Plans for a new weight loss surgery in Ashby have been backed by town councillors.

An application to develop a greenfield site close to the A42 and build a private bariatric clinic were submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council in September.

Tonic Weight Loss Surgery Ltd wants to establish the clinic at Charter Point Way - part of the business park close to the Marks & Spencer store.

The company currently has surgeries in Birmingham, Cardiff, Derby, Leeds, Leicester, London and Nottingham - and says its philosophy is simple: We teach you how to 'eat to live, not live to eat'.

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council gave its backing to the scheme at last week's planning committee meeting.

The clinic is being planned for Charter Point Way in Ashby

It said: "The Town Council positively supports this application. 

"It can see from the letters of support that there is a clear need for this type of medical treatment in the area, and that this will help to avoid patients having to travel to other parts of the UK."

If planning permission is granted, the building would offer a comprehensive range of services including: consultation, diagnostics, treatments, surgery, outpatient care, overnight care, post-op support, therapy and administration. 

Tonic Weight Loss Surgery says that while one of the primary purposes of the facility is to provide a high-quality medical service; owing to the clinically designed environment throughout, the building also has a holistic function for those who require longer term care.

A design and access statement, presented to the District Council as part of the application, says: "Tonic Weight Loss Surgery are experts in the field of weight loss and weight loss surgery and have many years of experience. 

"They are a specialist private weight loss centre dedicated to giving back lives.

"The proposal will allow the Tonic Weight Loss Surgery to expand its market leading services further, creating a purpose built clinic of exceptional quality for both local and national patrons to gain access to innovative Bariatric procedures performed by the UK's leading Surgeons and Diagnosticians.

"There will be a contribution towards reducing the medical consequences of overweight and obese individuals on the NHS. The life threatening medical conditions suffered by those who require specialist Bariatric procedures, are conditions that are typically debilitating and require regular interventions from the National Health Service. 

"This inherently comes with a cost to the NHS and an increased pressure on an already overstretched local health service. 

"Current waiting lists for obesity related surgery in nearby counties are upwards of 2 years. This clinic offers individuals the choice between a protracted and potentially life-threatening wait for an NHS theatre.

"The national and international appeal of the applicants services will contribute to the local economy by increasing visitor numbers to the town and county."

It adds that, with the clinic offering both outpatient and inpatient care, the building will be staffed 24 hours a day and equipped for a variety of conditions. 

The building is planned to be over three-storeys, while the remainder of the site will meet the car parking requirements of the scheme and be fully landscaped.