Policy information sourced from Runnymede Local Plan
SL23: Accommodating Older Persons and Students
Older People
The Council will support proposals for specialist accommodation for older people, including sheltered housing, care homes and other appropriate forms of accommodation on suitable sites, to meet needs that have been identified in the Council’s most up to date Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA). It will be expected that proposed development is readily accessible to public transport, shops, local services, community facilities and social networks for residents, carers and their visitors.
Subject to viability, where accommodation falls within use Class C3 an appropriate proportion of affordable housing in accordance with policy SL20 will be required with the mix of tenures negotiated by the Council having regard to advice from the NHS or Surrey County Council.
Students
Planning permissions for purpose-built student housing and changes of use subdividing existing buildings for the purpose of student housing will be granted provided that all of the following criteria are met:
- The proposal is supported by evidence of a linkage with one or more higher education institutions in Runnymede, or within a reasonable travelling distance of Runnymede;
- The proposal is located in an area with easy access to shops, places of work, services and community facilities and sustainable and active modes of travel to the educational institution for which accommodation is provided;
- The proposal has provided for the specific needs of student housing, including refuse storage, cycle parking and adequate internal space for future occupiers.
The loss of existing, purpose-built student accommodation or older people’s accommodation will be resisted unless adequate replacement accommodation is provided or it is demonstrated that the facility no longer caters for current or future needs.
For more information please see the Local Plan