New Malden NHS site faces demolition for 92 flats

Plans to demolish old NHS buildings in South London to make way for 92 new flats have been recommended for approval by local council officers. The proposals involve the transformation of a section of the derelict Rose Lodge complex situated in New Malden. This site was originally deemed surplus to requirements by the NHS back in 2012.

The complex includes Rose Lodge and the Roseland Resource Centre, both of which shut down in 2013. More than a decade ago, South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust sold the properties to developer KK Investment Ltd in 2014. The buildings are currently utilized as houses in multiple occupation. Under the new recommendations brought forward by Kingston Council officers, the structures would be completely demolished to clear the land.

In place of the current buildings, the developer plans to construct two linked blocks reaching up to eight storeys tall. The scheme would deliver 92 flats alongside a 32-space basement car park. However, the proposals do not include any affordable housing allocation whatsoever. Independent financial assessments commissioned for the developer concluded that including affordable homes would render the entire project unviable.

Planning documents indicate that the development will optimize housing output on brownfield land within an emerging residential corridor. The report said that the project fits in with the local context regarding height, mass, orientation, and visual appearance while delivering a strong mix of family housing and accessibility standards. Officials noted that Kingston is currently experiencing an acute housing shortfall and that any adverse effects of the development are limited and do not outweigh the substantial public and planning benefits delivered. Kingston's planning committee will meet to decide on the application on November 11.