Key Points
- Anchor has received planning permission from Newham Council to extend Cardamom Court, its extra care housing development in east London.
- The extension will add 32 new homes to Cardamom Court, with all new and replaced homes let at 100% social rent.
- Cardamom Court, built in the 1990s, currently has 38 homes for older people; the redevelopment will increase the total homes to 70.
- The redevelopment retains the main housing block but replaces the existing day care centre with a new extension of 34 one-bedroom apartments.
- New homes will feature dual aspect designs with private balconies or terraces; 10% will be wheelchair accessible.
- The design by PRP architects includes a green roof with photovoltaics and a new 1.5-storey entrance overlooking a courtyard.
- Anchor is the largest non-profit provider of later living housing in England with 65,000 residents.
- In June 2025, Anchor was found non-compliant with regulatory governance standards and given a G3 governance rating.
- Sarah Jones stood down as Anchor’s chief executive in June 2025, with CFO Amanda Holgate appointed interim CEO.
- Rachael Shimmin, current chief executive at Buckinghamshire County Council, will become Anchor’s permanent CEO in January 2026.
What is the scope of Anchor’s extended care housing project in east London?
Anchor has secured planning approval from Newham Council to extend its extra care housing development known as Cardamom Court, located in Ilford on the borough’s eastern edge. Cardamom Court, originally built in the 1990s, currently provides 38 homes for older people. The approved redevelopment plan involves retaining the main extra care housing block but demolishing the existing single-storey day care centre to make way for a new four-storey extension comprising 34 additional one-bedroom apartments. Although the number of homes in the existing buildings will decrease slightly from 38 to 36 (due to replacement of three units), the overall number of dwellings will increase to 70.
All new and replacement homes will be offered at social rent, set at 100% affordability, meeting a crucial need for affordable later living options in London. The homes are designed to be dual aspect, with either private balconies or terraces included. Importantly, one in ten of the units will be wheelchair accessible to accommodate residents with mobility challenges. The development will also feature landscaped communal spaces, improving the quality of life for residents.​
How will the new development be designed to meet residents’ needs and sustainability goals?
PRP Architects, who designed the extension, emphasise a thoughtful approach to community and context. Mary Hutchison, PRP’s associate director, highlighted that the project shows how existing sites can be better utilised to deliver much-needed affordable housing for older Londoners. She noted that rather than demolishing and rebuilding completely, the extension will blend well with the existing structures, offering “brilliant spaces” for both new and existing residents to enjoy.
The development will also incorporate sustainability features including a green roof equipped with photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy. The scheme includes a new 1.5-storey entrance area with direct views to the central courtyard, enhancing light and community interaction. Nick Hodgskin, Anchor’s head of regeneration, emphasised Anchor’s commitment to creating homes where older people can “enjoy later life to the fullest,” citing Cardamom Court as a strong example of a thoughtfully designed community.​
What is Anchor’s broader role in social and extra care housing in England?
Anchor is England’s largest non-profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, serving approximately 65,000 residents across nearly 55,000 homes nationwide. Its housing with extra care schemes offer tailored support alongside high-quality living environments, with onsite facilities such as communal lounges, therapy rooms, cafes, and gardens depending on the location.
These developments provide residents with 24-hour onsite support, emergency call systems, and a range of personalised services designed to promote independence, dignity, and community involvement. The majority of Anchor’s homes are rented on assured tenancies, providing security and affordability, making these solutions vital for the ageing population.​
What governance challenges has Anchor faced recently, and how is leadership evolving?
In June 2025, the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) judged Anchor to be non-compliant with governance standards, downgrading the organisation to a G3 governance rating following an investigation. This regulatory action noted failures relating to the accuracy of data monitoring and health and safety compliance reporting. The finding followed an earlier consumer standards downgrade to a C3 rating due to safety failings. The governance issues indicated serious challenges in internal processes and controls.
Coinciding with these regulatory developments, Anchor’s chief executive Sarah Jones stepped down in June 2025 after three years in the role. The Board appointed the chief financial officer Amanda Holgate as interim CEO during the search for a permanent successor. Recently, Anchor announced that Rachael Shimmin, OBE, currently chief executive at Buckinghamshire County Council, will assume the permanent CEO position in January 2026. Christopher Kemball, Chair of Anchor, expressed confidence in Shimmin’s expertise in health and social care and leadership capabilities to drive improvements.
Why is this extension important for the local community in Newham and London?
The extension of Cardamom Court addresses a growing shortage of affordable extra care housing suitable for older people in London, particularly in the Newham borough. As the capital’s population ages, demand for homes that combine independence with tailored care and community support is increasing. By delivering 32 additional social rent homes specifically designed for older residents, the development supports the borough’s aim to provide inclusive, age-friendly housing options.
The provision of wheelchair accessible units and high-quality communal spaces improves accessibility and social wellbeing, vital for reducing isolation among older populations. The sustainable design features also contribute to greening the local area. This approach aligns with wider London and UK government policies to increase the supply of affordable extra care housing and support ageing in place.
