Elmbridge Borough Council insists it’s not “ageist” despite refusing planning permission for a retirement village

The proposals by Guild Living for 222 properties at the old Homebase site were turned down at a meeting last night.

Council planners had originally said: "the application would undermine the vitality and viability of the town centre."

In a statement, Elmbridge said “We have seven centres for the community, each catering for the needs of our older people.”