Plans to convert a block of student housing into a care facility have been given the green light by council bosses.

Citta Care submitted papers to Canterbury City Council in May this year with hopes of transforming Victoria Court in Station Road West into a 13-bed assisted living home.

And now the company will be given the chance to expand its respite care and supported living services after officials from the local authority awarded planning permission to the scheme.

CEO of the healthcare firm Hayley Johnson told KentOnline the scheme offers many benefits to the local community.

“Although a significant move for our organisation, this has been thoroughly planned,” she began.

“Our establishment allows individuals to be supported within their own home to live fulfilled lives and contribute towards the local community. We empower individuals that may not otherwise have a significant opportunity.

“We have recruited people from the local area and provided training and education, including apprenticeships. We also champion and encourage professional development within this sector, so that our staff can potentially build a career.

“Our market research showed that there were 2,981 people with additional needs who have been waiting for several years for appropriate accommodation and support.

“Our organisation works closely with not only KCC, but with the NHS to move people out of the additional needs wards in a timely manner, therefore easing the pressure on these overwhelmed and overstretched services.”

It is not yet known when the new centre will open for clients - though Citta has said a soft launch is currently in progress.

Established in 2020, Citta Care currently has another site in the city - Thomas Court in London Road - with plans to move to Burgate One, Burgate Lane in the near future.

As well as this, planning permission was granted earlier in April 2022 for what it calls its flagship site on land east of South View Road, Thanet Way, Whitstable.

According to Clague Architects, the proposals provide accommodation for 10 adults in a shared family unit prior to their reintegration into wider society.

It is also hoped the space will also include “additional external space, which will be used for its therapeutic capacity, such as living gardens, growing fruit and vegetables and providing a tranquil peaceful retreat when needed”.

Discussing plans for the upcoming coastal site, Citta Care confessed to having “exciting and ambitious plans”.

Mrs Johnson said: “Our flagship site will be a brand-new purpose-built facility. The construction of this facility will also offer local builders and contractors business.

“Our site in Whitstable will increase employment within that area as well as bring all the above benefits.”