Case study - RNIB, Redhill

• Green Belt non-allocated site
• A model for integrated supported living

This former college site owned by the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) in Redhill, Surrey was no longer fit for purpose. The RNIB wished to rationalise their accommodation within a smaller part of the site.

Through quality, innovative design and the provision of new homes and community facilities for the RNIB, Countryside obtained planning consent on the 16 acre Green Belt site that straddles two planning authorities. A total of 72 private homes will fund the development of facilities for the RNIB.

The development is focused around a new Sensory Garden which was constructed by Countryside and received a Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2014.

Sensory Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show, 2014

This site was not allocated for housing, but was partly previously developed. The promotion and planning application totalled three years which in the context of it being Green Belt and not allocated for housing was a swift process. The key was quality, sensitive design and with Countryside’s track record this was easy to substantiate.