Plans to convert a former care home into a house of multiple occupancy to get vulnerable residents back on their feet have been approved.

The Alexandrias Residential Home in Wrotham Road, Gravesend, had operated as a care home for up to 18 elderly residents since the early 1990's.

But it was closed after repeat inspections by the Care Quality Commission in 2018 which rated it "inadequate" and placed the home into special measures.

Now it is set to be turned into an 11 bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO) under plans green lighted by Gravesham council.

Earlier this month a planning committee met to approve an application for new communal facilities and staffing areas to provide short-term supported accommodation to those in need.

It means the ground floor will be developed with three en-suite bedrooms, communal kitchen, dining and laundry areas plus different multifunctional rooms and a conservatory/lounge area.

The spare rooms may also be used overnight on occasions to provide emergency temporary accommodation in exceptional circumstances.

Residents will be granted an initial six month assured short hold tenancy with the maximum stay being no more than two years, unless in exceptional circumstances.

There is no parking space on the road but it is proposed to provide some extra slots behind the rear garden, with access from Essex Road for staff.

Committee members approved the application subject to conditions being met in the planning officer's report.

The document concluded: "The principle of converting the existing residential home into more conventional residential use in the form of a house of multiple occupation is acceptable (...) and states sheltered housing and extra care housing for people with special needs will be

supported on suitable sites in areas with access to a range of services that provide for the needs of future occupants."

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