A major Surrey County Council programme supporting people with care needs to live more independently has reached its final milestone with the opening of a third supported independent living development in Cobham.
The new purpose-built site is the final development in a series of three designed to enable residents to lead fulfilling lives in their communities, with care and support on hand when needed.
The £7.7million Cobham development provides 12 self-contained one-bedroom flats for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. It follows the opening of similar sites in Horley and Byfleet, and together the three developments will support 44 people to live more independently.
Residents who moved into the Horley development last year are already finding that their new homes are helping them become more independent. One resident said they felt “happier”, that the housing was “much better” than their last home, and that they’ve “been able to walk to town”.
A parent of another resident shared that their son is “starting to be a bit independent, pouring his own soft drink”.
Another parent said their daughter has been able to turn part of her bedroom into a “sensory space, which she loves”.
Supported independent living helps people stay closer to local communities and reduces the need for residential care. Care and support from a CQC-registered provider is available around the clock to meet residents’ needs.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday 12 March marked the opening of the Cobham development, bringing together project leaders, local county and borough councillors, care staff and Surrey charity the Sunnybank Trust. Members of Sunnybank’s Understand Us team played an important role in choosing the development’s care and support provider.
Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Having the right home, with the right support, can make a huge difference to people’s lives, which is why I’m proud to see our third supported independent living development completed. With this new site in Cobham, together with the homes we’ve already opened in Horley and Byfleet, we’re showing our commitment to delivering for people in Surrey who rely on our support.
“We’re already seeing the impact. Residents in Horley are gaining independence, taking greater control of their daily lives and, in some cases, living closer to family. That’s exactly what this investment was designed to achieve.”
The housing has been designed with accessibility and sustainability in mind, including wheelchair-friendly layouts, solar-powered energy-efficient systems, heat-pump technology and landscaped shared gardens. Where helpful for residents, the homes will be equipped with smart technology such as motion sensors and voice-activated controls.
With significant input from the council’s adult social care and land and property services, the new development is part of the 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. Further strands include plans for affordable extra care housing for older people.
Natalie Bramhall, Cabinet Member for Property, Infrastructure and Waste, said: “The new supported independent living development in Cobham is a clear example of how thoughtful design and strong partnership working can transform people’s day-to-day lives. Together with the homes already opened in Horley and Byfleet, we’re creating modern, sustainable spaces that allow people to stay rooted in their communities while receiving the support they need. We are not just investing in buildings, but in people and their futures.”
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.
Local charity SeeAbility was appointed as the care and support provider for both the Byfleet and Cobham developments following a competitive selection process.
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.”
Ciaran O’Leary, Operations Director at Neilcott Construction, the council’s 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.”
On the inside: interior shots taken at Cobham’s sister site in Byfleet giving an idea of how the Cobham rooms will look when residents move in…
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