A proposed medical centre to replace the current Freemen's Common Health Centre, Welford Road, is likely to face opposition when formal planning permission is sought.

The earmarked site, located on Victoria Park would see the former air raid shelters demolished.

Simon Gould, development manager at Assura, said:"The proposed new medical centre will provide state-of-the-art accommodation for thehealth centre which currently operates out of a grade II-listed building, no longer appropriate for the provision of modern healthcare services.

"Following searches lasting over a decade, the practice believes the site of the former air raid shelter located off Victoria Park Road is the only viable site."

However, Victoria Park Road residents are not happy with the plans to redevelop the site, and some are already preparing themselves to object to the plans when they are formally submitted.

The current health centre caters mainly to students, but if relocated would be keen to encourage community members through its doors.

One resident, who wished to remain unnamed, said he had spoken to between ten and fifteen residents and the general consensus was one of surprise. "There are numerous other GPs within five to 10 minutes' walk of the proposed site, so the reaction when they've been told has been oh god, not something else. It's overkill a bit.

"Another concern is parking, many people in the community will be driving to the centre, and rather than go through three university checkpoints as the plans indicate they will simply park on Victoria Park Road, which is busy enough. I'm convinced many people will be objecting to the plans."

Mr Gould said while designs are at an early stage and discussions with the planning authority are ongoing they were keen to ensure that the new building is sympathetic to its surroundings, closely matches what people want and hope the natural landscape can be enhanced as part of the proposals.

It is not known when an application will be submitted, however Mike Richardson, head of planning management and delivery at Leicester City Council, said: "When a planning application is submitted the council must consider all the material planning considerations, including the details of the scheme, local plan policies, government guidance and representations received in making its decision.

"Such discussions are encouraged in government advice to council's, as is community engagement before an application is submitted."