Plans for a major new 90-bed care home in Peckham are moving forward, after Southwark Council confirmed the decision would stand despite questions from a group of councillors about the approval process.
Addressing a Critical Shortfall in Care
The council's cabinet confirmed at a meeting on October 14 that land at 128-148 Asylum Road and 133-137 Queens Road will be used for the new facility. Subject to securing planning permission, the care home is scheduled to open in late 2029.
This development is a direct response to a pressing local need. An August 2024 Nursing Home Needs Assessment highlighted that demand for care in the borough currently outstrips supply, with residents' needs becoming more complex and rates of dementia rising.
Councillor Evelyn Akoto, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, emphasised the urgency, stating, "Right now, families are having to place their loved ones out of the borough because of a lack of capacity." She pointed to the borough's ageing population, projecting that by 2041, six out of ten residents will be over the age of 64.
Scrutiny and Assurance Over the Decision
The project faced a temporary hurdle when five councillors—Suzanne Abachor, Esme Dobson, Maria Linforth-Hall, Sandra Rhule, and Charlie Smith—formally called-in the decision on Tuesday, November 11.
A call-in is a mechanism that allows councillors to scrutinise an executive decision before it is implemented. Councillor Abachor, Chair of the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission, clarified that the move was not to question the need for the care home, but to seek "clarity and assurance that the decision-making process... has fully complied with the council’s principles of transparency and accountability."
Specific concerns were raised about the level of consultation with stakeholders and whether cabinet members received sufficiently comprehensive legal and financial advice.
Council Leaders Defend the Process
In response, council leaders defended the project and the process behind it. The council has entered into a 999-year lease agreement with Andover Properties. A key feature of the deal is that at least 50 per cent of the beds will be let to the council at discounted rates for an initial ten-year period, helping to meet public need.
The remaining bed-space will be for privately-funded residents, with the council assuring that all residents will receive the same high standard of care, environment, and meals.
Councillor Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, stated she was "assured the process surrounding the land transaction followed council policy," describing it as a disposal for social purpose. Stephen Platts, Director of Planning and Growth, added that he believes it will "deliver a fantastic outcome for Southwark and its residents as quickly as possible."
Following the discussions, the council’s overview and scrutiny committee confirmed it was happy for the original cabinet decision to be implemented, allowing the project to proceed with several future recommendations.
