Plans have been lodged to add overnight accommodation to a day care centre that provides services for autistic people.

Ubique Architects, on behalf of The Kent Autistic Trust, has submitted an application to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) to transform Manor House in Bentley Road.

The Willesborough site is one of five the Trust has on its books, alongside two in Gillingham, one in Chatham and another in Canterbury.

The plans would see seven bedrooms added to the building, while the day facilities are retained. The project is expected to cost the charity a six-figure sum.

The Kent Autistic Trust is a specialist provider of services for autistic young people and adults. This can differ from a few hours a week to around-the-clock support.

The charity, which has 248 employees in its ranks, now wants to refurbish its Ashford site.

Currently used just as a day care centre, the proposal hopes to provide overnight residence in the form of seven bedrooms.

If approved, this would feature four one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartments.

A bedroom for staff members would also be included.

Ubique Architects’ Joel Jenkins, who submitted the proposal, says an existing toilet block at the 1,385 sq m property would be demolished should it get the nod from planning officers.

He said: “The day care centre has numerous offices so it's about converting them and other rooms.

“But the existing building is in a relatively poor state of repair, so this is an opportunity to bring it up to a much better level of accommodation which currently exists.

“It's nice to work with a charity which is doing good, so fingers crossed the local authority sees the benefits of it as well. It should be a win-win all round.”

Further information on the application’s planning statement adds: “The proposed accommodation has been designed to respond to the charity’s specialist needs.

“[It] will help to provide suitable accommodation to both autistic residents and day service users.”

Meanwhile, eight part-time and four full-time employees would remain at the site, although the number of car parking spaces would reduce from 10 to nine.