Councillors have voted for 49 assisted living flats to be built for people aged over 70.

Originally turned down, councillors agreed at a sub-committee meeting on May 26, that the second iteration was one they should approve.

Councillor Chris Sadler, for Walton Central, explained to the committee how assisted living differed to sheltered accommodation in that residents bought the flats and could purchase "care packages".

The flats, expected to be run by McCarthy and Stone, will only be occupied by people over 70, with service care packages which could range from £116.75 to £156.72-a-week, based on figures from a similar development in Basingstoke.

Care for elderly people in the borough is in demand, highlighted with the closure announcement this month of Willowmead care home in East Molesey, resulting in residents families saying they are competing with one another for free spots elsewhere.

Coun Sadler said the developers had confirmed there were no other assisted living developments in Elmbridge and the flats in Churchfield Road, Walton, would be the first.

He said: "The issue for us tonight is whether the application that we have got sufficiently addresses the concerns that the inspector had.

"I felt that it was exceptionally massive and did not blend in with the residential houses which are on either side."

Councillor Nigel Cooper, for Molesey East, said before votes were cast: "I don't see how we can turn this down."