A HOSPICE has announced £6million plans to extend its premises to allow it to care for more patients.

St Luke’s Hospice, Nethermayne, Basildon is planning a two storey extension for a new in-patient unit, new main entrance, new bed spaces and offices.

If the proposals are agreed the hospice will also carry out alterations to the car park and green spaces around the site.

Basildon Council is set to give the plans the green light at a planning meeting next Tuesday.

The plans include an additional 34 parking spaces, taking the total from 97 to 131 as well as 50 new jobs for the area.

The council officer’s report states: “Overall, the impacts of the proposed development on adjoining and future home owners are considered acceptable.

“The council’s environmental health team have raised no objections to the application subject to conditions regarding contamination

investigation and monitoring should contaminants be identified during the development.”

Eileen Marshall, chief executive at St. Luke’s Hospice, said: “Extending and modernising our hospice has always been a consideration as we continue to develop and expand our services on our original site.

“The proposed changes are now essential due to the change of use where the college was located and the proposed development on that site, as we will need to create a new access route and entrance to the hospice.

“Alongside our new hospice in Bulphan, which is due to open later this year, these changes will mean we are more able to more appropriately provide our extensive range of services in specifically designed accommodation for the increasing and changing needs of end of life care.

“It’s an exciting programme, which as we reach our 30th anniversary will set the foundations for long term end of life care for the community.” It is not yet known how long it will take to fund and build the expansion.