Trust Board gives green light for Springfield Hospital planning appeals

Published Date: 30 June 2011

The Board of South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust today agreed to appeal against Wandsworth Council's decision to refuse consent for the Trust's revised planning applications for the redevelopment of the Springfield Hospital site.

Kim Goddard, Director of Nursing & Operations at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, said: 

"The Trust's decision to appeal is based, above all, on our duty of care to the people we serve.  It is our overriding responsibility to ensure that patients are cared for in modern, purpose-built facilities which will best aid their recovery.

"For this reason, no change on the Springfield Hospital site is simply not an option.

"We are absolutely committed to improving facilities for patients.  We know -both from clinical evidence and the regular feedback of patients and carers - that an environment of safety, privacy and dignity is integral to effective care and recovery."

The Springfield Hospital site has been in urgent need of development for many years.  In addition to maintenance costs, the Trust carries out significant refurbishment work every year simply to ensure the minimum NHS standards for patient accommodation.  The age and layout of most of the buildings mean that this work can only be a short-term solution.

The Trust's proposals for the site - significantly revised from its first planning application following engagement with the patients, local residents and other stakeholders - incorporate a range of community benefits, with a particular focus on local health and well-being.  These include supported housing for older people and those with learning disabilities, a primary school and a range of sports and leisure facilities accessible to all local people.

Notes to editors:

1. The Trust is appealing against Wandsworth Planning Applications Committee's refusal of consent for the following:

2010/3703:  planning application for the redevelopment of the Springfield Hospital site (December 2010)

2010/3706:  the related listed building consent application (February 2011)

2. Mental health services have been provided at Springfield Hospital since 1841.  The hospital became part of the NHS in 1948 and the site continued to be developed up to 2005 when the Phoenix Unit (providing rehabilitation services) opened.

A masterplan for the site was approved by the Trust Board in 2006, leading to the opening of the Wandsworth Recovery Centre in 2009, the first of a new generation of acute in-patient buildings.  When Wandsworth Planning Committee gave consent for this building, it was made clear that no further consents would be granted on the Springfield Hospital site until there was outline consent for the redevelopment of the entire site.

3. A planning application was submitted, but refused in March 2009.  Following a period of public engagement, the Trust developed an alternative plan which sought to address the reasons given for refusal of its first application.  Despite the recommendation of Wandsworth Council Officers to approve the plan, this second application was refused in December 2010.  It is this decision which the Trust is now appealing together with the refusal of the related listed building consent.