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Lambeth Rejects 5 AM Karaoke Bid Amid Noise Concerns

This week in Lambeth:

KPUBSTAR's Late-Night Licence Bid Rejected Amid Noise Concerns

Lambeth Council's Licensing Sub-Committee has rejected an application from KPUBSTAR, a karaoke bar located at Arch 23 Atlantic Road, to extend its opening hours until 5am on weekends. The decision follows concerns raised by the Lambeth Licensing Service and Environmental Health regarding potential noise nuisance and the impact on local residents. You can review the meeting details here.

  • Extended Hours Sought: Mr. Chan On Kim, the applicant, sought to extend the hours for live and recorded music, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol until 3am Monday to Thursday and 5am Friday to Sunday.
  • Licensing Authority Opposition: The Lambeth Licensing Service and Environmental Health (Public Protection) submitted representations against the application, citing concerns about all four licensing objectives1.
  • Noise Concerns: The Licensing Authority argued that the extended hours were beyond those recommended in the Licensing Policy and are likely to impact adversely on residents in the area, especially during unsocial hours and in the early hours of the morning.
  • Applicant's Argument: Mr. Kim argued that the extended hours were necessary to cater to late-night customers and to compete with other venues in the area. He also highlighted measures taken to mitigate noise, such as installing noise limiters and employing SIA[^17] security staff.
  • Capacity Concerns: The committee raised concerns about the proposed increase in capacity from 80 to 250 people, and how this would be managed, particularly in terms of noise and antisocial behaviour upon leaving the premises.
  • Committee's Decision: The committee rejected the application, citing a lack of clarity and stating that they were not satisfied that the licensing objectives were met.
  • Right to Appeal: The committee noted that Mr. Kim has a right to appeal the decision.

The decision highlights the council's commitment to balancing the needs of businesses with the concerns of local residents, particularly in areas with a high concentration of residential properties.

Streatham Cocktail Club Granted Licence for Online Alcohol Sales

In contrast to the KPUBSTAR decision, the Licensing Sub-Committee approved a new premises licence for the Streatham Cocktail Club, an online delivery service operating from 11 Heathdene Road. You can review the meeting details here. The licence allows the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises, with deliveries taking place between 9am and 6pm.

  • Subscription Model: Mr. Archibald Sebag-Montefiore, the applicant, described the business as a subscription model, with customers receiving a monthly delivery of bottled cocktails.
  • Residential Concerns: One representation was received from a member of the public, citing concerns about potential public nuisance. However, the objector did not attend the hearing.
  • Planning Authority Advice: The Planning Authority advised Mr. Sebag-Montefiore to submit an application for a lawful development certificate to clarify the nature of the business and whether it constitutes a change of use requiring planning permission.
  • Sunset Clause: The committee added a sunset clause to the licence, meaning that it would terminate if Mr. Sebag-Montefiore ceased to have a proprietary interest in the premises.
  • Community Engagement: Mr. Sebag-Montefiore stated that he had engaged with local residents and was committed to minimizing any disruption to the neighborhood.

The decision demonstrates the council's willingness to support new businesses while ensuring that they operate responsibly and do not negatively impact the local community.

Upcoming Meetings

Stay informed about future discussions and decisions:

  1. The licensing objectives are: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm. These objectives are set out in the Licensing Act 2003, which governs the licensing of premises for the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment and late-night refreshment. ↩

Lambeth Faces £35M Budget Gap; Food Justice Plan Launched

This week in Lambeth:

Council Grapples with £35 Million Budget Gap, Impacting Community Sports and Local Forums

Lambeth Council is facing tough choices as it seeks to address a significant budget shortfall, with potential cuts to community sports funding and grants for local forums sparking concern. The Cabinet met this week to discuss the Quarter 2 2025/26 Budget Monitoring Report, revealing the scale of the financial challenge and the difficult decisions ahead.

