12 July 2010
The Royal Star & Garter Homes - Hampton Court Development
The Chairman of The Royal Star & Garter Homes announced today that the Charity, with great regret, has decided to withdraw from the Hampton Court Station site development where it had hoped to build a new care home for disabled ex-Service men and women.
The site at East Molesey had been selected after the Charity carried out an extensive search in Richmond and the surrounding areas, and Elmbridge Borough Council passed a resolution to grant planning permission following an extra-ordinary meeting of the full Council in December 2008.
Unfortunately, despite the Council's approval of the development over 18 months ago, opposition to the scheme has continued and it has been the subject of a Judicial Review which remains unresolved to this day. Following an endless series of delays, the Charity's Board of Governors had hoped for greater clarity regarding an eventual outcome at the latest Administrative Court hearing in July; however, this hearing has now been delayed until the autumn by related arguments being played out in the Appeal Court.
In view of the continuing uncertainty about whether the development will be able to progress, the Board has decided, after very careful consideration, to exercise its option to withdraw from the scheme.
Chairman of the Charity, Vice Admiral Sir John Dunt, said "This was a very difficult decision which was not made lightly. We had high hopes for this site where we planned to open a much- needed new, modern care home for disabled ex-Service men and women. The delays and disruption resulting from the Judicial Review process, and the continuing uncertainty about the outcome of the planning process means that we have no certainty of when development can be brought forward on this site. This is, of course, very, very disappointing for our residents and for our staff and supporters, but I and my fellow Governors have a duty to ensure good governance of this wonderful Charity and we unanimously believe that the proper course of action for us to undertake now is to find a new site and begin building our new home as soon as possible."
The Charity is in the process of implementing a development strategy to create three purpose- built care homes in which it can provide 21st Century state-of-the-art care in modern settings. The Charity is committed to continuing to provide the highest quality of nursing care in these new homes, and is currently developing critically needed dementia care services and some provision for young Service personnel injured in recent conflicts.
Mike Barter, Chief Executive of the Charity said, "The seemingly endless uncertainty surrounding the Hampton Court station site has become unsustainable and it would be irresponsible for us to continue holding on to this project when there is no solution in sight and every possibility that there could be further significant legal delays. This is of course a very unwelcome setback, but we are determined to progress our plans for an additional two new homes, in London and Buckinghamshire, as quickly as possible. They will emulate the great success of our award-winning Solihull Home, opened in 2008, where we are providing the best nursing and dementia care to ex-Service people in superb surroundings, as well as offering support to younger Service personnel".
Ross Brodie, Divisional Managing Director at Gladedale, the developers of the site said, "We are of course disappointed that The Royal Star & Garter Homes have decided to withdraw from this development but we fully understand and appreciate their position, given their charitable status and the continuing delay and uncertainty. We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with the Charity and we wish them every success in finding a suitable site for their much needed modern new home. "
- Ends -
About The Royal Star & Garter Charity - founded in 1916.
The Royal Star & Garter Charity has been caring for disabled ex-Service personnel since 1916. The Charity offers its residents the best in nursing and therapeutic care, as well as a wide variety of leisure activities both internally and at outside venues. Anyone who is physically disabled or incapacitated and has served in Her Majesty's Forces is eligible to apply for a place at a Royal Star & Garter Home, as well as the widows, spouses and partners of ex-Service people.
The Royal Star & Garter Charity is planning to build new homes to provide care for disabled ex-Service people in the best modern surroundings. The first of these prestigious new homes is the award winning Solihull Home in the West Midlands, which also includes a specialist dementia care wing. The state-of-the-art facilities, which will be emulated in the other new homes, have also enabled the Charity to offer interim care for young disabled Service personnel, and will ensure that the best care will be available to all who may need it now and in the years to come.