A HOSPICE’S plans to move into a new multi-million pound home have taken another step forward.

St Catherine’s in Crawley wants to relocate to a purpose-built site in nearby Pease Pottage at a cost of £14 million.

Mid Sussex District Council has now given full planning permission for the development.

The first phase of the plans for the 24-bed hospice will sit alongside a housing development by Thakeham Homes.

This phase includes 156 new homes, 48 of which will be affordable.

There will also be a community hub consisting of a small shop, meeting rooms and a cafe.

The five acres of land are two miles from the hospice’s existing home in Malthouse Road. The site was donated to the hospice by supporter Bill Bridges, who was impressed with the care it had given to his mother and a close friend.

A hospice spokeswoman said: “We are thrilled the Mid Sussex District Council planning committee has approved detailed plans for a new, state-of-the-art hospice.

“This permission means that, after raising more money through a capital appeal, we’ll be able to provide our expert care to even more people locally.

“As work on developing a new, larger hospice progresses, we remain grateful for the support of our community.

“This allows us to provide care to terminally ill people and their family and friends when they need it most.”

In addition to an increased number of rooms, the new hospice plans include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, outpatient treatment and complementary therapy rooms.

There will also be courtyards and gardens.

As the site is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the detailed proposals include extensive landscaping and planting.

The submitted plans include a village green which will be located at the heart of the new community and an equipped play area.

Significant planting is also planned along the south and west boundaries of the site, providing an effective screen for the development.

The proposals feature a total of 377 car parking spaces for the new homes and 12 car parking spaces will be provided for the community hub.

The new hospice will have a total of 133 parking spaces.

St Catherine’s is preparing to launch an appeal to meet the costs of building and furnishing the hospice.