Retirement village for East Grinstead ‘another step closer’
The company which pioneered age exclusive communities in the UK has taken a further step towards having its latest £25 million project rubber stamped.
Retirement Villages Ltd has applied to transform a site near East Grinstead into a purpose built retirement community, a blueprint it has successfully used at other developments, mainly in the south of the UK.
Because the 16 acre Felcourt Road site is on sensitive Green Belt land, the application could have been called in by the Secretary of State. But the decision has been handed back to Tandridge District Council, which had already resolved to grant outline consent.
Further discussions will take place over the coming months between the Council, land owners and the developers Retirement Villages Ltd to determine final design details in the hope construction on the site – known as Charters Towers – can begin next year.
Under the plans, Retirement Villages Ltd would refurbish the existing Edwardian manor house as the focal point of a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). This would house facilities – such as a restaurant, library and treatment suite - for the residents, staff and guests. Around 83 low density, purpose-built extra care properties and a 60-bed care home would be built in the grounds.
The development would create around 100 jobs and provide the area with a first class facility providing care and support for a community of around 180 residents – as well as to the surrounding district.
“The site falls within a sensitive area so we have always been aware this would be a difficult application,” said Peter Vernon-Browne, Director of the site owner Town House Investments Ltd. “With that in mind we have spent around three years consulting with local residents, healthcare experts and providers, charities and the public sector. We are delighted that that has resulted in largely positive support.
“Having the expertise and operational experience of Retirement Villages Ltd was an enormous help to the planning application and gave real credibility to the project which is vital to us and the local community.”
Retirement Villages Ltd, based in Epsom, Surrey, pioneered the development of retirement villages in the UK and boasts almost 30 years of experience. The plans will breathe new life into the site currently used by a security company and previously occupied by the renowned Bush Davies Ballet School.
“The consultation process we have undertaken has ensured we have developed plans which will fulfil a need within the community while remaining sympathetic to the surroundings and our neighbours,” said Retirement Villages’ Development Director Jami Puckering. “We will continue working on the finer details of the plans with Tandridge District Council over the coming months. Meanwhile, we are delighted with the support they have shown for the project which will become a leading example of a care village in the UK.”
Planning consultants to the joint venture are Barton Wilmore, a company which has represented Retirement Villages Ltd on five developments. Guy Flintoft, a director of the company, said: “The support we have had from the planning committee is a sign of the emerging localism agenda – the need for this type of accommodation was established locally and the Council has taken the initiative."