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Weekly updates
Southwark Approves Developments, Faces Heritage & Housing Concerns
This week in Southwark:
Major Developments Approved Amidst Heritage and Community Concerns
The Planning Committee (Major Applications) A convened this week, greenlighting significant redevelopment projects across the borough. You can read the full details of the meeting here. While these projects promise economic growth and updated infrastructure, they also raise questions about heritage preservation and community impact.
New City Court Redevelopment Sparks Debate
The committee approved the redevelopment of New City Court at 4-26 St Thomas Street, a project that includes a 10-storey office building, restoration of Keats House, and refurbishment of a listed Georgian terrace.
- Heritage Concerns: Despite acknowledging the reduced scale compared to previous proposals, Historic England maintains the scheme
failed to respond to the character of the Borough High Street Conservation Area
and would causeless than substantial harm
to the area and listed buildings. - Community Opposition: Living Bankside supported the principle of development but argued that the mitigations and tangible benefits were
inadequate to address significant harms.
- Council's Stance: The committee granted planning permission, emphasizing the economic benefits and modern office space the development would bring.
Timber Square Phase 2 Approved Despite Objections
The committee also approved the Timber Square (Phase 2) development at 63 Ewer Street, which includes the partial demolition of a viaduct structure and the construction of two buildings for office, retail, and recreational uses.
- Lack of Housing: The Conservation Area Action Group objected, citing a
lack of housing
andinadequate public open space.
- Loss of Unique Space: Concerns were also raised about the loss of sui generis floorspace[^3].
- Community Concerns: Living Bankside supported the scheme in principle but felt the impacts outweighed the benefits, raising concerns about daylight, sunlight, heritage assets, poor consultation, construction noise, and lack of green space.
Chambers Wharf Amendments Approved with Reduced Housing
The committee addressed amendments to the Chambers Wharf project at Chambers Street, including changes to façade design, building footprint, and internal unit reconfiguration.
- Housing Reduction: Internal reconfigurations resulted in a reduction of units from 589 to 566.
- Objector Concerns: Objectors raised concerns about the impact on daylight and sunlight, height and massing, parking, construction impacts, lack of affordable housing, and changes in dwelling mix.
- Council Justification: The committee granted planning permission, citing the need to meet updated fire regulations and energy and sustainability standards.
Licensing Decisions: Tesco and Oli's Bakery
The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to discuss licensing applications for a Tesco Express store and Oli's Bakery Ltd. You can read the full details of the meeting here.
Tesco Express Application Faces Community Pushback
Tesco Stores Limited applied for a new premises licence for a Tesco Express store at 29-35 Lordship Lane, seeking permission to sell alcohol until midnight.
- Police Concerns: The Metropolitan Police Service initially raised concerns about crime and disorder but withdrew their representation after Tesco agreed to amend their operating schedule.
- Community Opposition: One representation from another person remained outstanding, citing concerns about increased shoplifting, social deprivation, antisocial behaviour, and danger to local residents.
- Previous Licence: A premises licence had previously been granted to Poundland Limited for the same location, but was surrendered earlier this month.
Oli's Bakery Seeks Alcohol and Music Licence
Oli's Bakery Ltd applied for a new premises licence for Arch 141, Eagle Yard, Hampton Street, seeking permission to play recorded music and sell alcohol.
- Police and Trading Standards Concerns: The Metropolitan Police Service and the trading standards service initially raised concerns but withdrew their representations after the applicant agreed to amend their operating schedule.
- Agreed Conditions: The conciliated amended hours and conditions agreed with the responsible authorities included restrictions on hours, CCTV, an incident log, support for the
Ask for Angela
safety initiative, a welfare and vulnerability policy, and a requirement for alcohol to be sold only to seated customers taking table meals, served by waiter/waitress table service. - Community Concerns: Representations from four other persons remained outstanding, with concerns relating to the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance.
