Plans to transfer eight Derbyshire County Council-run care homes to a private provider have collapsed, following the breakdown of negotiations with a prospective buyer.
Derbyshire County Council confirmed that talks to sell the eight homes “as going concerns” have ended without agreement, meaning the proposed sale will not go ahead.
Councillor Joss Barnes, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, said council officers and staff had worked hard to secure a deal but were unable to reach a positive conclusion. She acknowledged the impact the decision will have on residents, families and staff.
“I know this will be extremely upsetting news for all our residents and their families, as well as our hard-working care colleagues,” she said. “We are extremely sorry that this hasn’t worked out as we’d hoped and planned for.”
Which care homes were involved
The eight care homes affected by the failed sale are located outside Ilkeston and are:
Briar Close (Borrowash) Castle Court (Swadlincote) The Grange (Eckington) Lacemaker Court (Long Eaton) The Leys (Ashbourne) New Bassett House (Shirebrook) Rowthorne (Swanwick) Thomas Colledge House (Bolsover)
These homes were earmarked for sale following a council decision in November 2024 as part of a wider redesign of adult social care services.
Is Ilkeston affected?
No – Ilkeston is not directly affected by this latest development.
Bennerley Fields care home in Ilkeston was not included in the sale process. This is because the council had already agreed a change of purpose for the site as part of earlier decisions.
Rather than operating as a long-term residential care home, Bennerley Fields was repurposed to provide short-term assessment, reablement and community support beds, aimed at helping people recover after hospital stays and regain independence.
As a result, Bennerley Fields was never part of the proposed sale, and the collapse of negotiations does not change its current role or plans.
What happens next
With the sale now abandoned, Derbyshire County Council says its priority is to support residents living in the affected homes to find suitable alternative accommodation, while also supporting staff through the transition.
The council says it will continue working with residents, families and care workers to minimise disruption and ensure care needs are met.
Meanwhile, Ada Belfield care home in Belper remains on the market under a separate process. The council is seeking a leaseholder for the site while retaining ownership of the building.