A “tired, largely empty 1970s office block” will be turned into a  76-bed extra care home that will mean vulnerable people do not lose their “independence a moment sooner than they have to”.

Woking Borough Council’s planning committee has signed off on a bid to tear down Lion House in Oriental Road, Woking, and replace it with a new centre that, developers said, would help bring dignity to the growing number of people living with dementia in the area.

The new building had been recommended for approval by officers who said it would also help to preserve the setting of the nearby Grade I listed Shah Jahan Mosque.

All 76 rooms at the new care home would be en-suite with the building also including lounge areas, an activity room, and spaces for hobbies.

There would also be a landscaped garden and outdoor dementia friendly communal spaces.

Addressing the Tuesday, September 1 committee was the applicant, Mr M Rodol. 

He said: “In Woking today there are around 700 over 85s living with dementia..

“Within the next 10 years or so that will rise to over 1,000.

“That’s hundreds of people, of our neighbours who will need exactly the kind of care this application proposes to deliver.

“This is not just an application from a speculative developer, I have been developing and operating care homes for over 20 years now and would like to think that this is my profession.”

He said there were just three objections, but that highways has assessed the parking would not be a hindrance.

He added that the mosque also supported the plans.

“Right now standing on the site is a tired, largely empty office 1970s office block”, he said.

“It hasn’t been fit for modern business for years now and the site is under utilised.

“What we are proposing to put in its place is a home ,a real warm, thoughtfully designed home for 76 of Woking’s most vulnerable older residents.

“Many of the people who move in will be living with dementia, they will need full-time nursing or residential care.

“Outside the garden itself is dementia friendly with clear sight lines throughout so residents can step outside and walk safely.”

Every room would also have accessible en-suite facilities and be designed to cater for people with mobility needs and the site would include a hairdresser, cinema room and space to host events

He said: “It means dignity, It means that families don’t have to watch the mum or dad lose that last bit of independence a moment sooner than they have to.

“The space is designed for the residents to still feel like themselves.”

The care home would also bring up to 75 full time jobs into the area  including chefs, gardeners, carers, nurses, and replace a largely empty block, the committee heard. 

Fears over parking were addressed too;  there would be a maximum of 30 staff on site at one time due to the nature of their shifts.

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He added: “Picture this not as a planning application but project a couple of years forwards,, an afternoon two years from now, with the residents settled in the garden, the carer helping somebody to their favourite spot to feel sun on their face, a granddaughter visiting after school.”