Upcoming Meetings
- Housing Scrutiny Commission - Monday 28 July 2025
Southwark: Aylesham Centre Stalls, Solar Plan, & Care Leavers
This week in Southwark:
Aylesham Centre Redevelopment Stalls Amidst Community Concerns
The Planning Committee (Major Applications) B met on 15 July 2025, and a major point of discussion was the proposed redevelopment of The Aylesham Centre on Rye Lane. Read the full details of the meeting here. The application, submitted by Berkley Homes (Capital) Plc, seeks to demolish the existing buildings and construct a replacement supermarket, retail spaces, leisure facilities, commercial accommodations, and housing.
- Community Backlash: The application has faced significant opposition, with over 2,500 objections from local residents, businesses, and community groups. Concerns revolve around the scale of the development, a perceived lack of affordable housing, potential harm to existing businesses, and fears of increased house prices and rents.
- Planning Policy Conflict: The site is subject to site allocation NSP74 in the Southwark Plan[^1], which mandates a comprehensive redevelopment including retail space, new homes (including Community Land Trust homes), public spaces, and new routes through the site. [^1]: The Southwark Plan is the council's local plan, setting out the vision, objectives, and policies for development in the borough.
- Appeal to Secretary of State: Due to delays in the council's decision-making process, the applicant has appealed to the Secretary of State on the grounds of non-determination. The committee was asked to agree on the grounds for defending the appeal.
- Heritage Concerns: The committee recommended defending the appeal, arguing that the public benefits of the proposal are insufficient to outweigh the potential harm to the character and appearance of the Rye Lane Peckham Conservation Area.
The future of the Aylesham Centre remains uncertain as the appeal process unfolds. This case highlights the tension between development pressures and the need to protect local character and address community concerns.
Solar Panels on Listed Buildings: Streamlining Consent in Conservation Areas
The Planning Committee (Major Applications) B also considered a proposal to introduce a Local Listed Building Consent Order (LLBCO) for the installation of solar panels on Grade II listed residential properties within the Sutherland Square Conservation Area and the Liverpool Grove Conservation Area. Read the full details of the meeting here.
- Resident-Driven Initiative: The initiative was brought forward by residents and aligns with the council's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030, as stated in their Climate Change Strategy.
- Streamlined Process: A LLBCO would simplify the process for residents seeking listed building consent for solar panel installation.
- Conditions and Safeguards: The draft LLBCO includes conditions to minimize potential harm to the historic character of the buildings and conservation areas, such as limiting installations to locations where the panels are not easily visible from the street. Planning permission would still be required for solar panels on listed buildings, even with a LLBCO in place.
- Public Consultation: A public consultation will be undertaken, including consultation with Historic England.
The Planning Committee was asked to approve the draft LLBCO and the statutory consultation, potentially paving the way for easier adoption of solar energy in these historic areas.
Care Leavers' Employment: Council Aims to Break Down Barriers
The Corporate Parenting Committee convened on 16 July 2025, with a key focus on improving outcomes for looked after children and care leavers. Read the full details of the meeting here. A central topic was the Care Leavers Employability Pathway, a program designed to support care leavers in accessing education, employment, and training.
- Addressing Disadvantage: Care leavers often face significant barriers to employment, with only 27% of 19- to 21-year-old care leavers nationally being in education, training, or employment, compared to 87% of all young people in that age group.
- Pathway Components: The employability pathway includes skills workshops, work experience placements, supported internships, ring-fenced apprenticeships, and ring-fenced entry-level positions.
- Council-Wide Commitment: The corporate management team of the council has agreed to implement the employability pathway for care experienced young people within the council. This includes training for managers and teams on supporting care experienced young people.
- Minimum Expectations: The report sets out minimum expectations for council departments to engage with the plans, including the appointment of a care experienced young person's champion in each department.
- Targeted Support: The report included data highlighting that Black Caribbean and white British care leavers are more likely to be NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) compared to the overall group of care leavers, and that a significant proportion of NEET care leavers have mental health and wellbeing concerns.
- Evaluation: The impact of the pathway and program will be evaluated against several measures, including a 25% reduction in existing NEET care leavers and an increase in ring-fenced education, employment and training opportunities across the local area public and private sector.
