139 care units at Headley Court, Headley, Epsom

What was proposed

The application was to convert a listed mansion house to C2 care accommodation with associated facilities, providing 139 units.

“Retention and conversion of existing listed mansion house to C2 accommodation and associated facilities, alongside parking, landscaping, and associated infrastructure to provide 139 units.”

Minutes

A parish council and the applicant's agent spoke

A parish council representative spoke in support with reservations, and the applicant's agent spoke in favour.

Whether the site was previously developed land

Members sought clarification on whether a building on the site meant it qualified as previously developed land, and officers clarified it was temporary and the site remained excluded from that definition.

“Members noted the presence of a building in the northwest area of the Site and sought clarification on whether this meant the Site qualified as previously developed land. Officers clarified that the building was temporary and the Site was therefore excluded from being defined as previously developed land.”

Minutes

A footpath contribution and resident priority

Members asked about adding a footpath contribution and a resident priority informative to the Section 106 agreement, and officers advised against both for lack of policy basis and the risk of undue influence.

“Questions were raised as to whether a provision could be added to the Section 106 agreement requiring the developer to fund a footpath to provide pedestrian access to the Site for local residents. Officers explained that there was no policy basis for such a requirement, it was not requested by the County Highways Authority and that the addition of 112 extra care units did not represent a material change to justify its inclusion.”

Minutes

Weighing the Green Belt harm against the benefits

Members felt that although the development was on Green Belt land, its design was well-considered, it would generate jobs, and the units would provide much-needed care housing.

“Members then expressed the view that, although the proposed development was on Green Belt land and it would have been preferrable to have the footpath in place, its design was well-considered, the café within it would generate jobs and support the local economy, and the 112 units would provided much-needed care housing.”

Minutes

Vote and decision

The committee granted permission, with 13 in favour and 1 abstention, subject to the conditions in the officer's report.

“(NB. Counted vote on the decision of the Committee – 13 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstention).”

“RESOLVED: That permission be GRANTED in respect of application no. MO/2025/0990 subject to the conditions in the officer’s report and additional information contained in the addendum.”

Minutes