This week in Greenwich:

Council Leaders' Salaries Set to Be Agreed Amidst Cost of Living Pressures

The General Purposes Committee met on Wednesday 27 May 2026 to discuss the salary ranges for key Chief Officer posts, aligning with the Council's Pay Policy Statement for 2026/2027. This decision has significant implications for how the council attracts and retains senior leadership, particularly as residents grapple with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The committee was asked to agree salary ranges for several critical roles:

• Assistant Director of Public Health / Consultant in Public Health: Proposed at Chief Officer Grade D, with a salary range of £96,049 - £107,175. This role is vital for leading initiatives to improve the health and well-being of all Greenwich residents.
• Senior Assistant Director Health and Adult Services: Proposed at Chief Officer Grade B, with a salary range of £123,290 - £135,409. This position is responsible for the strategic direction of adult social care, a service that directly supports some of the borough's most vulnerable individuals.
• Chief Executive: Proposed at Chief Officer Grade CE, with a salary range of £228,717– £238,423. This is the council's most senior administrative role, responsible for overall strategic leadership and management.
• Assistant Director (Planning and Building Control) Chief Planning Officer: Proposed at Chief Officer Grade C, with a salary range of £108,409–£119,536. This role is crucial for overseeing the development and building control services that shape the borough's physical landscape.

The report highlighted that these proposed salary ranges, including oncosts, were estimated to be: Grade D £127,955 - £142,864; Grade C £144,517 – £159,428; Grade B £164,458 - £180,697; and Grade CE £305,730 - £318,722. The aim is to ensure the council remains competitive in attracting and retaining high-calibre Chief Officers, in line with the Localism Act 2011.

• Impact: The salaries agreed for these senior roles directly affect the council's budget and its ability to attract experienced leaders who can effectively manage vital public services. For residents, this means ensuring that these roles are filled by individuals capable of delivering the best possible outcomes for the borough, especially for those relying on health and adult social care services.
• Stakes: In a time of economic uncertainty, decisions about senior pay are closely scrutinised. The council must balance the need for competitive salaries to secure essential expertise with the responsibility to manage public funds prudently and consider the financial pressures faced by residents.

You can find more details about the General Purposes Committee meeting here: General Purposes Committee meeting on 27 May 2026.

New Mayor and Council Leadership Confirmed for the Year Ahead

The Council Annual Meeting on Wednesday 27 May 2026 marked a significant transition, with Councillor David Gardiner elected as the new Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Councillor Anthony Okereke re-elected as Leader of the Council. This meeting sets the tone and direction for the council's work over the next municipal year.

Key Appointments and Committee Structures

• Mayor and Deputy Mayor: Councillor David Gardiner took on the role of Mayor, with Councillor Raja Zeeshan appointed as Deputy Mayor.
• Council Leader: Councillor Anthony Okereke was re-elected as Leader, with Councillor Jackie Smith appointed as Deputy Leader. The full Cabinet was also noted, with portfolios assigned across key areas such as Housing, Finance, Health, and Children's Services.
• Committees Established: The meeting saw the establishment of various member-level bodies for the 2026-27 municipal year, including the Audit and Risk Management Panel, Licensing Committee, and several Scrutiny Panels. The allocation of seats to political groups on these committees was agreed.
• Opposition Concerns on Scrutiny: An amendment proposed by Councillor Tamasin Rhymes, seeking to give opposition groups proportional chairs on scrutiny panels, was debated. Councillor Rhymes argued for greater balance, stating that Greenwich was an outlier in not having such proportionality. However, Councillor Anthony Okereke opposed the amendment, asserting that all members would have opportunities to participate in scrutiny. The amendment was not carried.

The council also approved the outline calendar of meetings for the upcoming year. An amendment by Councillor Matt Hartley to reinstate a June Council meeting was debated, with Councillor Okereke explaining that the meeting was cancelled due to mandatory training and that an additional meeting in September would compensate. This amendment also did not pass.

• Impact: The election of a new Mayor and the confirmation of the Council Leader and Cabinet signal continuity and a clear leadership structure for the borough. The establishment of committees and the allocation of seats are fundamental to how the council will operate and hold itself accountable.
• Stakes: The debate around the proportionality of scrutiny panel chairs highlights the ongoing discussion about how effectively opposition voices can hold the administration to account. Ensuring robust scrutiny is vital for good governance and for residents to have confidence that decisions are being made in their best interests. The decision to approve the principle of appointing Political Assistants was also made, with groups qualifying for support.

You can find more details about the Council Annual Meeting here: Council Annual Meeting on 27 May 2026.

Licensing Sub-Committees Formed for the Year Ahead

The Licensing Committee met on Wednesday 27 May 2026 to establish the Licensing Sub-Committees for the 2026/27 period and appoint councillors to serve on them. These sub-committees are crucial for handling the day-to-day licensing applications and reviews that affect businesses and residents across Greenwich.

