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Weekly updates

Pierluigi's Licence Under Review, Croydon Rd Demolition & More

This week in Bromley:

Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca Faces Licence Scrutiny Amidst Noise Complaints

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to review a new premises licence application for Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca, a restaurant located at 86 - 90 High Street, Beckenham. The meeting was scheduled to take place on Monday 23 June 2025.

  • Extensive History of Issues: The restaurant has a history of licensing issues, including breaches of Covid restrictions, noise complaints, and operating in breach of its existing premises licence.
  • Objections: The Metropolitan Police, the Planning Authority, the Statutory Nuisance & Anti-Social Behaviour Team, Licensing as a Responsible Authority, two ward councillors, three local residents and a local residents association all objected to the application.
  • Police Concerns: The Metropolitan Police cited concerns about public nuisance and previous breaches of Covid restrictions. They also reported that the management's attitude was dismissive about a male's intoxication levels following an allegation that he had been assaulted at the venue, and that the premises did not have a refusals log in place, which was a breach of their licensing conditions.
  • Resident Concerns: Residents raised concerns about public nuisance, late-night disturbances, unsuitability of the venue, unsafe parking, and the impact on community well-being.
  • Support: Thirteen representations were received supporting the application, with supporters noting that Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca brought life to Beckenham High Street, attracted new clientele, boosted the local economy, and provided a high-quality dining experience.

The Licensing Sub-Committee had the option to grant the licence with or without additional conditions, exclude certain licensable activities, refuse to specify a premises supervisor, or reject the application.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting

LA Sports Club Seeks Licence Variation Amidst Resident Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee also met on Monday 23 June 2025 to consider an application to vary the premises licence for LA Sports Club, St Dunstan's Lane, Beckenham.

  • Proposed Changes: The applicant, Langley Annexe Limited, sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol and opening hours.
  • Objections: The council received 40 valid objections, including one from the Park Langley Residents' Association. Concerns raised included potential public nuisance, increased traffic and parking issues, and the impact on vulnerable adults and children.
  • No Objections from Councillors or Authorities: Ward councillors were notified of the application, but no objections were received from them. Responsible authorities were also notified, and no valid objections were received from them.
  • Removal of Conditions: Langley Annexe Limited also requested the removal of several conditions from the current licence, arguing that they duplicated existing conditions or were unnecessary, vague, or contradictory.

The Licensing Sub-Committee had the option to grant the variation, grant it with additional conditions, exclude licensable activities, or reject the application.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting

Executive to Review Emergency Demolition of Dangerous Structure in Croydon Road

The Executive was scheduled to review the emergency demolition of buildings at 164, 166 and 168 Croydon Road, SE20 7YZ, including the former Mitre public house. The meeting was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 25 June 2025.

  • Dangerous Structure: The buildings were declared a dangerous structure under Section 78 of the Building Act 1984, following a structural engineer's survey on 6 June 2025.
  • Emergency Demolition: Due to the risk of imminent collapse, emergency demolition was implemented, leading to a temporary road closure and displacement of local residents and businesses.
  • Financial Implications: The Executive was asked to note the potential spend authorised by Chief Officers due to the emergency nature of the works, and to approve the revenue costs to be drawn down from the 2025/26 central contingency sum until costs are recovered.

Link to the Executive Meeting

Health and Wellbeing Board to Discuss Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, and Suicide Prevention Strategies

The Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 June 2025 to discuss several key strategies aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Bromley residents.

  • Bromley Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-30: The strategy aims to address unequal access to services, barriers to access, the need for early intervention, and improved outcomes for young people transitioning into adult services.
  • Learning Disabilities Strategy 2025 – 2030: The strategy focuses on being positively prepared for adulthood, community inclusion, healthy living, suitable housing, and learning, work, and independence.
  • South East London Sexual Health Strategy 2025-2030: The strategy outlines four themes: healthy and fulfilling sexual relationships, improving reproductive health, reducing the rates of sexually transmitted infections, and preventing and living well with HIV.
  • Bromley Suicide Prevention Plan 2025-30: The plan sets out Bromley's local approach to reducing suicide and self-harm, supporting those affected, and building a more compassionate community.

Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board Meeting

Plans Sub-Committee to Review Former Civic Centre Conversion and Chelsfield Station Parcel Locker

The Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 was scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 June 2025 to discuss planning applications, including the proposed conversion of two buildings at the former Bromley Civic Centre and a retrospective application for an InPost parcel locker at Chelsfield Station Car Park.

  • Former Bromley Civic Centre: The committee was scheduled to consider two applications relating to the former Bromley Civic Centre, seeking prior approval for the change of use from office to residential. The officer's report recommends that prior approval is refused for both applications.
  • Chelsfield Station Car Park: The committee was scheduled to discuss a retrospective application for the siting of an InPost parcel locker at Chelsfield Station Car Park. The planning officer is recommending that it be refused.

