THANET College has been given the go ahead to start developing a £43 million campus on land next to Canterbury Christ Church University at Broadstairs.

Thanet council granted outline planning permission after principal Sue Buss explained the project to planning committee members and talked about the importance of the move to the college and the people of Thanet as a whole.

She said: "Our vision is to create a new campus in the heart of Thanet, to inspire and empower local communities and employers through outstanding education and training."

The college is fast outgrowing its Broadstairs 11-acre site off Ramsgate Road.

Sue said: "We will be able to take in 19 per cent more learners, that equates to 260 more young people from the area in education - 140 are expected to come from a group which are not currently in education, employment or training. We also expect to be able to expand the range of qualifications and apprenticeships we offer."

* See the Isle of Thanet Extra for the full story.