Brooklands College and Cala Homes (Thames) have been given the green light for the development of 320 new homes in Weybridge.
The plans, which met the threshold for green belt ‘very special circumstances’, were approved by members of Elmbridge Borough Council in line with a positive officer recommendation.
The Brooklands Grove development will deliver a £45m investment into Brooklands College, securing its long-term future. In return, Cala has acquired land from the college on which the new homes will be built.
Cala was selected as the joint venture partner for Brooklands College following a competitive tender process. Of the 320 homes it will build, 128 will be available through affordable tenures.
Under the plans, the site’s historic Grade II listed Brooklands Mansion will also be regenerated to deliver 15 new apartments.
A new purpose-built SEND facility for the college and a new sports centre, which will be available both for college and community use, will also be built at the site.
John Richards, land and planning director at Cala Homes, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured planning permission for 320 homes in partnership with Brooklands College. This approval is a testament to the professionalism of the internal and external project team and the quality of the Cala product, which has enabled us to secure a locally supported very special circumstances consent on this green belt site in Surrey.
“Whilst achieving planning permission for 320 homes including 40% affordable is a fantastic result for Cala, we are equally delighted that this secures the long-term future of Brooklands College as a vital educational resource not only for Weybridge but also Surrey as a whole.”
Christine Ricketts, principal of Brooklands College, added: “We are thrilled that Elmbridge Borough Council have given the green light to the extensive redevelopment of our Weybridge site. The redevelopment of the site marks a very significant moment in the College’s history and the campus will be transformed over the next two years allowing us to provide exceptional facilities for students, staff, and the community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported our plans.
“Cala Homes has been instrumental, and our exceptional partnership working has enabled us to work together on the redevelopment project for the benefit of our community. These are exciting times for Brooklands College, and we have a bright and thriving future ahead.”
Mark Wilkinson, head of development consultancy at LSH, which advised on the land sale, said: “With demand for housing in Surrey at an all-time high, the proposed scheme will go some way to alleviating that demand. Forty per cent of the homes will be allocated for affordable housing, ensuring delivery of housing to those most in need.
“The site is exceptional. It will provide a wonderful living environment in a sustainable location, immediately adjacent to Weybridge train station and a short walk to the High Street. The revenue received will safeguard the ongoing operation of Brooklands College together with a comprehensive investment programme for new buildings and teaching facilities.”
