Inspired Villages Group an operator and developer of later living communities established by Legal & General in 2017, has appointed Stuart Garnett (pictured) as planning director where he will play a role in implementing a business plan to have 3,500 properties under management in the next five years.      

Garnett joins from Savills where he was responsible for a wide range of residential projects, including retirement living, healthcare and mixed-use schemes. 

Neal Dale, development director at Inspired Villages Group, said: “Over the past 12 months the land and development team has made 10 appointments, and this recruitment drive is set to continue. Stuart is exemplary of the top talent we have secured.”

Phil Bayliss, chief executive of Later Living at Legal & General, said: “With the wider economic and social benefits that housing with care brings – a reduction in health care spend, loneliness, and a reliance on GP’s – local authorities should be the driving force in increasing delivery of this type of housing to market. Yet, our ability to change the way our society ages is hampered by the planning permission process. Achieving planning permission for a retirement community within the UK is very time consuming and uncertain. Stuart will play an integral role in discussions with local authorities, demonstrating both the local and wider socio-economic benefits that sort of accommodation brings.”