Funds of £23 million set aside for expansion of residential facilities for the elderly
**Affordable Extra Care Housing Advances in Surrey**
Surrey is making strides in addressing housing affordability and providing supportive living options for its residents, particularly older adults and lower-income groups. One such initiative is the Meadowcroft Lodge development, which is set to be the first in a series of affordable extra care housing schemes in the county.
Rachel Crownshaw, Group Managing Director for Communities at Places for People, stated that the Meadowcroft Lodge project aims to support and empower older generations to live independently. The development, located in Westborough, will consist of 59 one- and two-bedroom apartments for social care support recipients. Each apartment will be available at affordable rents, and the development will include communal facilities such as a café and gardens.
Sinead Mooney, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Surrey County Council, emphasised the importance of delivering the right homes for everyone, including older generations. She stated that the development will provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for residents to live independently while receiving necessary care and support.
The development is being funded by Places for People and a £4.6 million grant from Homes England. Rachel Crownshaw expressed her excitement about the project, stating that Meadowcroft Lodge will be a significant asset to Surrey.
In addition to Meadowcroft Lodge, Surrey County Council is partnering with Places for People for a project aimed at supporting older people in Guilford. Seven sites for future developments have outline planning permission, located in Worcester Park, Camberley, Ottershaw, Banstead, Redhill, Egham, and Lingfield.
The increasing number of older residents in Surrey is another factor driving the need for affordable extra care housing. According to forecasts, the number of over 65s in Surrey is expected to increase by more than 10% by 2030, with the percentage of residents aged 65 and over estimated to reach 22%.
Beyond Meadowcroft Lodge, Surrey has several other initiatives aimed at expanding affordable extra care housing. The Mole Valley District Council is implementing a new Affordable Housing Strategy focused on increasing affordable homes by 2030. This strategy includes measures to better utilise existing housing stock, consider becoming a developer and landlord of social housing, and specifically address rising housing costs that push residents out of the area.
Anchor, England’s largest provider of specialist housing and care for older adults, also offers affordable extra care housing that includes 24-hour support with on-site facilities. Although not limited to Surrey, their model blends affordable rent and leasehold options in secure, community-oriented environments designed to promote independence and peace of mind for older residents.
A community-led affordable housing development in Surrey Central, known as Sunshine Housing Co-op, managed by the Community Land Trust (CLT), also offers affordable, stable, community-focused housing options. While primarily mixed-income co-op housing, its emphasis on long-term affordability and resident governance aligns with broader goals of supporting vulnerable populations.
These developments and strategies highlight Surrey’s commitment to expanding affordable extra care housing, with a focus on integrating support services, community involvement, and diverse housing options to meet the needs of its aging and lower-income residents. Future plans are centered on increasing supply, improving access, and ensuring long-term affordability and care quality.
- In addition to the Meadowcroft Lodge development, Surrey County Council is collaborating with Places for People on a project in Guildford, aiming to support older people with seven sites for future developments secured.
- Beyond housing, Surrey County Council is implementing a new Affordable Housing Strategy to increase affordable homes by 2030, incorporating measures to better utilise existing stock, consider becoming a social housing developer, and specifically address rising costs.
- Anchor, England's largest provider of affordable extra care housing and care for older adults, offers 24-hour support with on-site facilities, providing secure, community-oriented environments for independent living across the country, not just in Surrey.
- The community-led Sunshine Housing Co-op, managed by the Community Land Trust (CLT) in Surrey Central, provides affordable, long-term, and community-focused housing options, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations.