Link to the Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 Meeting

Other Matters

  • Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee: The Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss the treasury management annual performance, forward work programme, and upcoming key decisions. Link to the Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee Meeting
  • Information Briefings: The Health and Wellbeing Board was expected to be informed of the statutory 60-day consultation for the next iteration of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA), and to note the performance against Better Care Fund (BCF) metrics and the finance update for the period January to March 2025. Link to the Information Briefings
  • Chief Executive Annual Review Panel: The Chief Executive Annual Review Panel was scheduled to meet to appoint a chair and then to review the performance of the Chief Executive. Link to the Chief Executive Annual Review Panel Meeting
  • Executive: The Executive was asked to approve a draft of the Bromley Local Plan Review Direction of Travel consultation document, subject to any further minor amendments and formatting changes, and to consider the adoption of five Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan documents. Link to the Executive Meeting

Upcoming Meetings

Bromley: Mental Health Strategy Approved, Budget Overspend Reported

This week in Bromley:

Mental Health and Learning Disability Strategies Approved

The Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee approved the Bromley Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-30 and the Bromley Integrated Learning Disability Strategy at their meeting on June 19th. 1

  • Mental Health Strategy: The strategy focuses on early intervention, supporting young people, improving transitions between services, and enhancing outcomes for those with long-term challenges and older adults with dementia.
  • Learning Disability Strategy: This strategy aims to empower individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives through community support, health initiatives, suitable housing, and opportunities for learning and employment.

The committee also reviewed a budget overspend of £5.485 million in the Adult Care and Health Portfolio for 2024/25, mainly due to high costs of care packages and mental health services.

The committee supported contract variations for BromleyWell, reducing the value of dementia respite at home, and for the Community Substance Misuse Service, increasing capacity for criminal justice treatment and aftercare.

Link to the Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee Meeting

Financial Rule Changes Proposed Amidst Budget Concerns

The General Purposes and Licensing Committee reviewed and recommended updated financial regulations and contract procedure rules to the full council for approval. 2

  • Financial Regulations: Key changes include increased approval levels for budget transfers (virements) and revised procedures for capital projects.
  • Contract Procedure Rules: The updated rules aim for greater clarity in procurement processes and alignment with current regulations.

These changes come as the Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee reported a £5.485 million overspend, highlighting the need for careful financial management.

Link to the General Purposes and Licensing Committee Meeting

Religious Education Review and Funding Uncertainties

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) agreed to revise the current Bromley Agreed Syllabus at their meeting on June 18th. 3

  • Agreed Syllabus Conference: The council voted to revise the current Agreed Syllabus, with the aim of ensuring RE is based around meaningful questions and inter-faith dialogue.
  • National Updates: The SACRE RE Adviser highlighted concerns that RE is not currently part of the national curriculum, and that fewer than 1/5 schools were compliant at secondary level in providing core RE for every pupil as well as the option of taking RE GCSE, and for those that were, it was usually sub-standard.

Funding for SACRE is uncertain beyond the current academic year due to reduced central government funding to the Local Authority. A member noted that the SACRE was a statutory body that the Local Authority was required to have and should therefore be funded.

Link to the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education Meeting

Other Matters

  1. The Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee is responsible for scrutinising and developing policies related to adult care and health services in Bromley. ↩

  2. The General Purposes and Licensing Committee is responsible for overseeing a range of council functions, including financial regulations, contract procedures, and licensing matters. ↩

  3. The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) advises the council on matters related to religious education in schools. ↩

  4. Assistive Technology includes items like wheelchairs, hearing aids, and computer software that help people with disabilities perform tasks and participate in daily life. ↩

Bromley Council: Pension Board Postponed, Health & Wellbeing Update

This week, the Bromley Council had a relatively quiet schedule with two meetings, one of which was postponed, and the other without an available transcript.

Local Pension Board Meeting: Postponed

The Local Pension Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 25 June 2024, was postponed. You can find more details about the meeting here.

Health and Wellbeing Board Meeting

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, 27 June 2024. Unfortunately, no video or transcript of this meeting has been provided. For more information, you can visit the meeting page here.

Understanding Bromley Council Meetings

For those who are new to following Bromley Council's activities, here's a brief overview of the two types of meetings mentioned:

Local Pension Board

The Local Pension Board is responsible for assisting the council in ensuring the administration of the pension scheme is efficient and compliant with regulations. This board typically reviews the performance of the pension fund, addresses issues related to pension administration, and ensures transparency and good governance.

