This week in Havering:

Council Constitution Undergoes Major Review: Planning and Pension Functions to be Reshaped

Havering Council's full Council meeting on Wednesday 2 September 2026 was set to address significant proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution. These changes are driven by new national legislation impacting both planning and pension fund governance, with potential implications for how decisions are made and how the council manages its financial future.

Planning Reforms: A New Committee Structure on the Horizon

The Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026 are set to bring about a substantial shift in how planning applications are handled. The proposed amendments to the Constitution would see the abolition of the existing Planning Committee and Strategic Planning Committee, replaced by a single, nine-member Planning Committee. This move aims to streamline the planning process by introducing a national scheme of delegation. Applications will be categorised, with some determined by officers and others requiring committee approval only if they meet a specific Gateway Test. This could lead to faster decision-making on certain developments, but also raises questions about how community input will be maintained for significant projects.

Pension Fund Governance Strengthened Amidst Financial Scrutiny

In parallel, changes are proposed to align with the Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) (Governance) Regulations 2026. These updates will refine the terms of reference for the Pension Committee, reflecting new governance arrangements. This includes the potential appointment of a Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Senior Officer and an Independent Person to support the committee. While the London CIV¹ will continue to manage the Havering Pension Fund's assets, the council retains responsibility for setting the investment strategy. These changes are intended to enhance investment performance and efficiency, crucial for the long-term financial security of the pension fund, which impacts current and future council employees.

Members Raise Concerns on a Range of Local Issues

The meeting also included a series of questions from Councillors to Cabinet Members, highlighting a broad spectrum of resident concerns. Issues raised included the deterioration of waste and recycling collections, the absence of road sweeping in specific areas, and the timely provision of CCTV footage to the Police. Concerns were also voiced about social housing fraud, the flying of flags, and the integration of CCTV at New Green. The council's approach to rough sleeping, the lengthy timescales for traffic schemes, and the timely issuance of Education Health and Care Plans were also on the agenda. Furthermore, questions were posed regarding the administration's mitigation measures for resident wellbeing in light of international weather changes, progress on respite housing, invest-to-save initiatives in social care, and the funding for replacing street trees.

Details of the Council meeting can be found here.

Roseland News Licence Application Refused Amidst Concerns Over Street Drinking and Anti-Social Behaviour

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 3 September 2026 to consider an application for a premises licence for Roseland News, located at 69 Farnham Road, Romford RM3 8XA. The application, made by Mr Ronakbhai Ashokbhai Patel, sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. However, the application was met with objections from the Licensing Authority and the Metropolitan Police, citing significant concerns about cumulative impact and street drinking in the Gooshays cumulative impact zone².

Impact on Cumulative Impact Zone

Roseland News is situated within an area already identified as having a cumulative impact, meaning the concentration of licensed premises is believed to be contributing to problems such as crime, disorder, and public nuisance. The Licensing Authority's representation highlighted that the number and density of off-licences in the vicinity were already negatively impacting the licensing objectives. The Police echoed these concerns, specifically noting the potential for the sale of high-strength alcohol and single containers to fuel street drinking.

Proposed Conditions and Resident Objections

To address these concerns, the Police proposed conditions including limiting the alcohol content of beers, lagers, stouts, and ciders to 6% ABV and requiring these, along with alcopops, to be sold in multi-packs of no less than four. They also suggested measures to prevent customers from congregating outside the premises. An interested party also submitted a representation objecting to the application, citing concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children, particularly due to the proximity of a library frequented by families.

The Sub-Committee's decision on this application will have a direct impact on the availability of alcohol in the area and the council's efforts to manage the cumulative impact of licensed premises.

Details of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting can be found here.

This week in Havering:

Council Faces Scrutiny Over £1 Million Software Purchase Amidst Concerns of Value for Money

The Overview & Scrutiny Board met on Tuesday 18 August 2026 to examine a significant executive decision: the purchase of the Synergy Education Management System for £861,104.38 (plus VAT). This call-in process, initiated by a group of councillors, aimed to scrutinise whether the decision-maker had the correct authority and if the purchase represented the best value for the council.

