Green light for 86 flats at former Royal Star and Garter care home

The Grade II listed building, near the Richmond Hill entrance to Richmond Park, has been in use as a care home and hospital for ex-military service personnel since the 1920s. London Square bought the home for £50 million in 2013, following the move of the Star and Garter charity to new purpose built homes in Surbiton and Solihull.

The developers propose to create 86 flats in a mix of between one and six bedrooms. No on-site affordable housing is considered to be viable by the developers. An alternative site has been secured for the delivery of 22 affordable units and an additional financial sum offered to bring affordable contributions up to an estimated £2.15m.

The scheme includes excavation to create a new basement level, parking spaces for 113 vehicles and a new swimming pool and gym for residents. Modern structures including rooftop plant and antennae, a glazed front entrance porch, conservatories and extensions to internal courtyards will be demolished under the proposals to restore the character of the main building and to improve the protected view to the top of Richmond Hill. A chapel building in the grounds will also be restored under the plans.

The proposals were on the agenda for a meeting of the Borough's planning committee on 2 July, having been recommended for approval, subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement, in an officer's report (38-page / 670 KB PDF).