25-Storey Wembley Care Home Plan Criticized as 'Warehousing the Elderly in the Sky'
Plans for a 25-storey care home and co-living apartment block in Wembley have sparked controversy, with critics likening the proposal to “warehousing the elderly in the sky.” Splendid Hospitality Group (SHG), a company specializing in hotels, care homes, and restaurants, has submitted plans to redevelop an “underutilised car park” on Wembley Hill Road, currently serving the nearby Holiday Inn.
The mixed-use development would include a 90-person care home across the first eight floors, with the remaining 17 floors housing a 329-bed co-living development. Nearly 50 objections have been submitted, raising concerns about the suitability of a high-rise building for vulnerable elderly residents. Objectors argue that such a design may not provide adequate accessibility, evacuation options, wellbeing, or access to outdoor space.
Concerns Over Quality of Life and Safety
Martin Francis, owner of the local blog Wembley Matters, described the scheme as “warehousing the elderly in the sky.” Other objectors questioned whether a 25-storey building could deliver “an appropriate standard of care and quality of life” for residents. One objection noted: “The application raises serious concerns regarding the suitability of a 25-storey building for elderly and vulnerable care residents, particularly in relation to accessibility, evacuation, wellbeing, social isolation, and access to meaningful outdoor space.”
Another objector highlighted the lack of evidence that high-rise care homes improve outcomes for residents with dementia, mobility issues, or cognitive impairments, compared to smaller-scale settings. Traffic congestion, servicing, and visitor parking pressures were also cited as unresolved issues.
Developer’s Justification
SHG argues that the development addresses a growing need for care beds in Brent. A needs assessment submitted with the application indicates an undersupply of about 563 care beds currently, with demand forecast to increase by approximately 696 places by 2034. The developer claims the building’s design ensures natural light and privacy, with care home bedrooms arranged around the perimeter. Ten rooms would be on the first floor, with 16 on each subsequent floor.
The application will be reviewed by Brent Council’s planning committee, which will decide whether to grant approval. The outcome remains pending as the community continues to voice strong opposition.
