Construction has officially commenced on the redevelopment of the former Bexley Maternity Hospital into 121 new homes, a project that received planning approval by a single vote last year. The site, located on Erith Road near Bursted Woods, is being transformed by BexleyCo, the council's own residential development company, with the first homes expected to be completed by November 2027.
Affordable housing concerns persist
Of the 121 new homes, only 18 units will be designated as affordable, a fact that has drawn sharp criticism from Labour councillors. Committee member Cllr Larry Ferguson described the number as “very concerning” during the planning meeting held on July 31, 2025. The decision to approve the project was contentious, with the planning committee split and committee chair Cllr Kurtis Christoforides using his casting vote to pass the proposal, which had attracted 90 objections from local residents.
Conservative members defended the scheme, arguing that increasing the affordable housing quota would necessitate building high-rise tower blocks, which they deemed unsuitable for the area. The development's mix of family-sized units was praised, with the 121 homes comprising 21 one-bedroom apartments, 60 two-bedroom apartments, 32 three-bedroom apartments, and eight three-bedroom houses.
Preserving heritage while building new
The development will see the locally listed hospital building converted into apartments, alongside the construction of three new six-storey tower blocks and eight two-storey terraced houses. Bexley Council leader David Leaf, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony alongside Cabinet Member for Economic Growth & Infrastructure Cllr Cameron Smith and representatives from BexleyCo and contractor Penenden Heath Developments, emphasized the project's role in the borough's housing strategy.
“We have ambitious plans to support good quality housing growth in the right places in Bexley, and this site will be regenerated with new family homes. This is an example of how we’re delivering on our commitment to build more homes for local people and achieving the right kind of growth that preserves the character of our borough,” Leaf said.
Parking concerns raised by residents
During the planning meeting, councillors acknowledged that the majority of the 90 objections were related to parking. Residents feared that the 96 parking spaces provided for 121 dwellings would be insufficient, potentially leading to overflow parking on adjacent residential streets. Highways officers confirmed that the council would monitor the parking situation during construction and after completion, with the ability to impose restrictions if problems arise.
BexleyCo chairman Jeremy Stibbe expressed confidence in the project, stating: “This development will provide quality new homes for local people, while carefully preserving the historic character of the former maternity hospital as it’s converted to apartments. It represents another key step in our commitment to delivering to our business plan and much-needed homes.”
