News Planning appeal success for retirement living scheme at Snows Ride, Windlesham

Planning appeal success for retirement living scheme at Snows Ride, Windlesham

News, Press Releases

August 18, 2026

A mixed-use, landscape-led retirement living scheme at Snows Ride, Windlesham has been granted permission at appeal. Working closely with the client, Retirement Village Groups LTD, alongside the wider project team, PRP led the design process to create a scheme that holistically addresses housing need, healthcare and environmental priorities. 

Snows Ride will deliver an integrated community of 154 retirement homes (C2), offering varying levels of care, together with a further 33 new homes (C3) including 10 self-build plots for future construction. Land has also been reserved for a new GP surgery, serving both future residents and the wider community. Providing access to much-needed green space for public use, the project provides a substantial area of Suitable Natural Green Space (SANG), helping to reduce the recreational pressure on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. The biodiversity net gain in the area will also be improved, creating higher quality natural habitats than those that currently exist on the site.

Simon Atkins, Director at PRP said, “By combining sector leading retirement housing, local priority housing and self-build opportunities, RVG’s vision for Snows Ride sets a new benchmark for demonstrating how integrated retirement communities will contribute positively to the wider social fabric of a town. PRP’s Later wLiving team are delighted to have assisted RVG to deliver this planning consent which is focussed on Intergeneration Connection, Well Being, and Independent Living incorporating RVG’s Net Zero Carbon ambitions.”

Navigating the appeal process, a key consideration was balancing the need for new homes with the protection of the surrounding Green Belt. While the Planning Inspectorate acknowledged that the project would introduce change to the site, it was concluded that the wider impact on the landscape and on the purposes of the Green Belt would be limited. It was also accepted that requiring a higher level of affordable housing would make the scheme unviable. On this basis, the appeal was allowed, with the benefits of the scheme, including new homes, a GP surgery and public green space, judged to outweigh the limited harm to the Green Belt.

Alex Williams, Senior Development Manager from RVG said, “After many years, we are delighted to have secured planning permission for this beautiful development. The new retirement community will open the land to the public and deliver significant benefits for both the local community and future residents.”

The decision also recognised the value of landscape as more than mitigation, acknowledging its role in supporting biodiversity, enhancing everyday life and creating places that can be cared for and enjoyed by the community over the long term.