Consultation on future of Townsend House
We would like to hear your views on a proposal to close - Townsend House, a residential care home in Headington, Oxford. No decision has been made, and we will carefully consider all the feedback received during this consultation.
Residents of, Townsend House their families, staff, and the general public can comment on the proposals. This will be assessed and a report published which will then be considered by Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet for decision in December 2026.
This consultation is being carried out by Oxfordshire County Council and The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), which provides care at Townsend House on behalf of the Oxfordshire Care Partnership (OCP).
Please read the consultation document before having your say. You may also find the supporting documents and Frequently Asked Questions on this page useful.
Introduction
The council, working with OCP, has been reviewing how care home services can best meet people’s needs now and in the future. The review found that demand for residential places at Townsend House has reduced over time. This means there are more empty places.
At the time of the review 25 per cent of the places at Townsend House were empty. Under the council’s current contract with OCP, the council continues to pay for places whether they are used or not. The council needs to consider whether this is the best use of public money.
The proposal is to close Townsend House. No decision will be made about the future of Townsend House until the feedback from the consultation has been reviewed and considered by cabinet. We understand that Townsend House is an important part of the community. Some residents have built friendships and local links over many years.
Through this consultation, the council and OSJCT want to understand what this proposal could mean for residents, families, carers, friends and the local community. The wellbeing, dignity and safety of residents are the council's and OSJCT’s highest priority throughout the process.
Residents will be offered reassurance, practical support and communication support at face-to-face consultation meetings. Townsend House staff will also be available to support residents, families and friends.
The council’s customer service team and adult social care locality teams have been briefed and are ready to support people if needed.
There is another proposal to close a second care home called Henry Cornish Care Centre, in Chipping Norton, as part of the review of care provision. There is a separate consultation for this proposal.
Thank you for taking the time to have your say.
No decision will be made about the future of Townsend House until the feedback from the consultation has been reviewed and considered by Cabinet.
