A charity opened by Princess Diana is moving home after 30 years.

The Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford has been granted permission to relocate to a new site in Linton, near Maidstone.

The organisation has cared for end-of-life patients since 1991.

However, bosses submitted an application in November to move in response to increased demands on its services.

On Thursday (June 20) the plans - which include a care home, up to 70 affordable bungalows for the over 70s, and 14 assisted living homes for young adults - were approved by Maidstone council.

The new building will be based behind Greensands Medical Centre and allow for the expansion of the hospice’s hub, where it offers clinical support, welfare services, complementary therapies, spiritual support and counselling.

Chief executive Rachel Street said: ”We are delighted that we can now move forward with our plans to build a new hospice to meet the growing needs of the community in Maidstone and its surrounding areas.

“Now, with the help of our partners and supporters, we can forge ahead with plans to build a beautiful, modern hospice, centred in our community, that will provide outstanding, personalised care for generations of families in the future.”

The hospice was built 33 years ago after the Wishing Well Appeal was set up to raise £1.3 million in funds.

It was officially opened the following year by HRH Diana Princess of Wales in October 1992.

But now, the charity says the purpose-built site no longer offers the space it needs.

Last year, the hospice cared for more than 2,000 patients and their families in either their homes or at its base in Preston Hall.

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Rachel said: “Every day, people find their lives are turned upside-down by terminal illness.

“The hospice can help them live as well as possible, with independence, in comfort and with dignity until the end of their lives and can support those closest to them.

“As our population ages, we will see more deaths than births in the UK and the number of people aged over 85 is expected to almost double.

“The next steps will involve more detailed planning and raising the money to make the vision a reality and we want to thank all those who are backing our plans at this pivotal moment in our history.

“We are eager to ensure that our new Hospice will be a special and welcoming hub for our entire community.”

A cost for the new hospice has not yet been provided.