Councillors have approved plans for a 72-bed residential care home in Leicester Forest East at Blaby District Council’s Planning Committee meeting.
Located on Hinckley Road in Leicester Forest East, the new development will sit on the site of the current Kathleen Rutland Home, which currently accommodates 42 older residents and a low vision clinic, operated by the charity Vista.
In addition to 30 more spaces at the care home, the new development will replace the old structure, which is considered to be “outdated and of a visually poor design.”
The charity, which operates in Leicestershire and Rutland, worked with the Blaby District Council Planning Team throughout the application to help shape the proposal to ensure it was acceptable for the local area. This included work on the look of the building, which has been designed to make sure it fits in with the variety of styles in the local area.
Other facilities on the site will include a new shop, physiotherapy centre and a gym which will benefit both residents and the wider community.
Following extensive work during the planning process, and with further residential care an essential need in the district, the application was recommended for approval. Councillors rubber stamped the plans at the most recent meeting of Planning Committee on Thursday 28 July.
As part of the approval, conditions will be imposed on the construction to reduce any disturbances for residents, as well as pedestrians, drivers and cyclists who use Hinckley Road.
Councillor Nick Chapman, vice chair of Blaby District Council’s Planning Committee, said: “We are pleased to have approved this important development.
“Vista are a charity who make a hugely positive difference to the lives of many people, both in the district and across the county. Their commitment to modernising the old Kathleen Rutland Home with a new, high-quality structure highlights their support in our local communities.
“I look forward to seeing the development progress in the coming months and years.”
