Lewisham Council has granted planning permission for state of the art, 21st century almshouses.  The new scheme designed by PRP Architects, for the Merchant Taylors' Company, will provide 62 one and two-bedroom almshouses in Belmont Park, which are specifically designed for older people. The almshouses follow the recommendations of the 'Housing an Ageing Population Panel Innovation Report' (HAPPI) which was published earlier this year. In addition there will be an adjacent development of 26 maisonettes and apartments for private sale, which will be accessed separately. 

The new scheme replaces the Christopher Boone almshouses originally on the site, which were no longer suitable for elderly people, and will provide accommodation for people on low incomes in the area. The dual aspect homes are arranged around a landscaped South facing courtyard, with balconies and open decked walkways overlooking this central area. The new homes will be specifically designed to allow independent living for older people; all are fully wheelchair accessible and have more living space than existing homes. Communal facilities include a lounge, summer room, garden, laundry and parking, along with a quiet working garden for those interested in horticulture and vegetable growing. 

Anne-Marie Nicholson, Director of the Specialist Housing Group at PRP comments: "We are delighted to have achieved planning permission for this stunning scheme which takes on board all of the principles set out in the recent HAPPI Report on housing for older people, in addition to the needs of the residents and local community. This is the type of scheme that PRP is now designing; being both sustainable and modern, yet meeting the needs of today's older generation.

Matthew Dear, Charities Officer to the Merchant Taylors’ Company which administers the Christopher Boone’s Charity said: “This decision represents an exciting opportunity for the charity to serve current and future generations of older Lewisham residents with the very best and most appropriate affordable housing.  The Trustees, and their staff and advisers are working hard to make the project a reality, and are also putting considerable effort into looking after our existing residents during this time of change.”