  • Savings Target: The council needs to find savings of nearly £50 million by 2026/27, but has only identified a fraction of that amount so far.
  • Community Sports Budget: The Overview and Scrutiny Committee urged the Cabinet to reconsider withdrawing the Community Sports Budget for those under 18 if alternative grant funding cannot be secured, highlighting the potential impact on health and wellbeing.
  • Lambeth Forum Network (LFN) Grant: A proposal to cut the £60,000 grant to the LFN has been met with strong opposition from forum members, who argue that it provides essential cash flow for leveraging external funding and supporting community projects.
    • A representative from the SE5 Forum for Camberwell stated that the forums leveraged over £1.2 million in outside funding and generated £334,000 worth of volunteer time last year, calling the proposed cut a false economy.
  • Temporary Accommodation Pressures: The council continues to face significant financial pressures related to temporary accommodation, with efforts underway to reduce costs and find more sustainable housing solutions for residents.
    • Councillor Danial Adilypour, Deputy Leader of the Council (Housing, Investment, & New Homes), noted that the number of families in temporary accommodation is starting to decrease after years of unsustainable growth.
  • Austerity Impact: Councillor Claire Holland, Leader of the Council, emphasized that the need for these savings is a direct result of 14 long hard years of austerity by successive Tory and Lib Dem governments, which have starved and gutted the funding of local services.

The proposed cuts to community sports and local forums raise concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable residents and the vital role these organizations play in supporting local communities. The council's commitment to mitigating these impacts will be closely watched as it moves forward with its budget plans.

Corporate Peer Challenge Highlights Financial Risks and Need for Scrutiny

The Cabinet also considered the Lambeth Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review 2025, which acknowledged progress made by the council but also highlighted significant financial risks and the need for stronger scrutiny.

  • Financial Stability Concerns: The peer team stated that Lambeth does not currently have the financial stability or organizational capacity to deliver its borough plan, describing the council's position as precarious and high risk.
  • Need for Faster Savings: The review suggests that Lambeth must go further and faster on cuts and savings, raising concerns about potential impacts on frontline services.
  • Importance of Scrutiny: The review emphasizes the need for strong independent scrutiny, particularly in a period of such severe financial risk.

The Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review underscores the challenges facing Lambeth Council and the importance of transparent and accountable decision-making as it navigates these difficult times.

Food Justice Plan Aims to Tackle Food Insecurity and Promote Healthy Eating

The Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss the Director of Public Health's Annual Report, focusing on food justice and outlining a plan to tackle food insecurity and promote healthy eating across the borough. You can review the meeting details here.

  • Food as a Right: The report recognizes food as a right, with everyone entitled to nutritious, affordable, reliably accessible, sustainable, and culturally appropriate food.
  • Lambeth Food Justice Action Plan: The report includes a Lambeth Food Justice Action Plan 2025 – 2030, which sets out actions mapped to a life course stage, from early years to older adulthood, and linked to local strategies and priorities.
  • Key Actions: The plan includes actions such as delivering holistic support for residents in financial need, promoting healthier food policies, supporting schools to increase free school meal uptake, and prioritizing nutritional value in emergency food provision.

The Food Justice Plan represents a comprehensive approach to addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy eating in Lambeth, recognizing the importance of food as a fundamental right and a key determinant of health and wellbeing.

Other Matters

  • The Health and Wellbeing Board also discussed the Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Bexley, Bromley Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy (2025-2030).
  • The Corporate Committee and Licensing Sub-Committee meetings took place, but no video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

Stay informed about future discussions and decisions:

Lambeth Faces £35M Budget Gap; Affordable Housing Debate

This week in Lambeth:

Council Faces £35 Million Budget Gap Despite Savings Proposals

Lambeth Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee met this week to grapple with the looming financial challenges facing the borough. You can review the meeting details here. Despite proposing significant savings, the council still faces a substantial budget gap, raising concerns about potential impacts on essential services.

  • Savings Proposals: The council has identified £28.269 million in savings proposals across various directorates, including housing, children's services, and adult social care.
  • Remaining Budget Gap: Even with these savings, a budget gap of £35.661 million remains for 2026/27, highlighting the severity of the financial situation.
  • Equalities Impact Assessments: The council has stated that it will conduct Equality Impact Assessments for savings proposals where potential adverse impacts have been identified, but it is unclear what steps will be taken to mitigate these impacts.
  • Potential Impact on Vulnerable Groups: The proposed savings in housing and social care could disproportionately affect vulnerable residents, potentially leading to reduced services and support.

Leigham Court Road Development Sparks Affordable Housing Debate

The Planning Applications Committee was scheduled to discuss a planning application for a major redevelopment on Leigham Court Road. You can review the meeting details here. While the development promises new homes, including affordable options, the mix of social rented, discount market rent, and private Pocket Sharer homes raises questions about accessibility and affordability for all residents.

  • Affordable Housing Provision: The development would deliver 92 homes, including 15 social rented homes and 31 discount market rent homes, achieving 35% affordable housing by habitable room.
  • Financial Viability Assessment: The applicant provided a financial viability assessment, independently verified, demonstrating that the proposal would provide the maximum reasonable amount of affordable housing.
  • Conservation Area Concerns: The site is located partly within the Leigham Court Road North Conservation Area, raising concerns about the impact of the development on the area's character and heritage.
  • Accessibility: The development would include 9 M4(3)[^6] wheelchair homes, equating to 10% provision overall, but it is unclear whether this meets the needs of disabled residents.

