Fresh proposal for Gifford House site gains approval

6.46.44pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 5th Sep 2007

The regeneration of the Gifford House site in Twickenham has taken a major step forward following a meeting of Richmond Council's Cabinet last night (September 3).

It was agreed that the Council will now submit a planning application for a new Contact and Assessment Centre to replace the existing facility. This will be designed to a high standard of sustainability and will include features for energy conservation, solar energy and a green roof to promote biodiversity. The Gifford House site and any adjoining Council-owned land not required for the new centre will be marketed by Care UK for redevelopment. The Council and Care UK have made a commitment that a future purchaser will undertake public, pre-application consultation before submitting a planning application. In 2001 the Council entered into a 25-year PFI agreement with Care UK for residential and nursing care services for older people in the borough. Under the agreement the company was obliged to seek planning permission for residential use on the Gifford House site before marketing and selling it. Care UK submitted a planning application for residential development and a new Contact and Assessment Centre earlier this year but it was withdrawn in June following objections from local residents and ward councillors.

Cllr Stephen Knight, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources on Richmond Council, said: "The Cabinet agreed that this approach is the best way forward for regenerating the Gifford House site. It will safeguard the future of the Contact and Assessment Centre, which will be rebuilt to high standards of sustainability and will continue to be owned by the Council. Both the Council and Care UK have made a commitment that a future purchaser will undertake pre-application public consultation before a planning application is submitted."