This week in Greenwich:

Greenwich Builds Acquisition Sparks Debate Over Social Housing

The Cabinet has approved moving forward with plans to acquire over 250 homes for social rent across three sites, a move praised for increasing the supply of council homes but also raising questions about the long-term strategy for affordable housing in the borough. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on 11 June 2025.

• The Plan: The council aims to acquire properties at Woolwich Royal Arsenal, Kibbrook Village, and Greenwich Millennium Village, taking advantage of market changes to secure discounted rates.
• Social Housing Boost: Councillor Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member Housing Management, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, emphasized that the 28,000 households on the council's waiting list would benefit from these high-spec homes.
• Financial Details: While the exact amount of Greater London Authority (GLA) grant funding is still under negotiation, officials anticipate a significant contribution towards the acquisition costs.
• Strategic Shift?: This acquisition-focused approach marks a shift from the council's previous emphasis on building new homes through the Greenwich Builds program, raising questions about the future direction of housing policy.

This decision highlights the council's commitment to addressing the urgent need for social housing, but also prompts a broader discussion about the most effective and sustainable ways to tackle the housing crisis in Greenwich.

Housing Strategy Prioritizes Existing Homes Amid Damp and Safety Concerns

The Cabinet has approved the Housing Asset Management Strategy 2025-2030, outlining a £400 million investment in existing council homes over the next five years. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on 11 June 2025.

• Key Priorities: The strategy focuses on improving energy efficiency, maintaining the Decent Homes Standard, eradicating damp and mould, and ensuring building safety.
• Investment Focus: Councillor Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member Housing Management, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, stated that the strategy would be strongly evidence and data-based to ensure effective use of resources.
• Funding Boost: The strategy highlights the award of over £10 million from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund.
• Addressing Damp and Mould: The emphasis on eradicating damp and mould reflects growing concerns about the health impacts of poor housing conditions, particularly for vulnerable residents.

This strategy signals a renewed focus on improving the quality and safety of existing council homes, addressing critical issues that directly impact the well-being of tenants.

Plumstead Supermarket Faces Scrutiny Over Alcohol Licence

The Licensing Sub-Committee A convened to discuss a new premises licence application for Expo International Supermarket in Plumstead, raising concerns about the potential impact on public health and safety in an area already saturated with licensed premises. The meeting took place on 11 June 2025.

• The Application: Bayram Kagantekin, the applicant, sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 8:00 and 23:00 daily.
• Public Health Concerns: Following a representation from Public Health, the applicant agreed to amend the hours for licensable activities to 9:00 to 23:00 daily.
• Police Intervention: The Metropolitan Police submitted a representation, suggesting conditions to mitigate concerns about crime, disorder, and public nuisance, which the applicant agreed to.
• Cumulative Impact Zone: PC Sam Bobb of the Metropolitan Police noted that the premises is within the Plumstead Cumulative Impact Zone, an area with a high concentration of licensed premises.
• Resident Concerns: Representations from three local residents were considered exempt information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, leaving the public in the dark about their specific objections.

This case highlights the challenges of balancing business interests with the need to protect public health and safety in areas with a high concentration of licensed premises.

Blackheath Development Sparks Overlooking and Parking Fears

The Local Planning Committee approved the demolition of a house and construction of three new dwellings at 76 Langton Way in Blackheath, despite objections from neighbors who cited concerns about overdevelopment, overlooking, and parking issues. The decision was made at a meeting on 10 June 2025.

• Resident Objections: Andrew Williams, owner of number 80, and David Roulton, who lives at number 74, voiced concerns about the impact on light and privacy, as well as increased parking pressure on the private, unadopted road.
• Applicant's Defense: Thomas Farmer, representing the applicant, addressed concerns about the building's position and compliance with local policy.
• Committee Approval: Despite the objections, the committee approved the application, with Councillor Gary Dillon, Chair of Planning, noting that the houses were policy compliant.
• Parking Woes: Residents expressed fears that the development would exacerbate existing parking problems on Langton Way, a private road with limited on-street parking.