The core of the concern revolved around the £1,033,325.26 total cost, to be funded by the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and income from the Free School Meal Checking Service. Councillors questioned:

• Delegated Authority: Whether the decision-maker had the proper authority given the contract's value and procurement thresholds.
• Financial Discrepancies: An apparent £100,000 difference between stated subtotals and annual figures, requiring clarification.
• Supplier Clarity: The precise legal entity receiving the contract and its appointment process.
• Value for Money: Whether the five-year direct award demonstrated the best value for Havering.
• Safeguards: The adequacy of procurement, contractual, and governance safeguards, including data security and service resilience.

The system is intended to support statutory duties related to Special Education Needs Funding, Early Years Funding, Free School Meals Eligibility Checking, and School Admissions. While officers provided a response addressing the grounds for the call-in, the scrutiny process highlights the importance of transparency and accountability when public funds are spent, especially on systems that impact children's services.

The Board also discussed a draft Scrutiny Working Protocol, aiming to improve the working relationship between the Cabinet and the Overview and Scrutiny Board. Recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of scrutiny for the upcoming year and agreeing the Board's work programme for 2026/27 were also on the agenda, underscoring the ongoing effort to ensure robust oversight of council decisions.

Details of the Overview & Scrutiny Board meeting can be found here.

Havering Council's Constitution Set for Major Overhaul Amidst New Planning and Pension Regulations

Havering Council's Governance Committee met on Wednesday 19 August 2026 to consider significant proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution. These changes are driven by new legislation impacting both planning and pension fund governance, with implications for how decisions are made and how the council manages its financial future.

Planning Reforms: A New Committee Structure

The Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, effective from 31 October 2026, will lead to the abolition of the current Planning Committee and Strategic Planning Committee. These will be replaced by a single Planning Committee of nine members. The new regulations introduce a national scheme of delegation, categorising applications into those that must be determined by officers and those that can be delegated unless they meet a specific Gateway Test. These changes aim to streamline the planning process and ensure that only significant applications are brought before the committee, potentially impacting the speed and nature of development decisions across the borough.

Pension Fund Governance Strengthened

In parallel, the Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) (Governance) Regulations 2026, effective from 30 June 2026, mandate stronger governance for pension funds. The proposed updates to the Pension Committee's terms of reference will reflect these changes, including the appointment of a new LGPS Senior Officer and an Independent Person. The London CIV¹ will now manage all Havering Pension Fund assets, though the Council will retain responsibility for setting the investment strategy. This shift aims to improve investment performance and efficiency for the long-term financial security of the pension fund, which impacts current and future council employees.

The committee also discussed appointments to external organisations, including a proposal to revoke an appointment to the Hornchurch Housing Trust and make a new one, highlighting the council's role in overseeing various local bodies.

Details of the Governance Committee meeting can be found here.

Planning Committee Approves Multiple Residential Developments Amidst Policy Updates

The Planning Committee met on Thursday 20 August 2026 to consider a range of planning applications for new residential developments, alongside an update on national planning policy. The decisions made will shape housing provision and neighbourhood character in several areas of Havering.

New Homes Approved Across the Borough

The committee considered applications for new housing, including:

• 17 & 17A Essex Road, Romford: Approval was granted for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of eight new residential units, comprising a mix of houses and flats. This development, subject to a Section 106 agreement, aims to increase housing supply in the area.
• Manor Hotel, Berwick Pond Road, Rainham & Wennington: Planning permission and listed building consent were granted for the change of use from a hotel to eight flats, with the coach house converted into a five-bedroom dwelling. This repurposes an existing building, contributing to housing stock while preserving heritage aspects.
• 15 Ernest Road, Hornchurch: Permission was granted for a two-storey, six-bedroom detached dwelling, following the demolition of the previous house. This decision was made despite an ongoing enforcement investigation, indicating a careful balancing of development needs with regulatory compliance.
• 209 Alma Avenue, Hornchurch: Approval was given for a three-bedroom end-terrace dwelling with parking. This development addresses housing demand on a previously undeveloped plot, with conditions to ensure appropriate landscaping and amenity provision.

National Planning Policy Framework Update

A supplementary agenda item noted the publication of a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 17 August 2026. While committee reports referenced the previous 2024 version, officers confirmed that the assessments and recommendations remained consistent with the updated national policy. This highlights the dynamic nature of planning legislation and its direct impact on local decision-making.

