Savills has successfully received approval to transform part of the Young Epilepsy campus in Lingfield, Surrey into a new retirement community. The project is a combined effort by Young Epilepsy and Audley Group, and the proposal includes modernizing existing buildings and adding 152 new homes for retirees. These homes will be accompanied by a variety of amenities, such as a restaurant, bar/bistro, health suite, swimming pool, fitness studio, and treatment rooms. The landscape will also undergo significant enhancements.
The development ensures the sustainability of Young Epilepsy by providing necessary funds for the organization to continue offering crucial services to youth with special educational needs and epilepsy. Additionally, this undertaking will help maintain about 580 jobs at the campus.
Savills utilized a broad range of its specialist services, including socio-economics, environmental impact assessment, heritage, and viability to support the application.
Andrew Watson from Savills’ South East planning division highlights the collaboration’s achievement in safeguarding the campus’s future and delivering significant social benefits. The initiative prioritizes environmental sustainability and the preservation of heritage buildings alongside community services.
Mark Devlin, CEO of Young Epilepsy, expresses enthusiasm for the planning permission, which aligns with the charity’s longstanding community role. This redevelopment signifies investment in maintaining and improving the historical estate, while providing critical support for the workforce and students’ ongoing needs.
Matthew Nicholson from Audley Group remarks on the rewarding planning process, which assures the charity’s future. The approval allows for the creation of a top-tier retirement community, designed to enhance the lives of its future residents.