Plans for new, fully accessible toilets with a Changing Places unit in central Blaby have been approved. Work should start on the block soon with an opening later in the spring after the green light was given by members of Blaby District Council’s Planning Committee.

The existing, dilapidated, brick building on the John’s Court car park will be demolished to make way for a modern, modular facility with rustic, red brick cladding, steel doors and a green environmentally friendly ‘sedum’ roof.

It will include a highly specialised Changing Places unit able to accommodate the needs of severely disabled children and adults who need assistance when using the toilet or having incontinence pads changed. For these people, and their families or carers, standard accessible toilets don’t have the space or the equipment required for them to be able to use the facilities in a safe, hygienic and dignified way.

Blaby District Council will install the Changing Places unit which will feature hoists, large changing bed, privacy screens and a height adjustable wash basin. It will be accessed using a keypad with the pin obtained by users calling a 24/7 365 days a year customer service desk.

There will also be a separate, standard, accessible toilet with washbasin, baby changing table and contactless entry.

The plans also account for an extra two disabled parking bays close to the block to ensure ease of access for those using the Changing Places unit.