Delivering new homes where they are most needed
Surrey County Council (SCC) wants to develop new affordable housing on Council-owned sites in Surrey, including Keswick in Great Bookham, a former care home for older people which was no longer fit for purpose.
Being able to afford a home is a growing challenge across the country, and Surrey is particularly affected. The Surrey Housing, Accommodation and Homes Strategy identifies this as the county’s most pressing housing issue, with housing costs higher than in many other parts of the South East.
Together, the county’s public and private housing developers have met only 56% of the previous National Planning Policy Framework housing target and only 34% of the current target, reinforcing the importance of accelerating housing delivery across Surrey.
The Keswick site will deliver up to 30 one-bedroom flats. Some homes will be prioritised for people with eligible mental health support needs, helping them access stable housing and live independently within the community.
Surrey, like the rest of the country, has seen an increase in the number of people seeking mental health support since the Covid-19 pandemic. Between January 2021 and January 2026, the number of people who sought support for a primary mental health need rose from 1,621 to 3,373.
Having access to suitable, affordable and self-contained accommodation can play an important role in helping people maintain their independence, wellbeing and connection to their local community.
The housing designed for people with eligible care and support needs will be fully integrated within the development and indistinguishable from the other homes.
We are committed to creating welcoming, inclusive communities where everyone can feel connected and thrive; with no one left behind - achieving the council’s guiding mission.
.png)
