Council Rejects Proposal to Demolish Businesses for New Care Home
A proposal to demolish a row of commercial buildings in Coalville and construct a care home has been rejected by local officials. The application, which was submitted in April, aimed to provide care for individuals with neuro-disabilities, brain injuries, and dementia. However, concerns over the proposed location on a busy residential main road led North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) to refuse planning permission.
The Ashby Road scheme would have involved demolishing several businesses and small buildings to make way for a three-story care home with 36 rooms. Run by Exemplar Care, the facility would have provided specialized nursing care for adults with complex needs such as mental ill-health, complex dementia, autism, learning disabilities, and brain injuries. In addition to filling a need for local care facilities in Coalville, the home would have created new job opportunities.
Despite acknowledging the potential social benefits of the care home, NWLDC officials expressed deep concerns about its design and location. They believed that the proposed building would be visually obtrusive and incongruous, detracting from the character of Ashby Road. Situated opposite the listed Snibston Colliery, which features distinctive pitheads, the home was deemed to have a significant and unacceptable harmful impact on the surrounding area.
One of the main concerns raised by the council related to parking provision. The applicant failed to demonstrate that the proposed 28 parking spaces would adequately meet demand, potentially leading to increased on-street parking on Ashby Road. This, in turn, could affect the free flow of traffic in the area.
In their decision, NWLDC emphasized the importance of preserving the heritage assets associated with Snibston Colliery, including scheduled ancient monuments. The council concluded that the benefits of the care home did not outweigh the harm caused to these heritage assets by the development. The scale, layout, and appearance of the proposed building were deemed to erode the positive contribution made by the setting of the colliery.
While some residents supported the proposal, stating the need for new facilities catering to the specified client group, the council’s refusal throws the future of the development into uncertainty. The applicants may choose to appeal the decision or revisit their plans to address the concerns highlighted by NWLDC.
The rejection of the plan highlights the challenges faced when balancing the need for care facilities with considerations for the local environment and historical significance. As discussions continue, it is essential to find a solution that meets the care requirements of the community while preserving the unique heritage of the area.
