Hammerson House urges local council to axe ‘isolating’ new parking restrictions
All-day regulations make it 'virtually impossible' for staff, visitors and family to park anywhere near the Jewish residential care home
Nightingale Hammerson is calling on the MP and local councillors in Hampstead to urgently review new parking restrictions affecting Hammerson House, with family members of those in the Jewish care home describing “distress for residents and practical problems for staff and emergency access.”
The changes, affecting The Bishop’s Avenue, where the care home is situated, were introduced by the council in response to heavy construction traffic, following lobbying by some local residents in the large houses occupying the road, also known as Billionaire’s Row. However, the changes have had severe unintended consequences for residents, visitors, volunteers, and staff of the residential home in north west London.
A recent survey of 194 respondents revealed overwhelming concern about the restrictions and their damaging impact on well-being and community engagement.
98.9% of respondents support removing or relaxing the restrictions, whilst
the vast majority reported significant negative effects, including reduced family visits, volunteer participation, and staff access.
One wrote: “We can’t park and go to visit our ageing, dying mum – it’s terrible enough, but the parking makes visiting so much harder than it should be.”
Another added: “Volunteers and relatives are struggling to park anywhere near Hammerson House. Many of our visitors are older themselves. This is causing distress for residents and practical problems for staff and emergency access.”
The new all-day parking restrictions, introduced as a response to ongoing large scale construction, now make it virtually impossible to park anywhere near the home, despite The Bishops Avenue being a wide road with low residential density and ample driveways.
The result, according to Nightingale Hammerson, the charity formed in 2012 after a merger between Hammerson House and the Nightingale Jewish residential home in Clapham, has been increased isolation for residents and difficulty recruiting and retaining care staff — all of which has the potential to undermine the quality of care and well-being that Hammerson House strives to provide.
Nightingale Hammerson is urging the council to reconsider its approach and implement a more balanced solution — such as limited-time parking, resident permits, or partial-day restrictions — that ensures safety without cutting off vital access for care home residents and their families.
Nightingale Hammerson chief executive Jenny Pattinson said: “Our residents’ well-being depends on connection — with their families, volunteers, and the local community. These restrictions have unintentionally isolated some of the most vulnerable people in our society. We are appealing to the council and local MP to work with us urgently to find a compassionate, practical solution.”
Jewish News has contacted Tulip Siddiq (MP for Hampstead and Highgate) , Minister of State Sarah Sackman (MP for Finchley and Golders Green) and local Councillor Rohit Grover for comment.
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