Boutique Care Homes has secured planning permission for its newest facility, Catherine Grove in Deal.

Following a unanimous approval and heartfelt support from Dover District Council members on 13 February, this state-of-the-art development will provide outstanding residential and dementia care.

Featuring 83 bedrooms, seven retirement bungalows, and a range of high-quality amenities, Catherine Grove will be nestled within a serene woodland setting, offering residents a truly-exceptional living environment.

Designed to promote wellbeing and a strong sense of community, it will offer residents a vibrant and engaging lifestyle.

Coupled with Boutique Care Homes’ signature care, facilities will include a bistro, a hobby room, a family lounge, and a lawn bowling green, ensuring opportunities for social interaction and meaningful activities.

And a woodland walk will provide residents and visitors with a peaceful space to connect with nature while enhancing the area’s biodiversity.

As part of its commitment to preserving and enriching the natural environment, Boutique Care Homes will plant 60 additional trees, complementing the 250 already on site, further enhancing the landscape and fostering a thriving green space for future generations.

The name Catherine Grove reflects the site’s rich history.

Catherine honours Miss Catherine Boys, founder of the Deal Orphanage in Middle Street.

In 1870, at her request, Adèle Euphrasie Barbier, founder of the Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions, sent Sisters to continue her work.

Over 150 years later, the current Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions selected Boutique Care Homes to take on the site, and the chosen name reinforces this deep historical link.

Grove, meaning a small woodland, symbolises the natural surroundings and the commitment to preserving its beauty.

Construction is set to begin in summer 2025, with the care home expected to open its doors in late 2027.

This project represents more than just a new care home; it is a significant investment in Deal’s future, generating over 80 full-time jobs and contributing to the local economy.

Ameet Kotecha, founder and managing director of Boutique Care Homes, said: “Securing planning permission for Catherine Grove marks a significant milestone, and we are excited to become part of this wonderful community.

“Our vision is to create a care home that not only offers exceptional care, but also enriches the lives of residents by celebrating the town’s heritage and natural beauty.”