Christchurch Hospital redevelopment plans approved

The new planning bid received 1,500 letters of support

Plans to redevelop a Dorset hospital have been approved by councillors.

Works at Christchurch Hospital will include a GP surgery and assisted living accommodation.

Health chiefs said the development - which received 1,500 letters of support - would boost the local economy by £30m and create 80 jobs.

Director Richard Renault said Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was "delighted".

Mr Renault added: "We have been overwhelmed by the level of community support we have received for the plans and would like to say a huge heartfelt thank you.

The trust spent two years working on redevelopment plans with the council, public and staff.

Changes were made to the application after Christchurch Borough Council's planning committee rejected it in January.