This initiative reflects the council's commitment to its role as a corporate parent, aiming to provide care leavers with the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
Other Matters
- The Audit, Governance and Standards Committee was scheduled to discuss a range of topics, including fraud prevention, internal audit findings, the council's draft statement of accounts, and compliance with financial management standards. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.
- The Corporate Parenting Committee was also scheduled to discuss the Annual Health Report for Looked After Children and the Southwark Homes for Southwark Children programme. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.
- The Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission met to discuss a customer experience plan, the cabinet's response to a biodiversity scrutiny review, and a consultation on Streets for People zoning. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.
- A meeting of an unknown committee was held on Monday 14 July 2025. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.
Upcoming Meetings
- Planning Committee (Major Applications) A - Tuesday 22 July 2025
- Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 24 July 2025
- Housing Scrutiny Commission - Monday 28 July 2025
Southwark Gets New Leader, Tackles Crime, Boosts Tenant Power
This week in Southwark:
New Council Leader Elected Amidst Community Safety Concerns
Following Councillor Kieron Williams' resignation, Councillor Sarah King has been elected as the new leader of Southwark Council at a Council Assembly meeting. Read the full details of the meeting here. Her term will last until the first annual meeting after the next local election in May 2026. Councillor King announced that the cabinet would remain unchanged for the time being.
The meeting also addressed pressing issues such as community safety, with a motion presented by Councillor Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Neighbourhoods, highlighting the council's commitment to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. The motion passed, outlining plans for:
- New nighttime wardens.
- An Anti-Social Behaviour Task Force.
- Pilots to improve park safety.
- Upgraded CCTV and street lighting.
- A Southwark Policing Oversight Board.
- Improved women's safety initiatives.
- Decriminalising rough sleeping.
- Increased youth engagement.
The council resolved to act on the Women's Safety Survey 2025 results, explore appointing a councillor as a VAWG Champion, improve lighting and CCTV, open a Women's Safety Centre, and establish safe routes to school. They also resolved to help ensure a policing presence is maintained in Rotherhithe.
Good Landlord Plan Approved to Empower Tenants
The Cabinet approved the council's Good Landlord Plan, outlining its strategy for becoming a better landlord for all tenants and leaseholders. Read the full details of the meeting here. Councillor Sarah King, Cabinet Member for Council Homes, emphasised that the plan puts tenants and leaseholders at the heart of the council's work, giving them a stronger voice in influencing housing services. The plan addresses key areas such as:
- Better homes
- Better estates
- Better repairs
- Better customer services
- A stronger voice for tenants
- New council homes
The cabinet noted progress made under the Housing Services Improvement Programme, following a C3 grade given by the Regulator of Social Housing. The cabinet also noted how the Good Landlord Plan will be communicated to tenants and leaseholders, with updates on progress made.
Affordable Workspace Strategy Aims to Boost Local Businesses
The Cabinet also approved the adoption of the Affordable Workspace Strategy, aiming to increase the availability of affordable workspaces in Southwark, particularly for small and medium enterprises, social enterprises, and creative industries. Read the full details of the meeting here. Councillor John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business, stated the strategy aligns with Southwark's broader economic development objectives, promoting inclusive growth and supporting innovation. The cabinet also approved the establishment and allocation of the Affordable Workspace Fund, pooling financial contributions secured through Section 106 agreements.
Other Matters
- The Cabinet approved the award of the new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Support Services contract to Bede House Association for an initial four-year period, starting 7 February 2026, at a cost of £3,209,578 (index linked). Read the full details of the meeting here.
- The Cabinet agreed to adopt supplementary planning documents related to householder development, affordable housing, and Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Read the full details of the meeting here.
- The Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission discussed pupil place planning, updates from traders at East Street Market, and the commission's proposed work programme for the coming year. Read the full details of the meeting here.
- The Joint IT Committee (Brent, Lewisham and Southwark) met to discuss updates on the Shared Technology Service (STS), including service level performance, project updates, and procurement matters. Read the full details of the meeting here.