Councillor Training Under Scrutiny Amid Low Attendance

The Standards Committee met to discuss the Member Learning and Development programme, aiming to equip councillors with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively represent their constituents. You can review the meeting details here. However, low attendance at training sessions raises concerns about whether councillors are fully prepared to address the complex challenges facing the borough.

  • Low Attendance: Despite reminders, attendance at training sessions has remained relatively low, prompting discussions on how to improve engagement.
  • Councillor Perspective: Councillor Jackie Meldrum emphasized the need for training to be more oriented towards the councillor perspective, rather than solely focusing on the officer's view of the organization.
  • Mandatory Training: The committee discussed the importance of clearly identifying mandatory training and ensuring that councillors complete it.
  • E-Learning Modules: The council is exploring the development of e-learning modules to cover compulsory training sessions, but concerns were raised about the lack of interaction and the need for testing to ensure comprehension.
  • Member Inquiries: The committee discussed the high volume of member inquiries and the need to provide councillors with the tools to address routine inquiries efficiently, freeing up time to focus on more complex issues.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Stay informed about future discussions and decisions:

Lambeth Bar Licence Reviews Adjourned After Firearms Incident

This week in Lambeth:

Aquarium Tapas Bar Faces Licence Review After Firearms Incident

The Licensing Sub-Committee convened this week to discuss licensing applications for three establishments, including a review of the premises licence for Aquarium Tapas Bar on Wandsworth Road. You can review the meeting details here. The review was prompted by concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police regarding alleged breaches of licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the prevention of public nuisance.

  • Police Concerns: The police cited an alleged firearms incident that occurred after closing time in February 2023, as well as instances of the premises operating beyond its licensed hours.
  • Licensing Authority's Recommendation: The Licensing Authority supported the review application, expressing a lack of confidence in the management of the premises and recommending that the licence be revoked.
  • Community Support: Representations in support of the premises, including a petition, were submitted for consideration.
  • Outcome: The meeting was adjourned and could not be restarted. Further updates will be posted on the Council's Democracy X account.

The outcome of this review could have significant implications for the Aquarium Tapas Bar, potentially leading to the revocation of its licence and impacting its ability to operate. The decision also highlights the council's commitment to upholding licensing objectives and ensuring public safety.

Crown and Sceptre Licence Variation Sparks Noise Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee was also scheduled to review an application to vary the premises licence for the Crown and Sceptre on Streatham Hill. You can review the meeting details here. The applicant, Urban & Urban Properties Limited, initially sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol, late night refreshment, and recorded music, but later amended the application to only vary the hours for the sale of alcohol on Friday and Saturday.

  • Representations Against: Ten representations were received against the application, including from the Licensing Authority, the Public Protection Team, and local residents, citing concerns about noise, anti-social behaviour, and failure to promote the licensing objectives.
  • Noise Abatement Notice: The Public Protection Service recommended refusal, citing repeated contraventions of noise regulations and the serving of a Noise Abatement Notice in July 2025.
  • Licensing Authority's Recommendation: The Licensing Authority recommended that the application be refused, except for the addition of the proposed conditions.
  • Outcome: The meeting was adjourned and could not be restarted. Further updates will be posted on the Council's Democracy X account.

The outcome of this application could significantly impact residents living near the Crown and Sceptre, potentially affecting their quality of life due to noise and disturbance. The decision also underscores the council's role in balancing the needs of businesses with the concerns of local communities.

Tequi-la-land Application Draws Objections Over Public Nuisance

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Tequi-la-land on Acre Lane. You can review the meeting details here. The applicant, Fuego Bars Limited, originally sought authorisation for recorded music, late night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol until 3am on Friday and Saturday, but later agreed to revised hours following discussions with the Licensing Authority.

  • Representations Against: Four representations were received against the application from a Residents Association, a Residential Home, and members of the public, citing concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm.
  • Anti-Social Behaviour Concerns: Objectors highlighted concerns about the hours sought and the operation of the venue previously, which residents alleged had created an environment of anti-social behaviour.
  • Revised Hours: The applicant agreed to revised hours: 11:00 to 02:00 on Friday and Saturday, 11:00 to 01:00 on Thursday, and 11:00 to 00:00 Sunday to Wednesday.
  • Outcome: The meeting was adjourned and could not be restarted. Further updates will be posted on the Council's Democracy X account.

