Southwark Council Confirms Plans for New Care Home in Peckham

Plans for a new 90-bed care home in Peckham, South London, have received the green light from Southwark Council. This decision comes despite concerns raised by several councillors regarding the process leading up to its approval during a cabinet meeting on October 14, 2023. The proposed site, located at 128-148 Asylum Road and 133-137 Queens Road, is expected to open in late 2029 pending planning approval.

The council has entered a 999-year lease agreement with Andover Properties. Under this arrangement, at least 50 percent of the care home beds will be allocated to the council at discounted rates for the first ten years. The remaining bed space will cater to privately funded residents, ensuring that all individuals receive the same quality of care, environment, and meals.

A Nursing Home Needs Assessment conducted in August 2024 revealed a significant demand for care services within the borough. The report highlighted that the current provision of nursing care is insufficient to meet the evolving needs of the community, particularly as the number of residents with dementia continues to rise.

Several councillors, including Suzanne Abachor, Esme Dobson, Maria Linforth-Hall, Sandra Rhule, and Charlie Smith, called for a review of the decision on November 11. This review process allows councillors to scrutinize executive decisions before they are implemented, potentially leading to a reconsideration by the cabinet.

Cllr Abachor, chair of the health and social care scrutiny commission, emphasized that the call-in was not intended to question the need for additional care homes. “What we are seeking today is clarity and assurance that the decision-making process for the Asylum Road care home has fully complied with the council’s principles of transparency and accountability,” she stated.

Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the adequacy of consultation with key stakeholders. Some councillors expressed doubts that cabinet members received sufficiently comprehensive legal, financial, or sector-specific advice prior to the approval.

In response, Evelyn Akoto, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, affirmed the necessity of the new care home. “This proposal exists because Southwark has a gap in nursing care capacity within the borough. Right now, families are having to place their loved ones out of the borough because of a lack of capacity,” she said. Akoto also pointed out that the borough’s population is aging. Projections suggest that by 2041, six out of ten residents will be over the age of 64, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced care provisions.

Cllr Helen Dennis, cabinet member for new homes and sustainable development, assured the committee that the land transaction process adhered to council policy outlined in the asset management plan. She noted that the land disposal was intended for social purposes aligned with the broader objectives of the council.

According to Stephen Platts, Director of Planning and Growth at Southwark Council, the new care home will provide substantial benefits to the community. He indicated that there would be ample opportunity for further scrutiny over the next four to five years regarding the planning application, design details, and care contract.

By the end of the meeting, the council’s overview and scrutiny committee confirmed its support for the cabinet’s original decision, while recommending several future considerations based on the discussions that took place.

As Southwark moves forward with these plans, the council aims to address the pressing demand for care services, ensuring that residents have access to quality nursing care within their community.