Plans submitted for retirement community in East Grinstead

Detailed plans have now been submitted for the transformation of local landmark Charters Towers into a purpose-built retirement community.

The multi-million pound investment by Retirement Villages Ltd, which would create around 100 jobs, would breath new life into the site off Felcourt Road on the fringes of East Grinstead – currently the Sabrewatch Security site and previously the world famous Bush Davies Ballet School.

Retirement Villages Ltd (retirementvillages.co.uk) has applied to refurbish the existing Edwardian Manor house as the focal point of a new continuing care retirement community (CCRC). This would house facilities for the residents, staff and guests and could include a restaurant, bar, function room, library, visiting doctors room, treatment and well-being suite and garden room. A range of low density, purpose-built extra care properties and a care home will also be built. The plans fall in line with the blue print successfully developed by the company at other established sites.

If approved by Tandridge District Council planners, the 16 acre site will house a total of 83 extra care units and a 60 bed registered care home.

“Charters Towers represents an exciting project for us and also, we hope, for the local community,” said Chief Executive of Retirement Villages Ltd Jon Gooding. “The provision of extra care accommodation we are proposing would meet a need within the area which extensive consultation has identified. And we would love to be able to restore this beautiful house and grounds.

“When planning new villages we aim to develop partnerships with local suppliers and contractors and to promote an ongoing relationship with our neighbours in the community. The overall response to our plans from people we have engaged with has been positive and we are convinced our plans will provide the kind of development any community would be proud to embrace.”

* An exhibition offering more details about the plans is being held on Friday, January 29 between 10am and 3pm outside Martells and opposite Argos in Queen’s Walk, East Grinstead.