The committee was tasked with appointing members to these sub-committees, which operate under the Licensing Act 2003. The Act mandates that councils establish a Licensing Committee, which can then form sub-committees of three members, all of whom must have received appropriate training. The agreed membership of these sub-committees will be made public on the council's website.

• Impact: The efficient functioning of these sub-committees ensures that licensing matters, from alcohol sales to entertainment venues, are handled promptly and fairly, contributing to the safety and vibrancy of the borough.
• Stakes: The appointment of councillors to these committees is a procedural step, but it underpins the council's ability to regulate businesses and ensure they operate responsibly, protecting public safety and preventing nuisance.

You can find more details about the Licensing Committee meeting here: Licensing Committee meeting on 27 May 2026.

Other matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee C meeting scheduled for Thursday 28 May 2026 was CANCELLED.

This week in Greenwich:

Top Job Interview Process Underway for Key HR Director Role

The Appointments Panel met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to discuss the interview process for the crucial role of Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development. This senior position is responsible for leading all aspects of people and organisational change within the council, aiming to ensure Greenwich has the skilled workforce needed to deliver effective services. The role requires extensive experience in leading HR and OD in a large, complex, and unionised environment, with a focus on cultural change and workforce development. The meeting involved discussions about the candidates and the process for making this key appointment.

The Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development will be a Chief Officer C grade position, reporting to the Director of Resources. Their primary responsibility will be to provide strategic leadership on all aspects of people and organisational change, focusing on attracting, recruiting, and retaining the necessary workforce for the council's future. This includes leading the development and implementation of the Workforce Strategy, overseeing organisational development, employee engagement, well-being, HR policies, and employee relations. The role also involves acting as the council's ambassador for HR & OD services and transforming the team.

Key duties outlined in the job description include:

• Providing supportive leadership and managing staff and resources effectively.
• Acting as an expert HR adviser and leading the strategic direction of operational delivery.
• Overseeing employee relations, including negotiations with trade unions.
• Championing the equalities agenda to ensure a diverse workforce and embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Managing financial planning and budgets within the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy.
• Driving innovation and entrepreneurship in service improvement and developing external partnerships.
• Ensuring compliance with council policies and employment legislation.

The person specification emphasizes the need for a Graduate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) or equivalent, with significant experience in leading HR and OD in a large, complex, and unionised environment. The ability to work collaboratively with management, employees, and trades unions is also essential, alongside evidence of successful leadership of professional teams.

• Impact: The appointment of a strong Director of HR and OD is vital for the council's ability to attract, retain, and develop its staff, which directly impacts the quality and efficiency of services delivered to residents.
• Stakes: This is a crucial leadership role that will shape the council's internal culture and its capacity to adapt to future challenges. A well-chosen candidate will be instrumental in fostering a motivated and effective workforce.

You can find more details about the Appointments Panel meeting here: Appointments Panel meeting on 23 April 2026.

Other matters

The Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday 23 April 2026. While the meeting was scheduled, detailed information about its proceedings is not yet available as the information status is pending council publication.

This week in Greenwich:

Morden Wharf Development: Affordable Housing Boosted to 20% Amidst Build-Out Concerns

The Planning Board met on Tuesday 14 April 2026, making significant decisions on the Morden Wharf development. In a move welcomed by many, revised plans for the development will now include an unconditional 20% affordable housing, a substantial increase from the previous minimum of 10%. This change, influenced by new London Plan guidance, aims to accelerate the delivery of much-needed homes. The revised offer includes a split of 68% social rent and 32% intermediate housing.

However, the meeting also highlighted concerns about the pace of construction. While the developer has committed to the 20% affordable housing, a mid-stage review of viability has been removed, and an early-stage review requires the first floor slab to be completed within 30 months to incentivise delivery. Some councillors expressed unease about the long build-out timeline, with completion potentially not until 2032, and the removal of mid and late-stage reviews, which could limit future adjustments based on market changes.

The board also approved reserve matters for the appearance, landscaping, scale, and layout of the residential buildings at Morden Wharf. This includes buildings ranging from 8 to 35 storeys. While the design incorporates active frontages and dual-aspect units, concerns were raised by councillors about the height of the towers and the use of metal cladding, with reassurances provided regarding material quality and design.

• Impact: The increased affordable housing provision will directly benefit residents seeking social rent or intermediate housing options. However, the long build-out timeline means that the full impact of the development on housing supply will be felt over several years.
• Stakes: This decision reflects the council's ongoing efforts to balance the need for new housing with ensuring a significant proportion is genuinely affordable. The concerns about build-out speed highlight the challenges in ensuring developments are delivered efficiently and benefit the community promptly.

You can find more details about the Planning Board meeting here: Planning Board meeting on 14 April 2026.

