A care home is set for a major expansion after council officials gave the scheme the go-ahead.
Under the proposals, a single storey extension will be added to Stradbroke Court Residential Home on Green Drive in Pakefield, Lowestoft, with seven new bedrooms, a communal lounge and a bathroom.
The site currently has 40 bedrooms and employs 45 full-time members of staff.
Aps Care Ltd, which runs the home, says the extension could see three more employees recruited.
The firm said the scheme would meet increased demand for spaces at the home.
In their report, officials from East Suffolk Council - who approved the development - said the expansion could help ease 'bed blocking' at nearby hospitals, including the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston.
"The application would therefore meet a wider community need," they added.
With Lowestoft Town Council supporting the application in principle, and no objections received, the scheme was recommended for approval subject to conditions.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here