Plans to transform an abandoned former Christian holiday camp in Herne Bay into a “mini-village” have finally been green-lit.

Herne Bay Court is now set to become a sprawling retirement complex, with a 60-bed care home, 72 flats and 49 bungalows.

Members of Canterbury City Council’s planning committee - which met on Tuesday - voted unanimously to approve the proposals for the derelict plot off Canterbury Road.

Chairman Neil Baker told colleagues: “I think we all hope that once this actually gets built it’s going to be a positive, something good for the area.

“It’s nice to sit on this committee for the first time in a while and talk about a scheme that might be popular for the vast majority.”

The flats and bungalows will be for those over the age of 65 in need of specialist care, while the main care home will provide round-the-clock care for people over 60.

Residents argue the development will “only be good for the area”, as the landmark has been a magnet for vandals and raucous youths since the Christian holiday camp closed its doors for good in 2007.

Council planners had previously recommended the scheme be approved, arguing in documents that it “would bring a derelict site back into active use”.

The new development will also host a shop, restaurant, and hairdressers - all run as part of the care facility.

A 117-home plan for the site was approved nine years ago, but the firm behind the project could not secure the necessary funding.

The land was sold to Xiros - the company behind the latest bid.

“The buildings on site are derelict and unsafe,” Xiros noted in papers lodged with the local authority.

“Vandalism is an issue here – despite security measures being taken – and it’s in the site’s best interests to develop it.”

First known as Parsonage House, the site was built in 1896.

It housed an engineering college and a succession of military units during the Second World War, before becoming a Christian conference and holiday centre in 1948.

The main building of Parsonage House is a mansion, and will be partially demolished and extended ahead of its conversion into a care home.

The development will host 151 parking spaces for both residents and staff.

Xiros expects the retirement village to employ up to 17 full-time members of staff.

Neighbour Ray Radmore, whose Parsonage Road cattery faces the land, previously told KentOnline: “We’ve had so much vandalism over there.

“Kids have been breaking in just for fun – it’s getting ridiculous and one of them is going to hurt themselves.

“It’s happening every week.

“At the height of it, people were taking the lead as well.

“Provided we have the right number of doctors in place, then it’ll only be good for the area because it’s a lovely green site in a perfect position.

“It’s going to be like a mini village, and it will be good for the community. Bring it on.”