Boutique Care Homes Secures Planning Permission for Catherine Grove in Deal
Boutique Care Homes is delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted for its newest care home, Catherine Grove, in Deal. Following a unanimous approval and heartfelt support from Dover District Council councillors on 13th February 2025, this state-of-the-art development will provide outstanding residential and dementia care. Featuring 83 beautifully designed 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 well-being and a strong sense of community, Catherine Grove 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 ample opportunities for social interaction and meaningful activities. 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 their 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 on 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 through the planting of additional trees.
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. Located just a 10-minute walk from Deal High Street, Catherine Grove will offer residents and team members convenient access to local shops, cafés, and essential services, ensuring strong integration within the community.
Ameet Kotecha, Founder and Managing Director of Boutique Care Homes, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, “We are thrilled to bring our award-winning care to Deal. 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. We look forward to welcoming local residents and their families to experience care so good, it’s unexpected at Boutique Care Homes.”
David Lobb, commenting on the journey to this stage, added, “This has been a remarkable journey, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions for their invaluable support throughout this project. Their dedication to preserving the site’s legacy has been instrumental in how we have shaped Catherine Grove, and we are honoured to continue their work by creating a home that respects and celebrates this heritage.”
With the introduction of Catherine Grove, Boutique Care Homes reaffirms its commitment to delivering exceptional care in thoughtfully designed environments that foster a true sense of community. This exciting addition to Deal is set to become a cherished home for older people, a hub for the community, and a place where lives are enriched every day.
For more information about Boutique Care Homes and its award-winning care, visit www.boutiquecarehomes.co.uk.