Health and Wellbeing Board

The Health and Wellbeing Board aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Bromley residents. It brings together leaders from the local health and care system to work collaboratively on strategies and initiatives that address public health challenges, reduce health inequalities, and promote integrated care services.

How Local Government Works

Local councils in the UK, such as Bromley Council, are responsible for providing a range of services to their communities. These include education, transport, planning, fire and public safety, social care, libraries, waste management, and trading standards. Councils are composed of elected councillors who make decisions on behalf of the local community.

Committees and Boards

Councils operate through various committees and boards, each focusing on specific areas of local governance. For example:

  • Planning Committees oversee local development and ensure it aligns with planning policies.
  • Finance Committees manage the council's budget and financial policies.
  • Health and Wellbeing Boards focus on public health and social care.

Get Involved

Residents are encouraged to get involved by attending council meetings, participating in consultations, or contacting their local councillors with concerns and suggestions. Engaging with local governance helps ensure that the community's needs and priorities are addressed.

Stay tuned for more updates on Bromley Council's activities and decisions in future emails.

Recent meetings
Standards Committee

Standards Committee - Tuesday 1 July 2025 7.00 pm

The Standards Committee of Bromley Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 1 July 2025. The agenda includes a discussion with the chief executive about ethical standards, and a review of the monitoring officer's general report, which covers dispensations, gifts and hospitality, the committee's work programme, standards complaints, and government consultations on standards and remote voting. The committee will also be asked to appoint a chairman and vice-chairman.

July 01, 2025
Bromley Economic Partnership

Bromley Economic Partnership - Tuesday 1 July 2025 4.00 pm

The Bromley Economic Partnership is scheduled to meet on 1 July 2025, to discuss the Openreach Bromley gigabit rollout, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and an update from the Economic Development Service. Partner organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Your Bromley BID are also expected to provide updates.

July 01, 2025
Information Briefings

HWB Information Briefing, Information Briefings - Thursday 26 June 2025 1.30 pm

The Bromley Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 June 2025 to discuss the Better Care Fund performance and a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment consultation. These briefings will only be debated if a member of the committee requests a discussion, informing the Clerk 24 hours in advance about the aspects they wish to discuss.

June 26, 2025
Health and Wellbeing Board

Health and Wellbeing Board - Thursday 26 June 2025 1.30 pm

The Bromley Health and Wellbeing Board are scheduled to meet to discuss the Bromley Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the Bromley Learning Disabilities Strategy, the South East London Sexual Health Strategy, and the Bromley Suicide Prevention Plan. Also to be discussed is the implementation of neighbourhood working in Bromley.

June 26, 2025
Plans Sub-Committee No. 1

Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 - Thursday 26 June 2025 7.00 pm

The Bromley Council Plans Sub-Committee No. 1 is scheduled to meet on 26 June 2025 to discuss several planning applications, including the proposed conversion of two buildings at the former Bromley Civic Centre and a retrospective application for an InPost parcel locker at Chelsfield Station Car Park.

June 26, 2025
Chief Executive Annual Review Panel

Chief Executive Annual Review Panel - Wednesday 25 June 2025 5.00 pm

The Chief Executive Annual Review Panel is scheduled to meet to appoint a chair and then to review the performance of the Chief Executive. The public and press may be excluded from the meeting during the review of the Chief Executive.

June 25, 2025
Executive

Executive - Wednesday 25 June 2025 7.00 pm

Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Bromley Council Executive meeting on Wednesday 25 June 2025.

June 25, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Monday 23 June 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee, consisting of Councillors Nicholas Bennett J.P., Christine Harris and Pauline Tunnicliffe, was scheduled to convene to address a single agenda item: a new premises licence application for Pierluigi's Pasta Fresca, located at 86 - 90 High Street, Beckenham BR3 1ED. Objections to the application, detailed in reports from the Director of Environmental Services, were also to be considered.

June 23, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Monday 23 June 2025 2.00 pm

The Licensing Sub-Committee of Bromley Council met to consider an application to vary the premises licence for LA Sports Club, St Dunstan's Lane, Beckenham. Objections to the application were included in the report of the Director of Environmental Services.

June 23, 2025
Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee

Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee - Monday 23 June 2025 7.00 pm

The Executive, Resources and Contracts Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss the treasury management annual performance, forward work programme, and upcoming key decisions. The committee was also scheduled to conduct pre-decision scrutiny of several executive reports. Some of the items, particularly those concerning contracts, were expected to be considered in the public part of the meetings, with exempt material considered during confidential proceedings.

June 23, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee

Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Thursday 3 July 2025 5.00 pm

July 03, 2025
Council

Council - Monday 7 July 2025 7.00 pm

July 07, 2025
Schools' Forum

Schools Forum - Thursday 10 July 2025 4.30 pm

July 10, 2025