Planning consent secured for much needed affordable housing in Epsom Downs
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured planning consent on behalf of Raven Housing Trust to for the delivery of 23 affordable housing units in at Chavecroft in the Epsom Downs. Consent was awarded, subject to signing of S106, by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council on 9 June.
Chavecroft forms part of an established housing estate and consists of a two-storey apartment block which was built in the 1960s as sheltered accommodation for the over 60s. It contains 1, 2 and 3 bedroom flats which have recently been used to provide temporary housing for families awaiting a permanent home. The building doesn’t meet required quality standards and has been underutilised, as the accommodation no longer meets local housing need.
Following planning consent, the existing building will be demolished and two new blocks will be built, jointly delivering 23 new properties for affordable rent: five 3 bed houses, seven 1 bed flats and eleven 2 bed flats. There will be 33 new parking spaces, 5 new garages and 11 of the existing parking spaces will be re-provided. The new development will also include private amenity spaces for the residents’ use, and improvements to the existing open spaces.
Jessica McSweeney, Partner in Carter Jonas’ London office commented, “The quality of the existing accommodation on this site was no longer fit for purpose and was in desperate need of investment. We were delighted to work with Raven and help achieve planning permission for a high quality, 100% affordable scheme which will provide homes to those who would otherwise be priced out of the local market”.
Natalie McNeish of Raven Housing Trust commented, “Securing planning consent to provide 23 much needed new homes at Chavecroft is an important first step in this new development project. The new homes will be an important addition to the local community to help secure the long term future of the area for those that aren’t able to find an affordable place to live on the open market.”
In achieving planning success, Carter Jonas worked alongside MH Architects and highways consultants Sweco.