Details of the Planning Committee meeting can be found here.

Other Matters

This week in Havering:

Council Approves £8.4 Million for Vulnerable Children's Education Amidst Contamination Concerns

Havering Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday 12 August 2026, making crucial decisions that will impact vulnerable children and address long-standing environmental issues. The Cabinet approved contracts worth approximately £8.4 million to ensure continued educational provision for children who need it most, while also taking steps to tackle the ongoing contamination at Arnold's Field.

Ensuring Education for Vulnerable Children

The Cabinet approved the award of contracts to three Ofsted-registered providers of alternative education. These providers currently support children who, for various reasons, are unable to attend mainstream school. The contracts, valued at around £8.4 million over two years, will be funded through the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block.

This decision is vital for ensuring that children with complex needs, such as those with special educational needs or who have experienced trauma, continue to receive a suitable education. Councillor Kevin Gill, Cabinet Member for Children, highlighted the council's statutory duty to provide education for children who would otherwise be without it. The report noted that some existing providers are already operating at full capacity, underscoring the urgency of securing these contracts to avoid disruption for these vulnerable pupils. The decision ensures continuity of support and prevents potential breaches of the council's legal obligations.

Arnold's Field: A Step Towards Remediation

An update was provided on the persistent issues at Arnold's Field, Launders Lane, which was formally declared contaminated land in October 2025. The site has been plagued by illegal dumping and fires, causing significant smoke pollution and posing a risk to public health.

The Cabinet noted that a Remediation Notice is being prepared to compel those responsible for the contamination to address the problem. If they fail to act, the council has step in powers to carry out the necessary remediation works, estimated to cost up to £200,000. Councillor Keith Prince, Leader of the Council, acknowledged that legal processes could delay these works for years, meaning continued fires and health impacts. The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to senior officers to use council funds if necessary to carry out these essential remediation works, a move aimed at protecting residents from ongoing environmental harm. The report detailed the history of the site, including previous attempts to secure voluntary action and the ongoing lobbying for government support. The environmental and health implications of the fires, including the impact of air pollution on respiratory and cardiovascular health, were also highlighted.

Details of the Cabinet meeting can be found here.

Ilirida Café Licence Application Refused Amidst Resident Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 12 August 2026 and decided to refuse an application for a premises licence for Ilirida Café Ltd, located at 36 Upminster Road South, Rainham. The application sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises.

Objections Over Noise and Public Nuisance

Six representations were received from local residents, raising concerns about potential noise and disturbance, public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children. Residents living adjacent to the proposed café expressed worries about noise from customers congregating outside, loss of privacy, and increased anti-social behaviour. One resident specifically highlighted concerns about the impact on their grandson, who has disabilities, due to potential noise and disruption.

Concerns were also raised about the café's proposed food offering, with suggestions that it was primarily light bites rather than substantial meals, and the potential for increased social disorder if alcohol was readily available. The applicant had agreed to conditions, including that alcohol would only be sold to seated customers consuming a meal and served by waiter/waitress service, and that outside tables would close at 8:30 pm. However, these conditions were not sufficient to allay the committee's concerns.

Applicant's Experience and Committee's Decision

During the hearing, questions were raised about the applicant's experience in the licensing trade, with the applicant stating he was a builder but would be assisted by friends with experience. The committee also sought clarification on the sale of spirits, with the applicant agreeing to a condition that only beers and wines would be sold.

After deliberation, the Licensing Sub-Committee decided to refuse the application. The written decision will be provided within five working days, and the applicant has the right to appeal to the Magistrates Court.

Details of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting can be found here.

Other Matters

This week in Havering:

Noise Nuisance at Berwick Manor Hotel Leads to Adjourned Licence Review

Residents' pleas for peace have led to an adjourned hearing concerning the premises licence of the Berwick Manor Hotel in Rainham. The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 6 August 2026 to consider a review of the licence, prompted by numerous complaints about excessive noise, anti-social behaviour, and traffic disruption emanating from the venue.

The hearing, which was itself an adjournment from a previous date, was again adjourned to allow all parties to attend and make their full representations. This decision highlights the complexity of balancing the rights of businesses with the right of residents to enjoy their homes peacefully.

