Carter Jonas Achieves Planning Permission at Appeal for Raven Housing Trust in Merstham, Surrey

National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured planning permission on behalf of Raven Housing Trust to develop 11 shared ownership homes on the site of the former Merstham Library in Merstham, Surrey.

Based in Redhill, Surrey, Raven Housing Trust is a housing association with over 7000 homes in its portfolio. Recognised for its ethos of 'Building Homes, Changing Lives’, the Trust’s proposed redevelopment will make efficient use of a brownfield site which is allocated for development to help meet the Government’s objective of significantly boosting the supply of homes.

The permission allows for 11 two- and three-bedroom homes, providing important affordable housing for residents in Reigate and Banstead. These homes also aim to support first-time buyers and key workers seeking to establish themselves in the community.  The shared ownership properties will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, in line with Homes England guidance. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a local connection to the area, as set out in the local authority shared ownership qualification criteria.

The appeal process reviewed whether the proposal aligned with site allocation policies, its impact on the character and appearance of the area and whether it would provide suitable access without impacting neighbouring community uses. It concluded that the scheme was satisfactory in addressing local and national policies.

Niamh Piercy, Associate Partner at Carter Jonas in London, commented, ''Following the successful outcome of the hearing in January, Carter Jonas is very pleased to have achieved approval for the former Merstham Library site. Raven Housing Trust's development of 11 homes will provide much-needed affordable housing for the people of Reigate and Banstead and will not only offer options for those looking to get onto the housing ladder and key workers, but will also revitalise a derelict site, which has remained vacant since the relocation of Merstham Library in 2017.

”These new homes are part of a masterplan to bring investment to Merstham and improve the quality of life for locals, with enhanced infrastructure and new housing opportunities.”

Alison Bennett, Executive Director of Homes at Raven Housing Trust commented, “Securing planning permission for this site is a fantastic result – one that will enable us to provide much needed affordable homes for people in Merstham. We formed a partnership between Raven, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and Surrey County Council in 2014, setting out a vision for the future of Merstham; a vision to invest in the local area, creating more affordable homes with appropriate and effective services and facilities, creating a cleaner, safer community for people to live in.

“Over the decade we’ve seen this vision come to light with the delivery of new houses, shops and a community centre, which includes a new library.

“The former Merstham library was part of this vision, and we are excited that we are now able to deliver these affordable homes to help meet the local housing need, giving residents the opportunity to step onto home ownership in a community where they have grown up.”

In achieving this permission, Carter Jonas worked alongside Sioned Davies, Fuse Architects and Sweco to advise Raven Housing Trust on the planning appeal and represented the client at the hearing.