A CARE home complex has been approved in an area where there is a growing need for beds for elderly people.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee has approved outline permission for a residential care home with more than 70 beds and a day centre for 20 people on land near the A171 junction at Middlesbrough Road, Guisborough.

It will be the first new-build care home in the borough for six years.

The council's cabinet member for social services and health, Valerie Halton, said: "I am delighted with these plans to build a much-needed new care home for elderly people.

"It will increase the number of places for nursing and residential care in line with increasing demand.

"The shortfall in provision was highlighted last year when the Graceland Care Home, in Guisborough, was threatened with closure. Now, the owner, Barry Parvin, has given an assurance the home is no longer under threat, thanks to a new funding package.

"That commitment, along with such confidence in this development, means the future for elderly care is a lot brighter."

Separate plans submitted by the landowner to develop the rest of the site and build a petrol station and fast food outlet, pub or restaurant were also approved by the planning committee.

Planning officers had recommended councillors conditionally approve the residential care plan submitted by Hartburn Care Homes.

Richard Baxter, of Turley Associates, agents for Hartburn, said: "A care home provider has expressed interest in the land and the landowner now aims to attract interest from service industry developers for the rest of the site."