A redevelopment for Thetford's John Room House homeless people's hostel was backed by Breckland Council's cabinet yesterday. The hostel will be refurbished and extended to provide 10 self-contained rooms and 12 self-contained flats for single people.

A redevelopment for Thetford's John Room House homeless people's hostel was backed by Breckland Council's cabinet yesterday.

The hostel will be refurbished and extended to provide 10 self-contained rooms and 12 self-contained flats for single people.

The service provided by the new facility will help people access skills and job opportunities which will encourage them to find jobs or get training with a view to being independent enough to address their longer term accommodation needs.

The plans feature green initiatives including a sedum grass roof and rainwater harvesting on the new building.

Work is expected to start in March next year and be completed within a year during which time the service of providing accommodation will continue