Save Tadworth Action Group
 Battle to prevent development of centre of Tadworth
 

Outcome of appeal: Sheltered Housing
 

The Decision
Main Issues
Character
Trees
Living conditions
Highway
Sheltered Housing
Infrastructure
Conclusions

Demand

The difficulty faced by some in disposing of sheltered accommodation in Tadworth does not show that there is no demand for such a facility. I heard that sheltered accommodation tends not to move quickly and there can be many reasons why a property does not sell.

Supply

A review of housing and care needs of older people in 2005 recorded that, when standardised against national levels of provision, Reigate and Banstead had a relative over supply of sheltered housing. However, it was found that the pattern of supply is defective due to, amongst other things, ‘a predominance of rented accommodation that does not respond to the needs of the large and growing proportion of older people who are homeowners’.

I heard that as of 2005, there was a shortfall of 367 private sheltered units in the Borough. The appeal proposal would address that need and the Residents

Association accepts that ‘it is difficult to argue there is no need for this facility at a time when the number and proportion of elderly is increasing’. There is, therefore, a recognised need for private sheltered housing in the Borough and I do not consider the evidence submitted by residents shows that this need is already satisfied in Tadworth.

Mixed communities

About 19.2% of the population of Tadworth and Walton are over 65 compared to a national average of 15.9%. Should this scheme to be built, the vast majority of those living in the village would still be under 65. A Better Life shows that a significant proportion of prospective residents are likely to come from the local area. Whilst it is likely that the proposal would increase the proportion of elderly people in Tadworth, the statistics do not persuade me that Appeal Decision APP/L3625/A/07/20445487 this would be significant. I find, therefore, that the proposal does not conflict with the advice in PPS3 relating to the creation of mixed communities.

Affordable housing

The unilateral undertaking promising a contribution to the provision of affordable housing off site was not submitted by the deadline set at the Inquiry. I accept that, although not insurmountable, there are problems with mixing private and social rented sheltered accommodation on the same site. Further, the 2005 review shows that there is no need for additional social rented sheltered units. I accept that it cannot be guaranteed to be provided in Tadworth. However, I am satisfied that provision could be secured by condition which would help meet other affordable housing needs in the Borough.

 

Back Next

Appeal Decision
Inquiry held on 2 October 2007
 Appeal Ref: APP/L3625/A/07/2044548

A PDF version of this document is available here

 
Save Tadworth Action Group website: www.s-t-a-g.co.uk
We can be contacted at: info@s-t-a-g.co.uk
 

This website was created for STAG by Ah Ha Software
last modified: Saturday, 10 November 2007