Enderby Church Faces Demolition for New Children's Care Home
Plans to demolish a Leicestershire church and construct a children's care home in its place are set for a crucial decision by Blaby District Council. The proposal, submitted by Josh Barber, would see Enderby Life Church on Moores Lane flattened to make way for the new residential facility, with a verdict anticipated by Thursday, January 29.
Local Reaction and Church's Future
When approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, many residents in the area expressed surprise at the application, having been largely unaware of the plans. One resident from a nearby retirement complex commented, "It's the first I've heard of it. I'm not against it, the children need to go somewhere." Others, preferring anonymity, noted their astonishment at the church's potential departure but withheld opinion on the children's home.
Chris Thompson, minister at Enderby Life Church, clarified that the congregation is not closing but rather relocating due to growth. "The congregation is very strong, so strong that we are moving to a bigger building," he said, revealing plans to move to the old United Methodist Church in Enderby village. Documents confirm the acquisition and planning permission for modifications to this new site.
Details of the Proposed Development
The current church building on Moores Lane, described in planning submissions as having an "unusual appearance" due to 1980s extensions, would be demolished along with part of the boundary wall. The original chapel, built around 1890 by Ralph Walker of Enderby Hall and initially called the Quarryman's Mission, lies behind these additions.
The proposed children's care home would be positioned similarly to the church, standing at one-and-a-half storeys tall with the upper floor partially integrated into the roof space. Leicester City Council will operate the home, which is designed to house up to four youngsters aged eight to 18, for stays ranging from brief periods to several years until they turn 18.
The existing car park and access point would remain and be expanded. Staffing plans include a registered manager and deputy manager working primarily 9am to 5pm, plus a roster of 12 practitioners and support staff operating day and night shifts to provide hands-on care.
Objections and Conservation Concerns
Two objections have been lodged on Blaby District Council's planning portal, though specifics are not publicly accessible. Enderby Parish Council has also voiced strong opposition, stating the proposed design "is not in keeping with the characteristics of the conservation area." They argue it does not reflect the site's history and would have a detrimental impact on heritage, noting that red brick and render materials would not aesthetically match the predominantly red brick street scene.
Blaby Councillor Cheryl Cashmore has intervened, asserting the development is "not in keeping with the local area's character" and will impact the community, as it is situated in Enderby's conservation area. This intervention means the plans will be decided publicly by councillors at a planning committee meeting, rather than by a planning officer alone.
The council's decision, expected by January 29, will determine whether this controversial transformation proceeds, balancing community needs against heritage preservation in this Leicestershire locale.
