Transforming Abandoned Bexley Hospital into 121 New Homes: Construction Work Commences

Renovation efforts have commenced to transform a disused hospital in Bexley into over 100 new residential units, following a critical planning approval decision made last year. On 31st July 2025, the Planning Committee of Bexley Council granted permission for the redevelopment of the former Bexley Maternity Hospital, located on Erith Road adjacent to Bursted Woods. The initiative, which will yield 121 homes, was proposed by BexleyCo, the council’s own residential development arm, but faced criticism from Labour councillors for the limited provision of social housing.

Out of the total 121 homes, only 18 are designated as affordable, a point raised with concern by committee member Cllr Larry Ferguson. In defence of the proposal, Conservative members argued that increasing the number of affordable units would necessitate the construction of high-rise tower blocks, which they deemed unfeasible. The scheme was also commended for its inclusion of family-sized units, with the distribution comprising 21 one-bedroom apartments, 60 two-bedroom apartments, 32 three-bedroom apartments, and eight three-bedroom houses.

Contentious Approval Process

The committee faced a divided response during the voting process, leading committee chair Cllr Kurtis Christoforides to exercise his casting vote in favour of the proposal, despite receiving 90 objections from local residents. Following the approval, construction on the new homes commenced last week, with the first units expected to be completed by November 2027. These homes will be situated within the historically significant hospital building, alongside three newly constructed six-storey tower blocks and eight two-storey terraced houses.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Bexley Council leader David Leaf, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth & Infrastructure Cllr Cameron Smith, and representatives from BexleyCo and the building contractor Penenden Heath Developments, Leaf expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He stated, “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.”

Addressing Local Concerns

BexleyCo chairman Jeremy Stibbe highlighted the development’s focus on providing quality housing while preserving the historic essence of the former maternity hospital during its conversion into apartments. He remarked, “It represents another key step in our commitment to delivering on our business plan and much-needed homes.”

During last year’s planning meeting, councillors noted that the majority of the 90 objections raised by local residents pertained to parking concerns. Nearby residents expressed apprehension that the 96 parking spaces allocated for the 121 homes would be inadequate, potentially leading to overflow parking in adjacent residential streets. In response, highways officers assured that the council would monitor the parking situation throughout the construction phase and after completion, with the ability to impose restrictions if necessary.

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