This decision underscores the challenges of balancing development with the concerns of existing residents, particularly in areas with unique characteristics and infrastructure limitations.

Plumstead HMO Approved With Resident Concerns

The Local Planning Committee approved the change of use of a single-family dwelling to a six-bedroom HMO at 7 Thornhill Avenue in Plumstead, despite objections from local residents who cited concerns about loss of family dwelling, parking, and safety. The decision was made at a meeting on 10 June 2025.

• Resident Objections: Richard O'Connor, living near the site, objected to the proposal, citing concerns about loss of family dwelling, parking, and safety.
• Applicant's Defense: Luke McBrattney, the planning consultant, spoke in support of the application, committing to addressing management concerns.
• Committee Approval: Councillors expressed concerns about the lack of consultation with residents. The committee approved the application subject to additional conditions regarding bike storage, rubbish bin location, and a 24-hour emergency contact number for residents, as well as a management plan.

This decision highlights the ongoing debate about the impact of HMOs on local communities and the importance of effective management and resident engagement.

Blackheath Outbuilding Decision Deferred Over Tree Concerns

The Local Planning Committee deferred a decision on the construction of an outbuilding at 62 Corner Green in Blackheath, pending further investigation into the potential impact on a protected London Plane tree and drainage. The decision was made at a meeting on 10 June 2025.

• Tree Protection: Residents and the Blackheath Society raised concerns about the tree's root system and the potential impact of the proposed building.
• Drainage Concerns: The committee requested further details on the drainage system and sought clarification on whether the applicant would agree to a tree root x-ray.
• Community Input: Margaret Drummond, speaking on behalf of the Blackheath Society, and Jackie Herald, a local resident, raised concerns about the tree's root system and the size of the proposed building.

This deferral underscores the importance of protecting mature trees and considering the potential environmental impacts of development projects.

Upcoming meetings:

• Planning Board - Tuesday 17 June 2025 - http://opencouncil.network/meetings/69330
• Audit and Risk Management Panel - Wednesday 18 June 2025 - http://opencouncil.network/meetings/69349
• Local Planning Committee - Tuesday 24 June 2025 - http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70580
• Council - Wednesday 25 June 2025 - http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70591
• General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 25 June 2025 - http://opencouncil.network/meetings/71481
• Unknown committee - Thursday 26 June 2025 - http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70599

This week in Greenwich:

Greenwich Quay Development Deferred Amid Community Concerns

The Planning Board has deferred a decision on the Greenwich Quay development, a project proposing 590 student rooms at Clarence Road, following strong objections from local residents and councillors. The decision was made at a meeting on 27 May 2025.

• The Proposal: The application (reference 23/3847/F) seeks to demolish existing structures and construct a building with student accommodation, commercial space, and public realm improvements. 35% of the student rooms would be designated as affordable student accommodation.
• Community Backlash: Residents voiced concerns about the over-concentration of student housing, the lack of social housing for local residents, and potential issues with emergency vehicle access.
• Councillor Opposition: Councillor Majella Anning argued the proposal contravenes London Plan Policy 3.9 on mixed communities and Greenwich's local plan. She stated that student-only blocks do not provide any relief to the 28,000 people on our Greenwich council waiting list.
• Heritage Concerns: Councillor Callum O'Byrne Mulligan echoed concerns about the scale of the development and its impact on strategic views, noting that the Royal Parks maintain their objection.
• Fire Safety Worries: Scott Fitzgerald, representing the Millennium Key Residents Association, raised critical concerns about emergency vehicle access via the narrow Clarence Road, arguing the proposal fails to meet London Brigade fire standards.
• Applicant Response: Your Tribe, the applicant, defended the proposal, highlighting the need for student accommodation and the benefits of the scheme, including affordable housing and economic contributions.
• What's Next: The Planning Board will conduct a site visit before making a final decision.

