Pegasus Group helps overturn Sunbury-on-Thames Retirement Village refusal

The appeal overturned the initial refusal by the Local Planning Authority (LPA), allowing the hybrid application to build a large number of care units, a care home, and associated landscape and infrastructure. The decision permitted the development of green belt land, recognising the rising demand for specialised later living housing to accommodate an ageing population. Through consultation with Pegasus Group, the plans ensured a limited impact on the local environment.

Pegasus Group provided substantial landscape and visual analysis at all stages of the process. Following the council’s initial refusal, Pegasus Group also provided Expert Witnesses for the landscape, visual and design aspects of the appeals process, fully demonstrating the high-quality design of the submitted scheme.

The project consists of a full plan to build 38 extra-care units and 28 close-care units, combined with access accommodations, associated landscape and infrastructure. It also includes a plan in outline to build a care home with up to 60 beds, and up to 98 extra-care units.

Mike Carr, Head of Design at Pegasus Group, who acted as Design Expert Witness for the planning appeal, said: “We’re delighted that permission has been granted for this development. There is an urgent demand for later living housing, and this is a well-crafted high-quality design that will successfully meet that aim.”

James Atkin, Senior Director of Environment at Pegasus Group, and Expert Witness on landscape matters for the appeal, said: “This project is a perfect demonstration of Pegasus’ commitment to all stages of development, ensuring that solid landscape principles were enshrined in the development, despite the challenges of the site. This provided a robust strategy for mitigation in the masterplan and a solid footing for the Expert Witness work. These principles will continue to set a high bar for future landscape design work.”