The outcome of this application could have a significant impact on residents living near Tequi-la-land, potentially affecting their quality of life due to noise and disturbance. The decision also highlights the council's role in balancing the needs of businesses with the concerns of local communities.

Upcoming Meetings

Stay informed about future discussions and decisions:

Lambeth debates pension investments linked to Palestine, social care

This week in Lambeth:

Pension Fund Investments Linked to Occupied Palestinian Territories Spark Debate

The Lambeth Council Pensions Committee met this week, and a significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the fund's investment strategy, risk management, and ethical considerations, particularly concerning investments linked to the Occupied Palestinian Territories[^6]. You can review the meeting details here. The discussion highlighted the tension between financial returns, ethical responsibilities, and the complexities of responsible investment.

  • Investment Performance: The committee reviewed the fund's performance, noting that while recent quarterly returns outperformed benchmarks, longer-term performance fell short. The fund's estimated funding level stood at 127% as of June 30, 2025.
  • Actuarial Valuation: An update on the Actuarial Valuation and Funding Strategy Statement revealed a significant improvement in the fund's financial position, with a funding level of 120% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 96% in 2022.
  • Risk Management and ESG: The committee reviewed the Lambeth Pension Fund Risk Register, with changes made to the descriptions of risks related to environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG)[^5] to directly reference the conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
  • Palestine Solidarity Campaign Concerns: The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC)[^7] raised concerns about the fund's investments in companies allegedly involved in breaches of international law.
  • Divergent Views on TCFD Reporting: A debate ensued regarding the implementation of Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) reporting, with some councillors advocating for immediate action and others expressing concerns about capacity and potential conflicts with future government guidance.
    • Councillor Haynes argued that the council should continue to be beacons of light rather than followers and proceed with TCFD reporting despite the lack of specific government guidance for the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)[^1].
    • However, other members expressed concern that the council did not have the capacity to do so, and that any work done might be wasted if it did not meet future government guidance.
  • Risk Register Debate: Councillor Peter raised concerns about the risk register's assessment of reputational risk, arguing that the fund's continued investments in companies supporting illegal settlements in the West Bank posed a serious risk to the fund and individual committee members.
  • Border to Coast Divestment: Councillor Adem noted that another collective investment vehicle, Border to Coast, had withdrawn funds due to human rights violations and the occupation of Palestinian territories.
  • Committee's Stance: The committee acknowledged the concerns raised and committed to further discussion and investigation, but no immediate changes to the investment strategy were made.

Adult Social Care Faces Scrutiny Over CQC Assessment, Complaints, and Safeguarding

The Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee met to discuss a range of issues, including the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment of Lambeth Adult Social Care, the annual compliments and complaints report, and the annual safeguarding report. You can review the meeting details here. The meeting provided an opportunity for the committee to review and discuss these important issues, and to make recommendations for future action.

  • CQC Assessment: The sub-committee received an overview of the CQC assessment of Lambeth Adult Social Care (ASC), which is expected to be published in spring 2026.
  • Compliments and Complaints: The sub-committee reviewed the Adult Social Care Compliments and Complaints Annual Report 2024-25, noting a decrease in complaints and an increase in compliments.
  • Safeguarding: The sub-committee discussed the Lambeth Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) Annual Report 2024-25, highlighting the board's work and achievements in safeguarding adults at risk.
  • Financial Abuse: Councillor McGivern raised concerns about the high levels of financial abuse reported, questioning what work was planned to understand and address this issue.
  • Service Coverage Gaps: The board identified domestic abuse as an area where there may be gaps in service coverage, and committed to further investigation.
  • Recommendations: The committee made several recommendations, including exploring the reasons for the overrepresentation of older people in complaints and strengthening the understanding of the differential between service users and complaints in commissioned services.

Lambeth Together Discusses Children and Young People, Carers, and Business Planning

The Lambeth Together Care Partnership Board met to discuss a range of topics, including the progress of the Children and Young People Alliance, the Carer's Strategy, and business planning for 2026-27. You can review the meeting details here.

