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.

This week in Greenwich:

• The General Purposes Committee approved amendments to the council's Violence and Aggression Health and Safety Policy Standard.
• The Appointments Panel met in closed session to shortlist applicants for the Director of Legal and Democratic Services and Deputy Director, Finance positions.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee C was scheduled to review an application to vary the premises licence for Santhiya Convenience Store in Plumstead.

General Purposes Committee - Tuesday 29 April 2025

The General Purposes Committee approved amendments to the council's Violence and Aggression Health and Safety Policy Standard, aligning it with the Zero Tolerance to Violence, Aggression and Discrimination Charter. The committee also noted the list of councillors' memberships on outside bodies, joint committees, and school governing bodies.

The decision to amend the policy was made to ensure staff are protected from physical and verbal abuse. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. The council developed the Health and Safety Policy Standards to provide an overarching corporate policy standard for use by all directorates, so they can meet their legislative responsibilities consistently and robustly across the whole of the council.

The policy states that the council takes a zero-tolerance approach to any act of violence, aggression, or discrimination towards its employees or any other persons under its care. It also outlines the responsibilities of the Chief Executive, Directors, Senior Management, Headteachers, Managers, and Employees in preventing and responding to such incidents.

The committee also noted the list of councillors’ memberships on outside bodies, joint committees and school governing bodies, as detailed in the Declarations of Interest report.

Appointments Panel - Tuesday 29 April 2025

The Greenwich Council Appointments Panel met to shortlist applicants for two positions: Director of Legal and Democratic Services, and Deputy Director, Finance. The meeting was scheduled to be held in closed session.

The panel, including Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, Councillor Averil Lekau, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member Finance, Resources and Social Value, Councillor Ivis Williams, Chair of Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel, Councillor Nick Williams and Councillor Matt Hartley, Leader of the Opposition, were scheduled to shortlist applicants for the role of Director of Legal and Democratic Services.

The job description states that the Director of Legal and Democratic Services has the statutory Monitoring Officer responsibility, and is responsible for ensuring that the Council acts lawfully, advising Members and Senior Officers on governance, decision making and the Council’s Constitution, and leading on Ethical Standards for Members.

Following the Director of Legal and Democratic Services item, the panel, consisting of Councillor Okereke, Councillor Lekau, Councillor Hyland, Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member Community Safety and Enforcement and Councillor Hartley, were scheduled to shortlist applicants for the role of Deputy Director, Finance.

According to the job description, the Deputy Director of Resources – Finance is responsible for providing organisational leadership in managing the Council’s finances sustainably and in the public interest. They also lead Corporate Finance, Finance Business Partnering, Procurement, Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud, Financial Governance and Insurance. The Deputy Director of Resources - Finance also acts as the Deputy Section 151 Officer¹.

Licensing Sub-Committee C - Wednesday 30 April 2025

The Licensing Sub-Committee C of Greenwich Council was scheduled to meet remotely to discuss licensing matters within the borough. The main item on the agenda was a review of an application to vary a premises licence for Santhiya Convenience Store, located at 9 Brewery Road, Plumstead, London SE18 7PS.

The applicant, Mr Rasa Logan, sought to extend the hours for off-sale and supply of alcohol to 06:00 to 01:30 daily, and to add late night refreshment services (provision of hot food and drinks) between 23:00 and 01:30 daily. The existing licence permitted off-sale of alcohol between 09:00 and 22:00 daily, with opening hours from 06:00 to 23:00.

In their application, the applicant offered a list of 17 conditions, including CCTV installation and maintenance, staff training in CCTV operation, adherence to a 'Challenge 25' policy², maintenance of an incident log and refusals register, and regular staff training on the Licensing Act 2003.

Several responsible authorities raised concerns and submitted representations regarding the application.

PC Sam Bobb, Greenwich Police Licensing, recommended restricting off-sales to between 08:00 and 23:00 daily, late night refreshment to 23:00 to midnight daily, and closing at midnight. The police also requested 23 specific conditions, including CCTV, incident and refusals record, no high-strength alcohol (above 6.5% ABV³), clear view of the entrance for the cashier, and customer welfare training.

Ms Ishwak Ahmed, RBG Public Health, did not agree to the late night refreshment element of the application, and recommended restricting off-sales to between 09:00 and 23:00 daily, and closing at 23:00 hours. They also suggested a condition that delivery agents should not leave vehicle engines running or gather outside the premises.

Mr Daniel Bygrave, Environmental Health – Community Safety & Integrated Enforcement, recommended restricting off-sales to 07:00 to 23:00 Sunday to Thursday, and 07:00 to midnight Friday and Saturday. They recommended late night refreshment be restricted to Friday and Saturday only from 23:00 until midnight. They also requested conditions relating to high-strength alcohol, refusals register, and a ban on splitting multipacks of alcohol for single sale.

In response to the Police representation, the applicant's agent, Mr Suresh Nira of Arka Licensing, offered to truncate the terminal licensed hour to 01:00 daily and agreed to the 6.5%+ ABV condition proposed by the Police.

The sub-committee was also scheduled to approve the minutes of the meetings held on 3 and 21 January 2025.