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Permission has been granted to add a modular building to a Leicestershire GP practice to help accommodate an increased list.

Patient numbers at Whitwick Road GP Surgery in Coalville have increased from 5,500 people in 2016 to a current figure of 7,960, according to planning documents submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council.

The authority approved the application, which would see the modular building added to the surgery's car park across three existing spaces.

Planning permission was previously granted to extend the GP practice, but work has not gone ahead due to rising costs since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 527 sq ft (49 sq m) modular building will provide additional space for consulting rooms and the admin team.

According to planning documents, the number of employees working at the practice will not be affected, but staff currently working remotely or at other sites could work on site again once the new building is added.

The planning officer's report said: "The practice had moved their physiotherapist and midwife off site due to lack of room at the practice and want to move them back on site, and there are also staff doing remote work which will be moved back to the practice.

"It is not considered that the proposed is good design, however, the harm arising from the proposed design and form of the building is outweighed by the benefits of the proposed structure to facilitate the operation of the important community facility."

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