  • Children and Young People Alliance: The board approved a progress report on the work of the Children and Young People Alliance (CYPA), focused on reducing inequalities in health access, experience, and outcomes.
  • Carer's Strategy: The board noted the actions and outcomes delivered in Year 1 of the Carer's Strategy 2024-2029, and supported the actions underway and planned for Year 2 of the strategy.
  • Business Planning: The board approved the proposed approach for the 2026/27 Business Planning Process, noting the national requirements and timelines.
  • Primary Care Commissioning: The board noted the update on discussions held at the Primary Care Commissioning Committee (PCCC) on 17 September, and ratified decisions made at the PCCC on that date.
  • Assurance Sub-Group: The board noted the report from the Lambeth Together Assurance Sub-Group (LTAG) and the associated Integrated Assurance Report presented on 16th September 2025.

Upcoming Meetings

Stay informed about future discussions and decisions:

Licensing Committee

Licensing Committee - Thursday 11 December 2025 7.00 pm

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

December 11, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 11 December 2025 7.00 pm

The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on 11 December 2025 to discuss a licensing application and the Statement of Principles for Gambling 2025-2028. The meeting will include consideration of the minutes from a previous meeting. Councillor David Robson, Chair of Licensing, will preside over the session.

December 11, 2025
Planning Applications Committee

Planning Applications Committee - Tuesday 9 December 2025 7.00 pm

The Lambeth Council Planning Applications Committee met on 9 December 2025 to discuss four planning applications for sites in Vauxhall, Brixton North and Clapham Town. For each application, the committee was scheduled to discuss granting conditional planning permission subject to a Section 106 agreement[^2], and delegating authority to the Director of Climate Change, Planning and Transport to finalise the conditions and planning obligations. The committee was also scheduled to discuss delegating authority to the Director of Climate Change, Planning and Transport to refuse planning permission if a Section 106 agreement was not completed within six months.

December 09, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 4 December 2025 7.00 pm

The Lambeth Council Licensing Sub-Committee convened to discuss two applications: a new premises licence for the Streatham Cocktail Club and a variation of an existing licence for K Pubstar. The committee granted the licence for Streatham Cocktail Club with additional conditions, but rejected the variation application for K Pubstar due to a lack of clarity and concerns about meeting licensing objectives.

December 04, 2025
Corporate Committee

Corporate Committee - Thursday 27 November 2025 6.00 pm

The Corporate Committee of Lambeth Council is scheduled to meet on 27 November 2025 to discuss a range of topics, including the council's response to external auditor recommendations, a draft of the auditor's annual report, and updates on procurement, contract management, and treasury management. The committee will also review complaints, member inquiries, and requests for information, as well as internal audit and counter-fraud efforts.

November 27, 2025
Health and Wellbeing Board

Health and Wellbeing Board - Tuesday 25 November 2025 6.00 pm

The Lambeth Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss several reports, including the Director of Public Health's annual report focusing on food justice, a five-borough sexual health strategy, and a mid-point review of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The meeting also covered the Better Care Fund and proposed governance changes.

November 25, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Monday 24 November 2025 7.00 pm

The Licensing Sub-Committee of Lambeth Council met on Monday 24 November 2025 to discuss licensing applications for two premises in the borough. Councillor David Robson, Chair of Licensing, Councillor Martin Tiedemann, and Councillor Emma Nye were scheduled to be in attendance.

November 24, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Monday 24 November 2025 5.00 pm

At a meeting on Monday 24 November 2025, Lambeth Council's cabinet approved recommendations in the Quarter 2 2025/26 Budget Monitoring Report, heard the Lambeth Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review 2025, and discussed the Outcomes Framework Performance: Q2 2025/26. The cabinet addressed concerns raised by visiting members and outlined strategies for financial stability, service improvement and community support.

November 24, 2025
Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 19 November 2025 7.00 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Lambeth Council met on Wednesday 19 November 2025, to discuss a range of topics including the fortnightly black bin collection, proposals relating to parks in the borough, and the committee's work programme. A supplementary agenda was published to include discussion of the Medium Term Financial Strategy Savings Proposals.

November 19, 2025
Planning Applications Committee

Planning Applications Committee - Tuesday 18 November 2025 7.00 pm

The Planning Applications Committee of Lambeth Council scheduled a meeting to discuss planning applications on 18 November 2025. The committee was scheduled to review applications for developments at County Hall, St Mary's Nursing Home, and Leigham Court Road. The committee, consisting of Councillor Joanne Simpson (Chair), Councillor Malcolm Clark (Vice-Chair), Councillor Scott Ainslie, Councillor Martin Bailey, Councillor Diogo Costa, Councillor Issa Issa and Councillor Emma Nye, was expected to make decisions on these applications.

November 18, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Monday 15 December 2025 5.00 pm

December 15, 2025
Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday 9 February 2026 7.00 pm

February 09, 2026