This week in Rushmoor:

Pizza Gogo Licence Review: Immigration Enforcement Raises Serious Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) met on Monday, 13 April 2026, to address significant concerns raised by the Home Office Immigration Enforcement regarding the premises licence for Pizza Gogo at 5 Union Street, Aldershot. This review, initiated by the Immigration Authority, centres on the prevention of crime and disorder, specifically allegations of illegal working.

The report detailed a history of enforcement visits to the premises. In May 2019, four individuals were encountered, with two found to be working illegally and two in breach of their visa conditions. A subsequent visit in April 2025 again found an individual working illegally. These breaches led to substantial civil penalties: a £15,000 penalty issued in July 2019 to Pizza Gogo Aldershot Limited, which remains outstanding, and a £45,000 penalty issued in May 2025 to AM Pizza Centre Limited, later reissued to Tasty Kebabish Limited.

The meeting also considered an application to transfer the premises licence to NA Pizza Centre Limited. Home Office Immigration Enforcement lodged an objection to this transfer, citing serious concerns regarding the management and operation of the premises, and clear links between the old and new directors of the premises. The objection highlighted that the transfer application was made shortly before a review hearing and raised concerns about Nisar Ahmad NEARY, a director of NA Pizza Centre Limited, and his connections to related businesses. The Home Office noted that Nisar Ahmad NEARY, born in 2008, was initially recorded with an alias and later granted British Citizenship. His father, Ghulam Husain NEAZY, is also linked to the business.

The Sub-Committee had to consider options ranging from taking no action to revoking the licence. The Licensing Act 2003¹ and guidance from the Secretary of State were key considerations. The outcome of this review is crucial for ensuring that businesses operate legally, protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation, and maintaining public safety.

For more details, see the Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) meeting and the related Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) meeting.

New Care Home Proposed for Farnborough Amidst Resident Concerns

The Development Management Committee met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, to discuss a significant planning application for a new care home at Devereux House, No. 69 Albert Road, Farnborough¹. The proposal involves demolishing the existing building, while retaining its original façade, to construct a part two/three-storey building providing a 66-bedroom care home for the elderly (Use Class C2).

While the recommendation was to grant permission subject to a Section 106 agreement, the application faced considerable scrutiny. Neighbours submitted 30 representations, with 28 objections, raising concerns about the design, scale, and impact on the character of the residential area. Issues of overlooking, loss of privacy, and the adequacy of the proposed 22 parking spaces, which falls short of council standards, were prominent. Concerns were also raised about drainage, construction impacts, and the loss of trees.

The report detailed extensive consultation responses from various bodies, including the Lead Local Flood Authority, HCC Highways, and Thames Water. While some initial concerns were addressed through updated information and proposed conditions, the impact on residential amenity and highway safety remained key discussion points. The heritage impact on the locally listed Devereux House and its proximity to the South Farnborough Conservation Area were also carefully considered.

The report acknowledged that while there are adverse impacts, including harm to the locally listed building and residential amenity, the benefits of providing new care bed spaces and contributing to housing supply were considered to outweigh these harms. The final decision on this application was deferred from the 15th April meeting pending a site visit and will be reconsidered at a future meeting.

For more details, see the Development Management Committee meeting.

Other Matters

The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, to discuss several important items. These include an update on the planning for the Armed Forces Day National Event 2026, which Rushmoor Borough Council is hosting. A projected funding gap of £243,250 will be addressed, with a proposal to underwrite this amount from existing reserves. The Cabinet will also consider a strategic review of the Farnborough Civic Quarter, aiming to inform regeneration activity on this key council site. A budget of £98,000 is requested for specialist consultants to assess the site's value and deliverability under various scenarios. Additionally, the meeting will cover proposed changes to strategic management arrangements following Local Government Reorganisation in Hampshire, including the potential establishment of a Chief Operating Officer role and the permanent appointment of the Council's Head of Paid Service, possibly renamed Chief Executive. Finally, a decision made under urgency provisions regarding the Council Tax Second Home Premium will be noted, due to process errors made by officers in setting the premium.

For more details, see the upcoming Cabinet meeting.

The Development Management Committee is scheduled to meet again on Thursday, 23 April 2026, to further consider the planning application for Devereux House, No. 69 Albert Road, Farnborough, following a site visit.

For more details, see the upcoming Development Management Committee meeting.