This deferral highlights the tension between the need for student housing and the desire to maintain balanced communities and protect local amenities. The final decision will have a significant impact on the Creekside ward and the wider Greenwich community.

Read more about the discussion and see the planning documents.

Go-Ahead for Flint Glass Wharf Despite Wharf Concerns

The Planning Board approved a hybrid planning application for Flint Glass Wharf, a development that could bring up to 500 residential units to Charlton, despite concerns about the loss of existing businesses and the proximity to a Tarmac aggregates site. The decision was made at a meeting on 27 May 2025.

• The Proposal: The application (reference 18/0732/F) includes a detailed component for the eastern part of the site and an outline component for the remaining area, with public realm improvements and a widened Thames Path.
• Business Losses: Councillor Patricia Greenwell raised concerns about the loss of existing businesses, including a go-kart track and an indoor adventure sports centre.
• Proximity to Industry: Councillor David Gardner expressed concerns about the development's proximity to the Tarmac aggregates site and the potential for dust and noise issues. He also asked about guarantees that affordable housing would not be concentrated in the block closest to the aggregates site.
• Mitigation Measures: Planning officer Jonathan Hartnett stated that habitable rooms would be prohibited from facing the wharf and that the applicant had agreed on mitigation strategies with the Port of London Authority and safeguarded wharf operators.
• Cycle Storage Boost: The Planning Board approved the application with an additional condition to increase the provision of larger cycle storage units.

This approval underscores the council's commitment to increasing housing supply, but raises questions about balancing development with the needs of existing businesses and the well-being of future residents living near industrial sites.

Read more about the discussion and see the planning documents.

Other Matters

• Kidbrooke Village and Royal Arsenal Riverside: The Planning Board approved applications to amend conditions relating to materials for Kidbrooke Village, Phase 5, Building A & B and South Cator Park (reference 23/3976/F) and The Ropeyard, Royal Arsenal Riverside, Plots D & K (reference 24/0848/R). More information here.
• Licensing Review Sub-Committee: The Licensing Review Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss licensing issues, including a review of premises licences for the Woolwich Snooker Club. No transcript or video is available. More information here.

Upcoming meetings:

• Local Planning Committee - Tuesday 10 June 2025 - http://opencouncil.network/meetings/68465
• Cabinet - Wednesday 11 June 2025 - http://opencouncil.network/meetings/68470

This week in Greenwich:

• The Council Annual Meeting saw the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and appointments to committees.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee B considered a premises licence variation for Papa Johns on Woolwich Road.
• The Licensing Committee discussed the appointment of licensing sub-committees for the year.
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed air quality, developer contributions, and NHS Trust improvements.

Council Annual Meeting - Wednesday 14 May 2025

The Royal Borough of Greenwich Council's annual meeting included the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, appointments to various committees and outside bodies, and a review of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's work programme. Councillors were also expected to note the appointment of cabinet members, and consider the delegation of executive responsibilities.

The council was scheduled to note the appointment of cabinet members by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Anthony Okereke. The report pack included a list of cabinet portfolios and a summary of responsibilities for each member, including Councillor Averil Lekau, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value, Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary, Councillor Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Skills and Greenwich Supports, Councillor Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing Management, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, and Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement.

The council was expected to consider the proposed work programme for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its scrutiny panels for 2025-26. The proposed work programme included a range of topics, including waste strategy, contract management, the Medium Term Financial Strategy¹, equality and equity, the carbon neutral plan, and the Borough of Sanctuary scheme.

Licensing Sub-Committee B - Wednesday 14 May 2025

The Licensing Sub-Committee B of Greenwich Council scheduled a meeting to discuss a licensing application and confirm the minutes of a previous meeting. The meeting was scheduled to consider a variation of the premises licence for Papa Johns, 119 Woolwich Road London SE10 0RF.

