Charity operating waiting list ahead of base move

A DISABILITY charity says its proposed purpose-built centre in Highlands Park, Henley, is a “once in a generation opportunity”.

The Chiltern Centre, for disabled young adults, revealed at its annual meeting on Wednesday last week that housing developer Crest Nicholson has committed to donating an acre of land at its site for the new premises.

It has been based at its current premises in Greys Road for more than 20 years. The charity said 2024 saw a continued high demand for its services, with its overnight capacity operating at 97 per cent and a waiting list of more than 30 young people and their families.

It said this demonstrates a clear rationale and urgent need for the new build, which the charity hopes to have completed by 2030. It is expected the project will cost about £4m.

The centre has earmarked £1.25m of its existing funds to go towards the project, with the sale of its Greys Road facility expected to fetch around £500,000.

It is hoped the remaining £2m will be raised through grants and community fundraising.

Paul Venables, the charity’s finance director, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the long-term future of the Chiltern Centre and significantly expand the level of services we can provide.

“We will need the continued full support of the local community to make this project a reality.” With the design process underway, the centre has incorporated feedback from South Oxfordshire District Council on its pre-application planning enquiry and is now consulting with a quantity surveyor.

In May 2025, Crest Nicholson resubmitted its hybrid planning application for the Highlands Park development to the district council, which is expected to be reviewed by the planning committee in the autumn.