This week in Rushmoor:

Licence Review for Pizza Gogo: Immigration Concerns Take Centre Stage

The Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) was scheduled to meet on Friday 10 April 2026 to consider a crucial application for the review of a premises licence. This meeting, which was unfortunately cancelled, would have focused on serious concerns raised by the Immigration Authority regarding Pizza Gogo in Aldershot.

The core of the issue revolves around allegations of illegal working and immigration crime. The Immigration Authority's report details previous enforcement visits where individuals were found working without the right to do so, leading to significant civil penalties. These penalties, totalling tens of thousands of pounds, remain outstanding. The Immigration Enforcement submission argues that for commercial reasons, those engaged in the management of the premises employed illegal workers, and a warning or other activity falling short of a review is inappropriate. They are therefore requesting that the premises licence be revoked.

This situation highlights the real-world impact of licensing decisions, particularly concerning the prevention of crime and disorder. For vulnerable individuals who may be exploited through illegal working, and for the wider community, ensuring that businesses operate legally and ethically is paramount. The potential revocation of the licence could have significant consequences for the business and its employees, while also sending a strong message about compliance.

The meeting was also expected to address a transfer application for the licence to NA Pizza Centre Limited. The Immigration Authority has objected to this transfer, citing concerns about alleged links between previous and current directors, and suggesting the transfer may have been expedited to avoid action. The Sub-Committee would have had the power to take no action, issue a warning, modify licence conditions, suspend the licence for up to three months, or revoke it entirely.

For more details, see the Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) meeting.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Monday 13 April 2026: Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) - Transfer of Premises Licence for Pizza Gogo.
• Monday 13 April 2026: Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) - Review of Premises Licence for Pizza Gogo.
• Wednesday 15 April 2026: Development Management Committee - Planning applications including a new care home at Devereux House, Albert Road, Farnborough.
• Tuesday 21 April 2026: Cabinet - Cabinet meeting with various portfolio matters.

This week in Rushmoor:

Town Centre Parking: Free for Shoppers or a Financial Hit for the Council?

The debate over how to encourage more people to shop in our town centres is heating up, with the Policy and Project Advisory Board considering proposals for free or discounted parking in Aldershot and Farnborough. This initiative, first discussed in December 2025, aims to boost local businesses by making it easier and cheaper for residents to visit.

The core question is whether the potential increase in shoppers will outweigh the loss of income from parking charges. While some research suggests that parking costs can influence shopper behaviour, other studies indicate that convenience and the overall shopping experience are more significant factors. A report presented to the board highlighted that parking charges in Rushmoor are already competitive with neighbouring towns. The council is exploring targeted changes and will be seeking feedback from businesses and residents before making any decisions. The financial implications for the council's revenue are a key consideration, as any reduction in parking income would need to be absorbed elsewhere.

For more details, see the Policy and Project Advisory Board meeting.

Tackling Unkempt Land: A Blight on Our Neighbourhoods?

Residents have raised concerns about the appearance and safety of unattached land across the borough, with the Policy and Project Advisory Board set to discuss potential solutions. This issue, which has led to complaints about unsightly and potentially dangerous areas, stems from landowners failing to maintain their plots.

The council is exploring options to clarify ownership and maintenance responsibilities, including potential partnerships with Crown land authorities and Hampshire County Council. The aim is to transform these neglected spaces into community assets, areas for biodiversity, or even sell them to adjacent residents. However, the council acknowledges its limited financial capacity for ongoing maintenance, positioning itself as a facilitator rather than a direct manager of these lands. The report pack included a document outlining the Council's process for acquiring land, titled Acquiring Crown Land Process and Cost 03.03.2026 Acquiring Crown Land Process and Cost 03.03.2026.

For more details, see the Policy and Project Advisory Board meeting.

Ensuring Financial Integrity: Audit and Governance Focus

The Audit and Governance Committee met to review the council's internal audit plans and accounting policies, crucial steps in maintaining robust financial management and governance. The committee examined the proposed Internal Audit Charter and Audit Plan for 2026/27, which guides the independent review of the council's operations. The Southern Internal Audit Partnership (SIAP) reported an excellent result in its external quality assessment, demonstrating strong adherence to auditing standards.