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application made by Chatha London Limited to vary the premises licence for Papa Johns, 119 Woolwich Road, London SE10 0RF. The proposed variation included extending the hours for late night refreshment and opening hours. The Council received 21 representations regarding the application, mainly relating to the prevention of public nuisance, public safety and the protection of children from harm.

The Sub-Committee was also scheduled to confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 12 March 2025, where they considered an application made by Rupert and Teddy Ltd for a premises licence at Unit A, 32 Horseferry Place, Greenwich, London SE10 9DF (later corrected to SE10 9HG).

Licensing Committee - Wednesday 14 May 2025

The Greenwich Council Licensing Committee met on Wednesday 14 May 2025 to discuss the appointment of licensing sub-committees for the upcoming year. The committee was scheduled to consider the appointment of members to serve on sub-committees, and to agree on hearing procedures.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, the council is required to appoint a Licensing Committee to discharge its function as a Licensing Authority². The committee was scheduled to consider approving the Terms of Reference, agreeing to the proposed nominations, and agreeing to the procedures.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 13 May 2025

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss air quality, developer contributions, the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, and the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme for 2025-26. The meeting was open to the public, who were entitled to record the proceedings.

The committee was scheduled to consider the draft Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme for 2025-26, with a view to recommending its approval at the Full Council meeting on 14 May 2025. The draft work programme included items such as waste strategy, contract management, the Medium Term Financial Strategy, equality and equity, the carbon neutral plan, and the Borough of Sanctuary scheme.

The committee was scheduled to endorse the recommendations of the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel regarding the Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust. The report pack included a report from the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel which stated that the panel had undertaken a comprehensive investigation into the provision of local hospital services, with particular emphasis on preparations underway for future inspections and improvements specifically within the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The committee was scheduled to consider an update on the borough’s developer contributions (Section 106³ and Community Infrastructure Levy⁴) policies and processes. The report pack stated that developer contributions help to mitigate the impact of development and support the provision of local infrastructure.

The committee was scheduled to consider an update on the Air Quality Monitoring and Action Plan and make recommendations to the Executive, if necessary. The report pack stated that the council maintains an air quality monitoring network of 10 automatic stations and 56 diffusion tubes throughout the borough.

Appointments Panel - Thursday 15 May 2025

The Greenwich Council Appointments Panel met to interview candidates for the role of Deputy Director of Resources – Finance. The panel, composed of Councillors Anthony Okereke, Denise Hyland, Averil Lekau, Rachel Taggart-Ryan, and Matt Hartley, was scheduled to convene in Committee Room 4 at the Town Hall, Wellington Street, Woolwich.

The main item on the agenda was the interviews for the position of Deputy Director of Resources – Finance. According to the job description, the Deputy Director of Resources – Finance is responsible for managing the council’s finances sustainably, developing the council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, and providing budgetary control. The Deputy Director of Resources – Finance also acts as the Deputy Section 151 Officer⁵, advising councillors and officers on financial matters.

This week in Greenwich:

• The Appointments Panel met to interview candidates for the Director of Legal and Democratic Services position.

Appointments Panel - Tuesday 06 May 2025

The Greenwich Council Appointments Panel met on 6 May 2025 to interview candidates for the position of Director of Legal and Democratic Services. The meeting was scheduled to be held in closed session, meaning the press and public were excluded.

The panel included Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member Finance, Resources and Social Value, Councillor Averil Lekau, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, Councillor Ivis Williams, Chair of Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel, Councillor Nick Williams and Councillor Matt Hartley, Leader of the Opposition.

The Director of Legal and Democratic Services is a statutory role, responsible for ensuring the legality of the council's decisions and advising on matters of maladministration. The role is similar to the one discussed in the Appointments Panel meeting on 29 April 2025, where the panel shortlisted applicants for the same position.

According to the job description, the Director of Legal and Democratic Services acts as the Monitoring Officer, as defined under Section 5 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989¹. They also lead on Ethical Standards for Members and operate the Member’s Code of Conduct complaints procedure, and provide strategic legal advice to the council.