Rules laid down for Royal Star and Garter Homes' future
6:20pm Tuesday 26th August 2008
Any new owners of an historic Richmond Hill care home have been told they must “preserve and enhance the special architectural interest, fabric and setting” of the buildings.
Earlier this month Richmond Council published an agreed planning brief for the Royal Star and Garter Homes, which houses disabled ex-service men and women, following a public consultation in January and February.
Councillor Martin Elengorn, cabinet member for environment, revealed on August 13 an updated supplementary planning document for the site which will outline what any developer can do with the Grade II listed care home and neighbouring Ancaster House, which is also listed.
The document was also set to include Wick House but the charity sold it to a private purchaser in January and there is a planning application in progress to return it to a family home.
Residents responding to the consultation called for the main home to be set aside for residential use only but council planners decided to keep options open for hotel or institutional use provided the principal rooms are maintained and traffic and parking provision for any such development is at any acceptable level.
Developers have also been told retention of the chapel, as a continuing memorial, is expected.
Additions clearly visible at roof level will not be acceptable, the rear terrace must be kept as a communal garden and with Ancaster House in residential use any future uses or alterations to that building would be considered against the housing policies.
The buildings are set to be put up for sale when the Royal Star and Garter has planning permission secured for purpose built premises elsewhere with the proceeds used to fund the development.
Plans for a home opposite Hampton Court Palace as part of the development of the controversial Jolly Boatman site are currently being considered by Elmbridge Council.
Lynn McDougall, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We welcome the planning brief and believe it provides flexibility for a range of uses to be considered in the future.
“This flexibility is important as it would be disastrous if the home was left unsold and unoccupied because no viable use could be achieved under the terms of the brief.
“We are keen to find a buyer that will respect the rich history and local prominence of the listed buildings and maintain them for years to come.”