MAJOR plans for a £6m hospice expansion have been given the green light.

Basildon Council has backed St Luke’s Hospice’s bid to expand its base to allow it to care for more patients.

The hospice, in Nethermayne, Basildon, is planning a two storey extension for a new in-patient unit, a new main entrance, new bed spaces and offices.

Councillors praised the plans and the hospice before giving the proposals unanimous support.

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

Conservative Phil Turner said: “I think other members, like I do, feel proud to be able to approve this plan.

“We have a long history with the hospice and it feels monumental we are here for the next chapter in the hospice’s life. It’s a great scheme and for those who are unfortunate enough to be in a position to use the hospice’s services, we are fortunate the hospice is there.

“They do a fantastic job and I want to thank them and wish them all well.”

Jack Ferguson, chairman of the council’s planning committee, added: “This plan represents a good development and strong commitment to this borough and our residents.

“It takes great advantage of the land available and it provides jobs and sustainability and valuable service to residents.”

Labour’s Patricia Reid told the committee she knows first-hand about the hospice’s work.

She said: “I used the services for my mum and found out about services I did not know about, such as the hospice at home.

“They cared for my my mum everyday and were angles.

“Anything we can do to help them we should be doing.”

The hospice is nearing its 30th anniversary.

It is not yet known how long it will take to build the expansion or how much it may cost to produce.