A 66-bed complex has been given the go-ahead despite fears it will transform a neighbourhood into an "overspill car park".

Thanet District Council has this week green-lit LNT Construction's plans to build a care home in Northwood Road, Broadstairs.

The developer hopes the complex will bring "social and economic benefits by generating more employment and economic activity".

However, neighbour David Heeney objected to the proposals, amid concerns the 17 parking bays for the home would not be enough.

"The on-site spaces seem inadequate for the level of staffing that would be needed for 66 care home residents." said Mr Heeney.

"This could lead to parking overspill onto the roads nearby and probably onto the housing estate near to the development."

Mr Heeney called for more spaces to be added to the scheme to "protect the existing residential roads from becoming the overspill car park for this facility".

Fellow resident Elizabeth Camp also predicted the site will make driving through the area a "nightmare".

Ward councillor Mike Garner - who represents St Peters, where the care home will be located - previously told KentOnline he shares similar concerns.

"If the developers are not supplying sufficient parking for visitors and staff then they need to re-evaluate the plans," explained the Green Party member.

"We do need care home facilities in the area but there needs to be enough parking to accommodate visitors so there aren’t cars parking on the surrounding roads.

"I’ll be looking into the plans and if I think there are valid concerns about the parking I will raise residents’ concerns with the planning officers."

For the most part, those living close by have supported the scheme, with one asserting it would be an “alternative to yet more housing in the road”.

Another noted the project will create much-needed jobs and "would not impact traffic in Northwood Road to any great degree".

And, as they approved the scheme, district council officers stated: "The proposed care home will provide a form of older person accommodation for which there is an identified need.

"Given the proposed staff levels, shift patterns and resulting travel movements identified the proposal is not likely to have a significant traffic impact.

"Kent County Council's highways team has been consulted and it advises it has no concerns regarding traffic generation on the highway network or parking provision.

Drawings show the care home will be equipped with a library, garden room, cinema, hairdressers, cafés and bars.

The 2.4-acre plot earmarked for the new building is largely undeveloped, and said to be in an accessible location.

LNT says all of its 140 care homes in England have been rated good or outstanding by Care Quality Commission inspectors.

In papers lodged with Thanet District Council, the company added: “The proposals comprise an important care facility, that will address critical needs to increase the available supply, diversity and quality of beds.

“Residents and employees are expected to come from within three miles of the site, which will ensure residents will be the first to benefit from the accommodation, employment and training opportunities.

“It will be a high-quality, contemporary construction, with ambitious sustainability goals.

"The development will bring about social and economic benefits by generating more employment and economic activity, both during construction and into the long-term."