calfordseaden are acting as planning consultant, architect, structural engineer, mechanical & electrical engineer, Code for Sustainable Homes adviser and CDM coordinator on this redevelopment. The scheme involves a very complex, redevelopment of a sensitive site in a conservation area to provide a multi-million pound retirement village in Cheam, Surrey.

We were initially appointed by London Borough of Sutton, the current owner of the site, to review initial design options for the existing sheltered housing development, work up development costs and financial models, based on with and without grant funding. Through this review we were able to advise on whether the site could be redeveloped within the current planning constraints and to be tendered to a registered provider. The successful tender was Viridian Homes For Living.

Now Viridian Homes For Living, in partnership with the London Borough of Sutton, has received planning permission to redevelop and regenerate the site. The scheme, designed by calfordseaden, provides for the delivery of affordable housing, including the phased demolition and redevelopment of the Elizabeth House sheltered housing scheme.

The scheme design makes best use of the site to provide level access, affordable housing and services for older people and vulnerable adults. The proposed regeneration compliments the local conservation area and conforms to the requirements of the Supplementary Planning Document, Cheam Village. Much of our design work on this scheme has been produced in Revit, the building design software, built for building information modelling. Through the use of Revit calfordseaden have produce a rich, graphical portfolio of images, which accompanied the planning application.

The Elizabeth House Sheltered Housing site is located in the western part of the Borough in Cheam ward, located off Malden Road (A2043). The site is part of Cheam Village, an area with special historic and architectural character and heritage. Cheam Village is designated a district centre with much of the village designated as a Conservation Area in 1970.

The redevelopment will provide housing for the remaining residents of the sheltered housing scheme and others wishing to return to the location. Additionally the redevelopment will include extra care housing for older people together with housing for vulnerable young adults.

The redevelopment presents various opportunities for the local & wider community of Cheam. Such opportunities include a redevelopment that:

• Increases the amount of accommodation for elderly, disabled & vulnerable adults to 
• Improves the quality of living for current & future residents, replacing the substandard existing accommodation. 
• Creates a safe & secure development that by design reduces risk of crime both internally and externally.
• Provides a range of social amenities to serve the needs of the residents and staff, while also promoting links with the local community of Cheam.
• Provides a community facility that meets local needs.

Commented prior to the scheme going in for planning, a Viridian Homes For Living spokes person said "Absolutely great work by all involved over the past 12 months, its been a collaborative and team effort and I believe we have a fabulous scheme that will make a huge difference to the quality of life for the residents of Elizabeth House".