Residents Detail Decades of Disruption

Local residents, Natalie Crisp and James Eaton, presented compelling accounts of the ongoing impact of noise and disturbances from the Berwick Manor Hotel. Mr. Eaton described how amplified music from the venue caused his house to vibrate and his daughter's bedroom windows to shake, leading to immense stress, particularly during the birth of his son. He spoke of having to take his family away from their home to find peace and the discovery of a stolen car buried in a bush near the venue.

Ms. Crisp corroborated these accounts, detailing continuous noise pollution, including music that could be heard word for word across a field, and bass that vibrated inside properties. She also highlighted instances of anti-social behaviour, including public urination and defecation, abusive language from attendees, and dangerous parking that restricted access to residents' properties. Both residents expressed concerns about public safety due to increased traffic and attendees walking in dark lanes, and the use of pyrotechnics. Ms. Crisp stated that the issues had a detrimental effect on residents' mental health and quality of life, with one resident reportedly breaking down in tears when reporting the ongoing problems.

The Public Protection Officer for Havering, George Pater, presented evidence of persistent noise complaints dating back to 2021. Despite agreements, noise management plans, and the service of a noise abatement notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, officers continued to witness statutory nuisances. Mr. Pater detailed observations of amplified music being clearly audible in residential areas on multiple occasions, indicating that noise management measures were insufficient.

The Licensing Authority, represented by Oisin Daly, supported the review application, noting that while businesses should succeed, it should not be at the detriment of local residents or the undermining of licensing objectives.

Adjournment to Ensure Fair Hearing

The subcommittee, chaired by Councillor Christine Vickery, determined that it was in the public interest to adjourn the hearing to allow all parties to attend and make their representations. The hearing was reconvened for Thursday, 6 August 2026, at 10:30 am. The agenda papers from the initial hearing remained valid for the reconvened hearing. The decision to adjourn underscores the council's commitment to ensuring all voices are heard in such matters, particularly when they significantly impact the quality of life for residents.

Details of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting can be found here.

King of Wings Licence Refused Amidst Concerns Over Late-Night Operation and Cumulative Impact

Havering Council's Licensing Sub-Committee has refused an application for a premises licence for King of Wings, located at 57 High Street, Hornchurch. The applicant sought to provide late-night refreshment seven days a week until 3 am, a request that was met with strong objections from responsible authorities due to concerns about cumulative impact within the Hornchurch Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ).

Late-Night Hours Exceed Policy Recommendations

The application, made by Raztina Ltd, proposed operating hours that significantly exceeded the council's licensing policy recommendations for takeaway premises, which suggest terminal hours of midnight from Sunday to Thursday and 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The premises is situated in a mixed-use area, with commercial outlets on the ground floor and residential properties above, making the proposed late-night operation a particular concern.

Objections from Police, Environmental Health, and Licensing Authority

Representations against the application were made by Havering's Licensing Authority, Environmental Health and Protection Team, and the Metropolitan Police. PC Ellis Grote of the Metropolitan Police stated that the extended hours could lead to intoxicated individuals loitering, causing noise, and increasing the risk of public safety issues and crime and disorder, thereby undermining the purpose of the CIZ.

George Pater from Environmental Health echoed these concerns, highlighting a lack of specific measures to manage customer noise, delivery driver activity, or noise from the premises' extraction system during the early morning hours. Oisin Daly, representing the Licensing Authority, explained that the Hornchurch CIZ policy creates a rebuttable presumption against granting new licences that could add to existing cumulative impact, unless exceptional circumstances are demonstrated. He noted that the applicant had not provided sufficient evidence to rebut this presumption.

Applicant's Case and Committee's Decision

Mr. Aminur Razzi, manager of King of Wings, argued that the extended hours were sought to compete with nearby pubs and clubs. He outlined proposed measures such as CCTV, staff training, and the potential employment of SIA-licensed door supervisors. However, the Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Christine Vickery, ultimately decided to refuse the application. The reasons for refusal will be detailed in a written decision, and the applicant has the right to appeal to the Magistrates' Court.

Details of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting can be found here.

Other Matters