Inspector; Appeal Decision“The provision of a modern facility would also aid in enhancing the quality of the accommodation. Extra provision would assist in reducing the need for occupiers to remain in hospital and therefore free up bed spaces. In light of the above factors, I give the contribution towards care home provision substantial weight”
This long running instruction on behalf of Muller Property Group commenced as an outline planning application lodged in September 2021and ultimately ended by way of appeal decision dated 10th May 2024. Relating to a site on Balcombe Road, Crawley, the proposal was for the development of a new 64-bedroom care home for older persons. The application was supported by a detailed HPC Care Home Need Assessment identifying, in the face of a rapidly rising population, a significant outstanding need for further care home provision not only in the immediate locality but across Crawley Borough as a whole.
Following refusal of planning permission by the local authority in April 2023, our client subsequently appealed, resulting in a Hearing in April 2024. As a Chartered Surveyor with well over 30 years commercial property experience (the majority being within Social Care), HPC Director Nigel Newton Taylor was instructed to provide Expert Witness evidence – both verbal and in writing – at the Hearing.
In ultimately allowing the appeal (decision dated 10th May 2024) the care home need evidence was specifically highlighted with the Inspector attaching substantial weight to the benefit of care home provision in the ultimate planning balance.
