Key Points:
- A planning application has been submitted for a 40-bedroom brain injury rehabilitation unit (ABIU) in St Mary’s Lane, Upminster.
- The facility is proposed near The Coopers Company and Coborn School, sparking public interest due to its location.
- Plans detail a state-of-the-art centre offering “rehabilitation in a residential setting” with expert staff and facilities, including a wellness garden and ecology pond.
- The development would consist of three blocks, partially underground, to minimise visual impact.
- Proponents highlight a national and local shortage of ABIUs, which forces residents to seek treatment far from home.
- The land is a former industrial site and has previously been the subject of rejected proposals dating back to 2017.
- Alternative sites in Havering, Redbridge, and Barking & Dagenham were considered but deemed unsuitable.
What is the plan for the brain injury rehabilitation unit in Upminster?
A new 40-bedroom acquired brain injury unit (ABIU) could be built on St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, if a new planning application submitted to Havering Council is approved.
The proposed facility, adjacent to The Coopers Company and Coborn School, would provide specialised care for individuals with acquired brain injuries. The plans were submitted by Ceres Property on behalf of Enable Care and describe the unit as offering “rehabilitation in a residential setting”, supported by expert staff.
What features will the proposed brain injury unit include?
According to the planning documents, the facility would consist of:
- Three interconnected blocks, with one storey above ground and one below to reduce its visible footprint.
- A wellness garden for neurorehabilitation.
- An ecology pond to enhance the natural environment.
- A dedicated drop-off bay and parking spaces to improve accessibility.
The project aims to create a supportive and therapeutic environment for residents recovering from brain injuries.
Why is the brain injury unit needed in Upminster?
Proponents of the development point to an acute shortage of brain injury rehabilitation centres both locally and nationally. The planning statement highlights that many residents requiring such care must currently travel significant distances or live in unsuitable nursing home environments.
The centre is expected to cater to younger individuals and provide care that allows them to recover in a facility closer to their homes and families.
What challenges has the project faced?
The land earmarked for the ABIU is a former industrial site that once housed warehouses. It sits north-east of The Coopers Company and Coborn School and its playing fields.
However, this is not the first time plans for a brain injury unit have been proposed on this site. Previous applications have been rejected, with appeals dismissed since 2017.
Were alternative locations considered for the brain injury unit?
Yes, the planning application outlines that numerous alternative sites were evaluated across Havering, Redbridge, and Barking & Dagenham. These included:
- Victoria Hospital in Romford
- Tadworth Parade in Hornchurch
- Rainham Road South in Dagenham
All of these locations were deemed unsuitable for the project.
What is the next step for the proposed development?
The application is currently under review by Havering Council, and a decision will determine whether this long-delayed project finally proceeds.
If approved, the brain injury unit could address critical gaps in local healthcare provision, offering much-needed rehabilitation services to residents. However, its proximity to a school and previous rejections indicate that the proposal may face further scrutiny.
