Revised plans for the £4m Douglas House Hospice for young adults have been unanimously passed by Oxford City Council.

At an East Area Parliament meeting, councillors voted six to none in favour of granting permission, with no objections from members of the public and little discussion between councillors.

The new hospice will be built next door to Helen House, the children's hospice in Leopold Street, east Oxford.

The scheme is the brainchild of Sister Frances Dominica, of All Saints' Convent, who founded Helen House, the first children's hospice in the world, 18 years ago.

Douglas House will be the first respite care centre of its kind for people aged between 16 and 40.

Specialist care and advances in medical science mean children with life-threatening diseases are living much longer, and Helen House cannot provide appropriate care for young adults.

The new centre will have seven rooms for residents and three guest rooms for family and friends, along with a roof-top garden and conservatory. Access will be from Magdalen Road.

Valerie Mather, who has been working on the project, said a turf-cutting ceremony would be held on April 15. Construction is due to finishe by Spring 2003.

She added: "We're delighted full planning permission has been given.

"We know people in the area have great regard for the work Helen House does. Everyone feels Douglas House will be a much-needed facility."