Extra housing approved for former university site
Elysian Residences/Guildford Borough CouncilPlans for assisted living housing on a former university site in Surrey have been given the green light despite concerns the development will "look like nine storeys in a country field".
Guildford Borough Council approved the scheme to create 131 extra care units for over-65s on the former University of Law's Braboeuf Manor site in the city, which has been unoccupied since the summer.
Councillors decided the benefits of later living facilities outweighed the harm to the surrounding area.
Nearly 100 people objected to the application, as well as the local residents' groups, village associations and Artington Parish Council.
Objectors said the scale, mass and height would be too "overbearing" on the surrounding views of the area of natural beauty (AONB) and the Grade II-listed manor house, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The proposal includes demolishing five buildings and building a further seven, varying between two, three and five storeys.
The three and five-storey buildings will be built into the landscape.
The 9.6 hectare site is about 1.5 miles (2.4km) south-west of Guildford town centre and surrounded by green belt land and a conservation area.
Planning officers state there is a current need for 427 extra care units in the borough, which could increase to 501 by 2035.
Offering 24-hour care on-site, the report said the development would offer a "positive contribution to Guildford's older population".
Planning documents reveal the 16th Century manor house will provide social spaces for residents including a library.
The scheme also includes a restaurant, swimming pool and gym.
Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.