- At the Council Assembly meeting, the council considered five motions, all of which were carried, although some were amended. Read the full details of the meeting here. These included motions on welcoming refugee families, standing against welfare cuts, making space for girls in parks, implementing a tourist tax, and limiting the spread of damaging gambling premises in the Blue.
- Meetings of unknown committees were held on Tuesday 08 July 2025.
Upcoming Meetings
- Planning Committee (Major Applications) B - Tuesday 15 July 2025
- Audit, Governance and Standards Committee - Monday 14 July 2025
- Corporate Parenting Committee - Wednesday 16 July 2025
- Environment Scrutiny Commission - Wednesday 16 July 2025
- Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission - Wednesday 16 July 2025
- Planning Committee (Major Applications) A - Tuesday 22 July 2025
Southwark Council: Nursing Home Plan Scrutinised, OKR Development
This week in Southwark:
Nursing Home Development Faces Scrutiny
The Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission met to discuss a range of critical issues, including a review of the nursing care home delivery model. Read the full details of the meeting here. The commission expressed concerns that the council's current market-led approach to delivering a new nursing home on Asylum Road may be premature and that alternative options, such as direct delivery or partnerships with the NHS, have not been sufficiently considered.
- Precarious Care Home Situation: The commission highlighted the vulnerability of care homes in Southwark, noting the loss of three homes in the last decade and the variable quality of provision.
- Financial Implications: While a market-led approach may alleviate immediate capital costs, it could potentially place a higher burden on the council's revenue budget over time for places it is required to fund.
- Recommendation: The commission recommended that a Gateway 0 options appraisal report be produced for the cabinet to ensure a more thorough process is followed and that all delivery options are fully considered.
This scrutiny comes as Southwark faces a growing need for nursing home care, as highlighted in the Planning Committee (Major Applications) A meeting, where the release of £200,000 from Section 106 agreements to fund consultant services for the Asylum Road nursing home was discussed. Read the full details of the meeting here.
Student Housing and Affordable Homes Proposed for Old Kent Road
The Planning Committee (Major Applications) A considered a full planning application for Ilderton Wharf, located within the Old Kent Road Opportunity Area. Read the full details of the meeting here. The proposal involves demolishing existing buildings and constructing a mixed-use development, including purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), affordable housing, and industrial space.
- Affordable Housing: The development aims to deliver 40% on-site affordable housing.
- Environmental Impact: The proposal aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions, exceeding building regulations for residential, student housing, and commercial elements.
- Industrial Land: The application site is identified as a Locally Significant Industrial Site (LSIS) in the Southwark Plan 2022, and the proposal includes re-provision of existing light industrial uses.
The Old Kent Road Opportunity Area is subject to the Old Kent Road Area Action Plan, which aims to deliver significant regeneration and growth in the area.
South Dock Marina Refurbishment Sparks Rent Concerns
The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) considered a planning application for the refurbishment of South Dock Marina. Read the full details of the meeting here. The Southwark Law Centre and South Dock Marina Berth Holders Association (SDMBHA) raised concerns about potential rent increases for businesses, a transitional service charge,
the status of the community garden, and on-site storage.
- Rent Increases: The Southwark Law Centre stated that multiple businesses indicated that they would only be able to afford an ultimate rent of £12/sqft, and disputed how market rent had been calculated.
- Community Garden: The Southwark Law Centre stressed their belief that the advice from the council's legal advisor at the first committee – that the community garden is not Other Open Space since it is
ancillary to, and/or within the curtilage of a building
– is incorrect. - Storage: The Southwark Law Centre noted the recent clarification that the proposals will retain the existing amount of storage onsite, with temporary relocation during construction, and asked that additional storage is provided.
Other Matters
- The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application by Luxury Leisure for a premises licence for an adult gaming centre at Admiral, 193-221 Southwark Park Road. Read the full details of the meeting here. Three representations were received during the consultation period, raising concerns about crime, disorder, and the potential negative impact on vulnerable persons.
- The Planning Committee (Major Applications) A was scheduled to release funds from Section 106 agreements for public realm improvements on Rockingham Street and Arch Street, consultant services for a new nursing home on Asylum Road, and improvements to Little Dorrit Park. Read the full details of the meeting here.
