A bid to demolish the former magistrates' court in Grantham to build a £3.5 million care home has been given the green light by South Kesteven District Council.

Crown Care Developments submitted proposals to flatten the former courthouse on Harlaxton Road to make way for a two-storey care home with 55 self-contained bedrooms and 21 car parking spaces.

The developer says the care home will eventually employ around 70 full and part-time staff.

A report to the council's planning committee stated: "The proposal would provide residential care accommodation to address a local and national need for elderly and disabled housing.

"The design, scale and positioning of the building, along with the removal of the existing building and retention of the existing mature trees on the site would have a positive impact on the character of the area.

"The development would provide a high level of amenity for future occupants and ensure there would be no adverse impact upon the amenity of existing neighbouring properties."

The former magistrates' court closed its doors in 2016 with cases moved to be heard in Lincoln and Boston.