Planning permission has been secured by Savills to redevelop part of the Young Epilepsy campus in Lingfield, Surrey, and create a new integrated retirement community.

The joint application between Young Epilepsy (YE) and Audley Group is for the refurbishment and extension of part of the YE buildings, as well as the development of 152 new retirement homes with a number of facilities including a restaurant and bar/bistro; health and wellbeing suite with pool, fitness studio and treatment rooms; together with extensive landscaping.

The scheme will secure the long-term future of YE by providing the funding needed to continue delivering vital and specialist services that the charity provides for children and young people with special educational needs and epilepsy. It will also preserve around 580 jobs on the campus.

The application has involved a wide spectrum of Savills specialist services including socio-economics, EIA, heritage and viability.

Andrew Watson, director, Savills South East planning team, says: “This collaborative effort between Young Epilepsy and the Audley Group marks a significant milestone in a bold vision to secure the campus’ future. The project delivers tangible social value, promising not just a lifeline for an important national charity and specialist education setting but also a commitment to environmental sustainability, with biodiversity enhancements and improvements to listed buildings at the forefront.”

Mark Devlin, Young Epilepsy, chief executive explained: “Young Epilepsy’s presence and specialist services for children and young people have been at the heart of the community for over 125 years and we are delighted to receive planning permission for redevelopment.  Working together with Audley Group, we believe the plans present an opportunity for investment in the growth and improvement of the historic estate, whilst also unlocking a raft of essential measures that are desperately needed to ensure we can remain a valued part of the community and continue to work with our staff to support our students now and for the long term." 

Matthew Nicholson of Audley Group adds: “Working with Young Epilepsy and the wider consultant team through the planning process has been extremely rewarding.  With planning permission now granted, the future of this important national charity is safeguarded.  In addition, we will be able to deliver a stunning integrated retirement community which will allow our future owners to live better for longer.”