Assisted living development approved for former university site

Plans for assisted living accommodation on a former university property in Surrey have been granted approval, despite concerns that the development will “look like nine storeys in a country field”. Guildford Borough Council sanctioned the scheme to create 131 extra care units for over-65s at the former University of Law’s Braboeuf Manor site in the city, which has been unoccupied since the summer. Councillors determined that the benefits of later living facilities outweighed the harm to the surrounding area. Nearly 100 people objected to the application, alongside local residents’ groups, village associations, and Artington Parish Council. Objectors stated that the scale, mass, and height would be too “overbearing” on the surrounding views of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Grade II-listed manor house, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The proposal involves demolishing five buildings and constructing an additional seven, varying between two, three, and five storeys. The three and five-storey buildings are planned to be built into the landscape. The 9.6-hectare site is located approximately 1.5 miles (2.4km) south-west of Guildford town centre and is encircled by green belt land and a conservation area. Planning officers assert there is a current need for 427 extra care units in the borough, which could increase to 501 by 2035. The report indicated that the development, offering 24-hour care on-site, would provide a “positive contribution to Guildford’s older population”. Planning documents reveal that the 16th Century manor house will furnish social spaces for residents, including a library. The scheme also encompasses a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a gym.