Council Leader asks NHS to reconsider Mount Road hospital plans

It follows a planning application to demolish the building as part of a proposal for a new Day Case Unit.

Councillor Bray expressed his concerns and offered to hold discussions in the following letter to the NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board:

“I am writing to you as both Leader of the Borough Council and the local councillor who represents the Mount Road area in Hinckley.

“I want to state from the outset that I warmly welcome improved NHS facilities in the town, many of us have been campaigning for such improvements for decades and believe they are long overdue and are the least our town deserves.

“Having now seen the plans for the new day care centre, I want to express my deep disappointment that they include the demolition of the Victorian cottage hospital which has stood on Mount Road for centuries and is part of my hometown's heritage.

“I cannot believe that it is not possible to retain the older parts of the frontage of the hospital and develop the new modern facilities that residents deserve, behind the Victorian facade.

“Many people have contacted me to express concerns over your plan. I know these concerns will not be new to you as I believe such concerns were raised as part of the public consultation exercise undertaken by the Integrated Care Board.”

“Please could you look at the plans again. I would be more than happy to meet with you and your team to discuss my concerns.

“Finally, I would not be doing my job properly if I didn't also once again repeat my previous public requests that you look in the future at providing a proper walk-in centre / minor injuries unit that other similar size towns have in Hinckley.”

A formal period of consultation is now underway for the public and other interested identified parties to express their views and comment on the planning application, which can be found on the council’s website, application number 25/00461/FUL.