Three new Surrey sites earmarked for extra care housing

Three new Surrey sites have been earmarked for affordable extra care housing which will offer older people their own front door and round-the-clock access to care and support if they need it.

Surrey County Council is to free up more sites on its land – in Lingfield, Redhill and Egham – for purpose-built extra care apartments, subject to planning approvals. More than 200 self-contained flats could be provided across the three sites.

Extra care housing supports older people to live their best lives, independently and in a home of their own, and is different from residential care homes.

The three proposed new sites are:

– Former Orchard Court care home, Lingfield, in Tandridge

– Former Birchlands care home, Englefield Green, Egham, in Runnymede

– Colebrook, Redhill, in Reigate and Banstead

The county council’s Cabinet gave the go-ahead at its July meeting for the three sites to be taken forward for extra care housing. More details can be found in proposals presented to the meeting.

The council is committed to providing 725 affordable new homes in extra care housing developments across Surrey by 2030. Six sites have already been put forward for planning permission – in Guildford, Ottershaw, Camberley, Frimley, Worcester Park and Banstead – which would between them create around 370 new homes.

These latest three sites could provide around 220 apartments, putting the council on course to meet 80 per cent of its target, with further site options under consideration.

A Care Quality Commission-registered care provider will be selected for each development to provide a 24-hour on-site presence and deliver care and support plans according to each tenant’s needs. Residents will also be offered access to pioneering technology which uses hi-tech sensors fitted in everyday objects to help keep them safe and identify early health warning signs. More information can be found in proposals presented to the county council’s Cabinet.

Mark Nuti, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “This is another big step forward in our ambition to bring affordable extra care housing to communities across Surrey. We know that many people wish to stay living independently for as long as they can, even if they need extra care and support, and this type of housing gives them the opportunity to do that. With a self-contained home of their own, residents will be able to come and go as they please, safe in the knowledge that care and support is there when needed.

“We’re pleased to be able to put forward proposals which will bring key sites back into use for the benefit of our older residents and those with care and support needs, as well as the wider local community.”

The developments are expected to include a mix of one and two-bed apartments and will boast communal facilities for residents to enjoy such as a café and landscaped garden. A key principle is that the developments will be welcoming of the wider local community.

More information about the future of extra care housing in Surrey including a video showing how the developments could look can be found on the county council’s website.

ENDS