Surrey County Council is opening a new supported independent living development in Byfleet, offering adults with learning disabilities and autistic people greater independence with tailored support.
The purpose-built housing is the second of three developments being delivered as part of the council’s investment in specialist accommodation across the county. It follows the launch of similar housing in Horley in October last year, with a third development set to open in Cobham in the next few weeks.
Feedback from residents and families on the Horley development highlights the positive impact it’s already having, with one resident saying: “I’m getting there, it’s much better (than my last home). There’s less noise, no sharing, family nearby and I’ve made some friends. I’ve been able to walk to town a couple of times and go to the pub once. I’m happier and been able to save more money.”
A parent of another resident said: “My son’s new home is lovely. Lots of friendly staff, lots of intervention with him. He has a lovely big bedroom with ensuite. Nice size living room. He is starting to be a bit independent, pouring his own soft drink.”
The £8million Byfleet development can accommodate 16 residents across six self-contained one-bedroom flats and two five-bedroom townhouses. Where helpful for residents, the homes will be equipped with smart technology such as motion sensors and voice-activated controls.
Local charity SeeAbility has been appointed as the care and support provider for both the Byfleet and Cobham developments following a competitive selection process. With a long-standing presence in Surrey, SeeAbility aims to support people with learning disabilities, autism and sight loss to live full and independent lives.
Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “The opening of this new development in Byfleet marks another big step in our commitment to helping people live with greater independence, choice and control in their daily lives. Supported independent living is about more than housing – it’s about creating the right environment, with the right support, so people can thrive in their communities.
“We’re also pleased to welcome SeeAbility as our care and support partner in both Byfleet and our upcoming Cobham development, opening in the new year. Their experience and mission to support people to ‘live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible’ make them an ideal partner for bringing this new housing to life.”
Supported independent living developments reduce reliance on long-term residential care and help to enhance quality of life. Access to the new housing is managed through Surrey’s adult social care service, which works closely with individuals and families to identify those who would benefit most from supported independent living.
The housing – in the heart of the Byfleet village community – has been designed with accessibility and sustainability in mind, including wheelchair-accessible layouts, solar-powered energy efficient services, heat pump technology and landscaped shared gardens. Recognising that people’s needs may change over time, including reduced mobility, the housing has been designed to be adaptable, enabling residents to stay in their homes for the long term.
With the building work now completed, the first residents are starting to move in. They will be supported by care workers from CQC-registered SeeAbility who will be on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Lauren Butler, SeeAbility’s Director of Development, said: “We’re proud to be working with Surrey County Council to bring these new supported living developments to life in Byfleet and Cobham. SeeAbility has deep roots in Surrey, and this partnership reflects our shared commitment to supporting people with learning disabilities and autism to live independently and achieve their ambitions.
“With purpose-built homes and tailored support, together with Surrey County Council we’re creating opportunities for people to live, love, thrive and belong in the community they choose.”
The new development is part of Surrey County Council’s wider Right Homes, Right Support strategy, which aims to provide more specialist accommodation in Surrey to help people achieve greater independence in their communities. The strategy also includes plans for affordable extra care housing for older people.
Natalie Bramhall, Cabinet Member for Property, Infrastructure and Waste, said: “We are proud to deliver on our ambitious capital investment programme, creating modern, high-quality accommodation for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people. By investing in these homes, we are building a future where inclusion and care are at the heart of our communities.”
Ciaran O’Leary, Operations Director at Neilcott Construction, the council’s design and build partner for the projects, said: “Neilcott is delighted to collaborate with Surrey County Council on delivering specialist supported living schemes in Horley, Byfleet and Cobham. These projects demonstrate our shared commitment to creating inclusive, sustainable communities where residents can live with independence and dignity.
“By prioritising local procurement and embedding social value throughout, we have delivered a positive and lasting impact.”
Across all three sites – Horley, Byfleet and Cobham – 44 people will be supported to live more independently.
A gallery of images is included below, illustrating the completed buildings and internal spaces.
Members of Surrey charity the Sunnybank Trust represented residents at the opening of the Horley development in October. See a sneak peek of the Horley property in our video below.
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