A well-attended parish meeting this week gave residents the chance to hear more about the proposed care home development on Hammersley Drive, Ash Lodge Park, and to put their questions directly to the team behind the project. Representatives from Muller Property Group, EQ Care Group, and Third Revolution Projects gave a presentation outlining the current plans and listened to feedback from those living nearby. Speaking at the meeting were Samantha Crawley (Chief Executive Officer, EQ Care Group), Julie Doherty (Muller Property Group), Steve Bourne (Technical Director, Muller Property Group), and Robert Shaw (Managing Director, Third Revolution Projects).
Muller Property Group confirmed they now own the land at Hammersley Drive. Contrary to their current website stating 64 bedrooms are intended, they advised that the original design for a 76-bed care home has been scaled back to 70 rooms following earlier feedback. The care home is expected to create around 100 local jobs and aims to integrate with the community by offering meeting space within the building for local groups and organisations to use free of charge.
Cllr John Tonks, who attended the meeting, said:
“It was great to see so many residents come along and engage with the discussion. People care deeply about how this site is developed, and it’s important their voices are heard. Residents interested in making comments on any future planning application should stay informed by visiting www.ashpcsurrey.gov.uk/planning-meetings as well as checking our Parish Council’s notice boards.
The Proposal
Images Curiosity of Muller Property Group (October 2025)
Questions from Residents
Residents asked a wide range of thoughtful questions, covering community benefit, parking, transport, and the scale of the development. Below is a summary of the main points discussed.
Community Benefit
One resident highlighted the long history of the site and disappointment that earlier plans for community use were never realised. He asked what guarantees there were that the local area would benefit from this proposed development.
Response: The developers said that, based on their experience, most care home residents usually come from within a three-mile radius, and they plan to open up space in the building for community use.
Parking and Transport
Several residents raised concerns about parking, given the tight spaces in the estate and the lack of direct bus routes.
Response: The current design allows for 25 spaces (23 standard, 2 disabled, and 1 ambulance bay). The home will have a dedicated car / taxi for residents’ appointments and plans to implement a staff travel plan to reduce car use.
Awareness of the Ash Neighbourhood Plan
Councillor Moriarty asked whether the team was aware of the Draft Ash Neighbourhood Plan Regulation 14, which designates the area for certain uses, noting its designation for Class C2 use (residential) and F2 Local Community Uses.
Response: The developers confirmed they are aware of this.
Parking Size and Practicality
A question was raised about whether the proposed spaces would be large enough, and what would happen if the travel plan proved inadequate.
Response: The developers said they would remain open to feedback and aim to avoid creating parking issues for the community.
Scale and Design
Some residents questioned whether the development was too large for the site compared with similar homes elsewhere.
Response: The team confirmed the proposal meets CQC space regulations. To make the best use of the footprint, many service rooms will be in the loft space where reduced light does not impact the residents.
Traffic and Building Height
Residents opposite the site expressed concerns about traffic congestion, especially at school times, and the building’s height.
Response: The home will be three storeys high, in line with nearby apartments. Staff shift changes will be planned to avoid school rush hours, with staff arriving ahead of peak times.
Community Access
Cllr Wyeth-Price asked if they plan to make the home facilities available to local people.
Response: Yes – the team confirmed they want to be part of the community and will make facilities available.
Construction Time and Disruption
Residents raised concerns about construction noise and disruption, especially given ongoing snagging from nearby developments.
Response: A Construction Management Plan will be required as part of the planning process. The build is expected to take around 12 months once planning is approved.
Funding and Residents
Residents asked if the care home would accommodate socially funded residents.
Response: Yes – the home will consider local authority and health care funded residents, not just private ones.
Deliveries and Access
Questions were asked about how delivery vehicles will be managed.
Response: Deliveries are expected every two to three days and will use smaller vehicles, not articulated lorries. A turning area is included within the site.
Type of Care
As “dementia” had been mentioned throughout the presentation, a resident asked if the home would be specialising in dementia care.
Response: The home will not specialise solely in dementia, but will be designed to support residents of different needs, some of whom may have some form of dementia.
Resident Parking
Cllr Tonks asked, given their experience, do they need to plan for residents who have private cars?
Response: No – the parking is intended for just staff and visitors
Timeline
Finally, residents asked when work might begin.
Response: Subject to planning approval, work could start in around six months, allowing time for planning and management approvals. The build is expected to take about 18 months in total.
What Happens Next
The developers will now finalise and submit a formal planning application to Guildford Borough Council. Once it is published, residents will be able to view and comment on the proposals through the council’s planning portal.
Ash Parish Council will continue to share updates and opportunities for residents to have their say as the plans progress.