Mission Care engaged the local community comprehensively ahead of submitting Application 1 and is aware that the request to reduce the height of the building is something which has been tabled by objectors. Following the Judicial Review process, Mission Care resubmitted the proposals for determination by Southwark Council – Application 2, which was materially the same as Application 1, but in the background has been undertaking technical work to find a way to reduce the massing of the building and maintain the project’s viability.

It has always been Mission Care’s priority to deliver a high-quality and specialist care facility. The team has carefully reviewed how best to deliver this, which has been an exercise in balancing; maintaining the highest quality of care, with optimising bed numbers to ensure viability.

Mission Care is now able to present proposals with the fourth floor removed almost in its entirety with just a small fourth storey lift pop up remaining at this level.

To account for the removal of the fourth floor, the home will instead provide an extended basement floor compared to that proposed previously. Care homes of 65 – 75 beds are considered the most viable size, balancing high-quality care with economic sustainability. The inclusion of a basement floor and internal reconfiguration has sought to ensure that the number of bedspaces provided is as close to this size as possible.

The removal of the fourth floor also responds to one of the key concerns raised by the community. The viability of the scheme has been a key consideration in the removal of the fourth floor. Following significant work behind the scenes, this is now possible due to the extension of the basement floor.

Mission Care is committed to being a good neighbour. Should planning permission be granted and the redevelopment go ahead, we will be a long-term resident of Love Walk and would like to work alongside the community to ensure that the home not only meets the needs of its residents but also positively contributes to the local area.