Greenwich Council's Cabinet convened on 19 November 2025, addressing key issues such as the future of the Woolwich Waterfront Leisure Centre site, school place planning, leaseholder repayment options, and the adoption of a revised Statement of Licensing Policy. The Cabinet approved a plan for the demolition of the Woolwich Waterfront Leisure Centre and the selection of a residential development partner, as well as a school place planning and capital programme. Councillors also agreed to changes to leaseholder repayment options and recommended a draft local plan for public consultation.

Draft Local Plan Consultation

The Cabinet recommended to the full council that it approve the draft Local Plan and draft Integrated Impact Assessment for public consultation. The Local Plan is a crucial document that will guide development and planning decisions in the borough for years to come. It sets out the council's vision for the future of Greenwich, including policies on housing, transport, employment, and the environment.

Future of Woolwich Waterfront Leisure Centre Site

The Cabinet agreed to procure a demolition contractor for the Woolwich Waterfront Leisure Centre site and to select a residential developer partner for the site. The Chief Officer (Interim Director Place and Growth) has been delegated authority to manage the procurement and enter into agreements for both the demolition and the residential development. The council also approved a budget to cover the costs of demolition, security, and other related expenditures.

Appendix B of the Future of the Woolwich Waterfront Leisure Centre Site report, containing financial or business information, was marked as exempt from publication.

School Place Planning and Capital Programme

The Cabinet addressed the growing demand for school places in the borough, agreeing to a plan to manage projected trends from 2025/26 and beyond. They noted the increasing need for specialist places for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

A key decision was the agreement to use the former Gallions Mount Primary School site on Purrett Road for the development of the primary phase of Rowan Wood School, a new SEND all-through free school. The Director of Place and Growth has been delegated authority to negotiate the terms for transferring the site to Compass Partnership of Schools under a 125-year academy lease.

The Cabinet also delegated authority to the Director of Place and Growth, Director of Legal and Democratic Services, Director of Children’s Services, and Director of Health and Adult Services to negotiate and agree the terms for the new Transition Learning Centre (TLC) for young people aged 19–25 at Bexley Road.

Additionally, subject to the Secretary of State's approval, the Director of Place and Growth has been authorised to negotiate a land swap relating to the former Children’s Centre and vacant premises manager’s house at Greenacres Primary School with Maritime Academy Trust.

Leaseholder Repayment Options

The Cabinet agreed to changes to leaseholder repayment options for capital major works. For resident leaseholders, a stepped repayment period based on the value of the invoice will be offered, with a two-year interest-free period from the commencement of charges. Non-resident leaseholders will also have a stepped repayment period, but without an interest-free period. All leaseholders will be offered a 5% discount for paying capital major works invoices in full within the first year. Interest rates will be linked to the lease provisions or the Public Works Loan Board interest rate. Repayment terms for annual revenue service charges will remain unchanged, with 10 months for resident and 4 months for non-resident leaseholders. Late payment charges will be applied to outstanding annual revenue service charges. Councillor Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member Housing Management, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, was requested to review the approved policy in practice and report back in 12-18 months.

Licensing Act 2003 - Adoption of Revised Statement of Licensing Policy

The Cabinet considered and commended to Full Council the revised Royal Borough of Greenwich Statement of Licensing Policy in respect of the Licensing Act 2003.

DG Cities Annual Plan

The Cabinet approved the DG Cities Annual Plan 2024-25.

Strategic Risk Register

The Cabinet noted the council’s updated Strategic Risk Register, which had been presented to the Audit & Risk Management Panel on 3 September 2025. The register will also be presented to the Full Council for noting.