Royal Arsenal Riverside: Air Source Heat Pumps Approved Despite Noise and Heritage Concerns

Full planning permission and listed building consent have been granted for the installation of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) at Building 10, Station Way, Royal Arsenal Riverside, Woolwich. This project is a crucial step in decarbonising the existing energy centre and will support over 1,200 homes within the development. The proposals involve internal reconfigurations and external alterations, including the enlargement of openings and the fitting of louvres.

The decision was not without controversy. Historic England raised concerns about the impact on the listed building, identifying less than substantial harm. Local residents also voiced significant concerns about potential noise and vibration impacts, with one resident stating, The location is one thing, and the noise, even if it's presented as background noise, even if we accept this one, it's just like the continuity of this one, and it's not really confirmed. Environmental Health Officers noted that the initial noise impact assessment lacked sufficient evidence, leading to a condition requiring noise levels to be at least 5dB below background sound levels.

The applicant, Barclay Homes, emphasized that the ASHP system is essential for decarbonisation and will serve over 4,200 homes, complementing the existing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system. They also highlighted that the cost to residents for this upgrade is expected to be negligible, with no direct impact on service charges.

• Impact: This approval moves Greenwich closer to its net-zero carbon targets by introducing cleaner energy sources. However, residents living nearby will need to be assured that noise and vibration mitigation measures are effective.
• Stakes: The decision highlights the complex trade-offs between environmental goals and the protection of residential amenity. The rigorous conditions attached to the approval aim to ensure that the benefits of decarbonisation do not come at the unacceptable cost of residents' quality of life.

You can find more details about the Planning Board meeting here: Planning Board meeting on 14 April 2026.

Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development Appointment Shortlisted

The Appointments Panel met on Thursday 16 April 2026 to discuss the shortlist of applicants for the critical role of Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development. This senior position is responsible for leading all aspects of people and organisational change within the council, aiming to ensure Greenwich has the skilled workforce needed to deliver effective services. The role requires extensive experience in leading HR and OD in a large, complex environment, with a focus on cultural change and workforce development. The meeting involved discussions about the candidates and the process for making this key appointment.

• Impact: The appointment of a strong Director of HR and OD is vital for the council's ability to attract, retain, and develop its staff, which directly impacts the quality and efficiency of services delivered to residents.
• Stakes: This is a crucial leadership role that will shape the council's internal culture and its capacity to adapt to future challenges. A well-chosen candidate will be instrumental in fostering a motivated and effective workforce.

You can find more details about the Appointments Panel meeting here: Appointments Panel meeting on 16 April 2026.

Other matters

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel meeting scheduled for Thursday 16 April 2026 is currently pending scraping, meaning detailed information about its proceedings is not yet available.

This week in Greenwich:

HMO Decision Deferred: Parking and Kitchen Concerns Delay Planning Application

The Local Planning Committee met on Tuesday 7 April 2026, where a decision on a significant planning application for 48 Welton Road, Plumstead, London, SE18 2JF was deferred. The application sought to Sir change the use of a single-family dwelling into a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), along with extensions and loft conversions.

The deferral came about due to unresolved concerns for councillors regarding the adequacy of parking provision and the proposed kitchen facilities. Specifically, Councillor Jo van den Broek requested a daytime parking survey, noting that existing surveys were conducted overnight and did not reflect the parking pressures experienced during school drop-off and pick-up times. Councillor Patricia Greenwell also raised questions about the clarity of kitchen equipment provision and the need for additional insulation between properties.

The planning officer acknowledged that a daytime parking survey would put the application on hold without a decision. The applicant's agent, speaking on behalf of SureGuard, argued that the proposed extensions could be built under permitted development rights, meaning the physical changes could proceed regardless of the planning application's outcome. However, the committee's decision to defer highlights the importance of addressing resident concerns about parking and amenity, especially in areas with existing parking pressures.

The committee also discussed planning applications for 39 Bramblebury Road and 47 Arbroath Road, both located in Plumstead. These applications, which also sought to convert properties into six-bedroom HMOs, were recommended for approval. However, due to the Jewish holidays, the applicants and their agents were unable to attend, leading to a decision to defer these items to ensure thorough scrutiny.

• Impact: For residents near 48 Welton Road, the deferral means a delay in knowing the final outcome of the HMO application. This could lead to continued uncertainty about potential changes in the neighbourhood's character and amenity.
• Stakes: This decision underscores the council's commitment to ensuring that developments, particularly HMOs, are replicated with the needs of existing residents in mind. The focus on parking and kitchen facilities reflects the real-world impact these decisions have on the quality of life for those living nearby.

You can find more details about the Local Planning Committee meeting here: Local Planning Committee meeting on 07 April 2026.

Other matters

The Cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday 8 April 2026 was cancelled.

The Transport and Place Scrutiny Panel meeting scheduled for Thursday 9 April 2026 is currently pending council publication, meaning detailed information is not yet available.