The committee also received an update on the progress of internal audits, highlighting the implementation of management actions. A particular concern raised was the non-compliance with data retention guidelines for Disabled Facilities Grants, which could pose a risk of breaching GDPR regulations. Furthermore, the committee reviewed and was asked to adopt the accounting policies for the 2025/26 financial year, ensuring that the council's financial statements are prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the UK.

For more details, see the Audit and Governance Committee meeting.

Other Matters

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss its work plan and review various council activities. While specific details of their discussions are pending further information, the committee's role is to scrutinise council decisions and performance, ensuring accountability and effectiveness.

For more details, see the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

This week in Rushmoor:

• The Council meeting was scheduled to discuss the future of Farnborough Leisure Centre, the council's budget, and community engagement.
• The Cabinet met to approve new business rates relief policies and an updated licensing policy for Aldershot town centre.
• The Licensing and Corporate Business Committee was scheduled to discuss the appointment of an interim Managing Director and Head of Paid Service.

Council - Thursday 19 March 2026

The Council of Rushmoor met on Thursday, 19 March 2026. A key decision scheduled for discussion was the allocation of a capital budget of up to £27.5 million for the Farnborough Leisure Centre project. This ambitious project aims to deliver a new leisure centre, playground, and surface car park, funded by a combination of the Local Regeneration Fund, S106 funding, and borrowing. The project is intended to replace the previous facility, which was demolished in 2022, and address health inequalities and physical activity levels in the borough.

The meeting also included a notice of motion regarding the Rights of Rivers, submitted by Councillor Jules Crossley. This motion highlighted concerns about the ecological and chemical health of local rivers, specifically the Blackwater and Cove Brook. It proposed consulting with neighbouring councils, writing to the Environment Agency, and ensuring that planning decisions minimise adverse impacts on river health.

Furthermore, the Council was set to consider recommendations for the Mayor-Elect and Deputy Mayor-Elect for the Municipal Year 2026/27, with Councillor P.J. Cullum proposed as Mayor-Elect and Councillor Akmal Gani as Deputy Mayor-Elect. The meeting agenda also included a report on the work of the Community Engagement Task and Finish Group, a notice of motion concerning public art and community projects, and an update on the designations of the Head of Paid Service and Monitoring Officer. The Council was also scheduled to receive and discuss the Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the 2025/26 Municipal Year.

Cabinet - Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Rushmoor Borough Council Cabinet met on Tuesday, 17th March 2026. A significant decision made was the approval of new policies for business rates relief. The Supporting Small Business Rates Relief Scheme aims to assist businesses facing significant increases in their business rates due to the 2026 Non-Domestic Rating Revaluation. Additionally, the Pubs and Live Music Venues Relief Scheme will offer eligible premises a 15% relief on their 2026-27 liabilities. Both reliefs will be administered under the Council's Discretionary Relief Powers, with the Council being reimbursed for all awarded relief.

The Cabinet also RESOLVED to recommend to the Council the approval of an updated Statement of Licensing Policy, which includes a cumulative impact policy for Aldershot town centre. This policy aims to uphold the Licensing Objectives under the Licensing Act 2003.

The Cabinet also reviewed the Council's financial position for the 2025/26 financial year, noting that the full £1.8 million savings requirement had been achieved. They also approved the Council's Asset Management Strategy (AMS) for its land and buildings estate, and a revised Community Asset Rents and Subsidy Policy. The AMS aims to establish a clear corporate framework for managing the estate, aligning decisions with the Council's Delivery Plan and financial sustainability objectives.

The meeting also included discussions on the community impact of grant schemes, with the Cabinet noting the positive effects of the Pride in Place and Supporting Communities grants awarded during the 2024/25 financial year. In exempt sessions, the Cabinet considered updates on strategic management arrangements and the disposal of No. 101 Hawley Lane, Farnborough.

Licensing and Corporate Business Committee - Wednesday 18 March 2026

The Licensing and Corporate Business Committee of Rushmoor Council was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. The committee was scheduled to consider an exempt report regarding the appointment of an interim Managing Director and Head of Paid Service. This role is crucial for the operational leadership of the council. The discussion was planned to take place with the public excluded from the meeting due to the nature of the information being discussed, which related to an individual.

The committee's agenda also included items that were recommended to the full Council. These recommendations likely stemmed from discussions on matters of licensing and corporate governance, ensuring the council operates effectively and in compliance with relevant legislation. The specific details of these recommendations would have been presented to the Council for final approval.