Guild Living wins Walton-on-Thames later living consent

Legal & General’s retirement developer Guild Living has won approval for a 222-home scheme in Walton-on-Thames, following a high profile dispute with the council. Guild Living’s co-founder and director Eugene Marchese previously accused Elmbridge Borough Council of being “discriminatory” in its rejection of the scheme last year. At the time, Marchese said: “Let’s be clear: the council has no policy that says older people should not live in a location. The policy is not discriminatory, but the words and actions of this Surrey council are. “People across the country will read the words of this local authority and be shocked that, after months of seeing care homes ravaged by Covid-19, an elected body can take such a callous and ageist policy approach.” The council maintains that there is no demand for specialist care housing over mixed-use alternatives with housing for families. However, Guild Living argues Elmbridge faces a “worsening shortfall” of purpose-built retirement housing. Following an appeal to the planning inspectorate, the developer has subsequently received approval for the town centre development. Responding to the win, Marchese said: “The outcome of this appeal and the depression and loneliness exacerbated by COVID-19 underscores the urgency of delivering communities that have a meaningful relationship with local hubs. “Our development aims to act as a blueprint for the future of later living in the UK, one that will help to tackle the country’s chronic undersupply of purpose-built housing with care for older people.”   To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@eg.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @EGPropertyNews Photo courtesy of Guild Living