The letter from Tadworth Medical Centre (submitted by Save Tadworth Action Group) cites problems servicing local nursing and residential homes, not sheltered accommodation. A Better Life indicates that for the 75+ age group, those living in sheltered accommodation are less of a burden to the NHS than those in the general population. Residents are concerned with regard to declining schools roles and argue that the need in Tadworth is for affordable family housing. This may well be so but I must consider whether this proposal is acceptable. There is no evidence before me to show that it threatens the viability of local schools.

Amenity space

The appellant submits photographs of recreation and seating areas provided in other schemes. Views are limited and one should not rely too heavily on the photographs but it would appear that the spaces are larger than would be available here.

Size

Due to the extensive footprint of the building and the location of the car park, most of the landscaped areas would be on the fringes of the site. The entrance and residents’ lounge open into a space constrained by the car park and the boundary with No.1 Ashurst Road. I appreciate that residents will require some shade but the shadow diagram shows that the area adjacent to the doors to the lounge would be overshadowed by the building for a large part of the day.

That is also true of the space between the eastern and rear wings of the building.

35. Some apartments would have external doors but most would open out into limited ‘green’ space. Those fronting Cross Road would be faced with traffic noise and the retaining wall designed to protect the trees on the boundary with Ashurst Road is likely to restrict access to this corner. The Council cite a lack of amenity space in its reason for refusal but, given that it has no standards for provision, did not pursue the objection in a meaningful way at the Inquiry. The location and design of sitting out and amenity areas is not before me but I am concerned that the proposal includes too little useable amenity space.