standing with us during this critical phase.

Please feel free to reach out if you need help drafting an FOI request or submitting comments to the Council.