Council purchases former care home site to build new affordable homes
Tandridge District Council has purchased Dormers, a former care home, from Surrey County Council and is looking to build up to 20 new net zero homes on the site.
The site in Foxon Lane, Caterham was formally closed in 2016 as it was deemed no longer suitable for Surrey County Council’s needs. It has mostly remained vacant, other than temporary use by the NHS as a Covid vaccination centre during the recent pandemic. Surrey County Council’s Cabinet approval to sell the site ensures that its future use will benefit the area's economic, social, and environmental wellbeing.
Councillor Catherine Sayer, Leader of Tandridge District Council said, “we’re delighted to acquire Dormers. We would like to particularly thank the Leader of Surrey County Council, Councillor Tim Oliver for his support which has enabled our two councils to work together to deliver affordable housing on this site for people on the Tandridge housing register.
Councillor Jeremy Pursehouse, Chairman of Housing Committee at Tandridge District Council said, “This collaboration and partnership with Surrey County Council is incredibly valuable as we work to provide affordable and eco-friendly housing across our district. This not only supports climate change but helps our residents to keep their energy costs lower.”
Councillor Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council said, “The sale of the former Dormers site is an excellent example of the collaboration between Surrey County Council and Tandridge District Council to be able to address the issue of housing in the area.”
Councillor Natalie Bramhall, Surrey County Council Cabinet member for Property, Infrastructure, and Waste said, “I am pleased that we are working in partnership with Tandridge District Council to take practical action to increase social housing in the area. The plans to use the site for sustainable, net zero social housing demonstrates the collaborative approach we are taking to combat the housing crisis felt across the county.”
Work will now begin on drawing up a planning application that will be submitted to the Housing Committee in due course, before being considered by the Planning Committee.
Once built, the new homes will operate at net zero emissions, using solar panels, air source heat pumps and other green technologies, ensuring no additional greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere by the energy used in running these homes.