Charity Commission number 213912
BPC owns 6 almshouses in Beckenham and has a long lease on 3 bungalows in West Wickham
The Rawlins almshouses, adjacent to St George's Parish Church on Bromley Road, Beckenham, are a terrace of 3 units dating from 1694. They have subsequently been extended and altered to each provide a small living room, kitchen and shower room at ground floor level and a single bedroom plus WC on the first floor accessed via a narrow staircase. There is a small communal garden to the rear with 3 storage sheds. There is no provision for parking. Residency is available to people of limited financial means who are inhabitants of Beckenham and Penge, with a preference for widows.
The Bertie almshouses further along Bromley Road are units constructed in the 1890s and subsequently modified to provide 2 maisonettes at ground floor level comprising a small living room, single bedroom, kitchen and shower room. The first floor has been converted to provide a third unit comprising a living room, separate WC, kitchen, bedroom and en- suite shower room. This flat is accessed via an external stair with a stair lift. There are small communal gardens to the front and rear but no provision for car parking. The residents of the Bertie almshouses are to be people of limited financial means who are resident in Beckenham and Penge.
The 3 Glebe almshouses are on a Housing Association estate and are modern bungalows constructed in 1995 each comprising a living room with patio doors onto a small rear garden, a bedroom, kitchen and shower room. There are parking spaces to the front of the properties. Residency is available to people over the age of 60 of limited financial means who are inhabitants of Beckenham or Penge, with a preference for widows.
The Trustees of BPC appoint residents for the almshouses and are responsible for the maintenance of the properties. The occupants are required to contribute a weekly maintenance charge.
When vacancies arise , they are advertised locally and through local churches. Places are awarded on the basis of need and at the total discretion of the Trustees.
It is emphasised that all residents must be able to live independently - they must be able to cook, clean and shop for themselves. No care facilities are provided.
The Application Process
Any persons who may wish to register their interest in any of the properties should write to the Clerk to the Trustees or email via the Contact Us section of this website. They will then be contacted as and when any vacancies occur to check whether they still wish to be considered.
All applicants are required to complete an application form, which requires details of their personal and financial situation, and provide references. A copy of the application form may be downloaded from the website below.
If they are found to comply with the conditions of the charity, they will be invited to view the property that is available to check that it is suitable for their needs. Thereafter an interview is held with 3-4 Trustees, following which, the Trustees will award the benefit of the property to the chosen candidate.
To download the application form please click on the button below-