- The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) considered a planning application for the construction of outdoor playing facilities and a sports pavilion at Dulwich Sports Club. Read the full details of the meeting here. Objections raised material planning considerations including Metropolitan Open Land, amenity, light pollution, and noise nuisance.
- Meetings of unknown committees were held on Monday 30 June 2025, Wednesday 02 July 2025 and Thursday 03 July 2025.
Upcoming Meetings
- Cabinet - Monday 07 July 2025
- Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission - Monday 07 July 2025
- Joint IT Committee (Brent, Lewisham and Southwark) - Tuesday 08 July 2025
- Unknown committee - Tuesday 08 July 2025
- Council Assembly - Wednesday 09 July 2025
- Unknown committee - Monday 14 July 2025
- Audit, Governance and Standards Committee - Monday 14 July 2025
- Planning Committee (Major Applications) B - Tuesday 15 July 2025
- Corporate Parenting Committee - Wednesday 16 July 2025
- Environment Scrutiny Commission - Wednesday 16 July 2025
- Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission - Wednesday 16 July 2025
Southwark Council Scrutinised: What it means for you this week
This week in Southwark:
Scrutinising Southwark: Overview Committee Convenes
The Overview & Scrutiny Committee met this week to discuss a range of issues concerning the borough. Read the full details of the meeting here.
The Overview & Scrutiny Committee is responsible for scrutinising the decisions and performance of the council and other public bodies in Southwark. The committee aims to improve the quality of public services and ensure that they are accountable to the public.
Attendees included Councillor Ian Wingfield, Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Victor Chamberlain, Leader of the Opposition, and representatives from the Church of England Diocese.
Other Matters
- Several other meetings were held this week, but no transcripts or videos are currently available. These include meetings of unknown committees held on Tuesday 24 June 2025, Wednesday 25 June 2025 and Thursday 26 June 2025.
- A further meeting of an unknown committee was held on Thursday 26 June 2025. Read the full details of the meeting here.
Upcoming Meetings
- Unknown committee - Monday 30 June 2025
- Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) - Tuesday 01 July 2025
- Unknown committee - Wednesday 02 July 2025
- Planning Committee (Major Applications) A - Wednesday 02 July 2025
- Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission - Wednesday 02 July 2025
- Unknown committee - Thursday 03 July 2025
- Unknown committee - Thursday 03 July 2025
- Cabinet - Monday 07 July 2025
- Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission - Monday 07 July 2025
- Joint IT Committee (Brent, Lewisham and Southwark) - Tuesday 08 July 2025
- Unknown committee - Tuesday 08 July 2025
- Council Assembly - Wednesday 09 July 2025
Recent meetings
Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 24 July 2025 10.00 am
The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council scheduled a meeting to discuss licensing applications for two premises: a Tesco Express store and Oli's Bakery Ltd. The meeting was scheduled to be held online/virtually. Councillor Renata Hamvas was scheduled to chair the meeting, with Councillor Dora Dixon-Fyle MBE and Councillor Jon Hartley as members.
Planning Committee (Major Applications) A - Tuesday 22 July 2025 6.30 pm
The Planning Committee (Major Applications) A of Southwark Council convened on 22 July 2025, to discuss several key development projects. The committee approved recommendations for a new letting at 36 High Street, Romford, a housing scheme at 6 Surman Terrace, Romford, the extension of a film service agreement with FilmFixer Ltd, the undertaking of an annual Community Safety Survey, and rent reviews for the Ingrebourne Valley Visitors Centre, and Bedfords Pavilion Park and Café. The main focus of the meeting was on major planning applications, including the New City Court redevelopment, Timber Square Phase 2, and amendments to the Chambers Wharf project.
Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission - Wednesday 16 July 2025 7.00 pm
The Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission met on 16 July 2025 to discuss the council's customer experience plan, the cabinet response to a biodiversity scrutiny review, and the Streets for People zoning consultation. Also on the agenda was discussion of playground policy and the commission's work programme.
Corporate Parenting Committee - Wednesday 16 July 2025 2.00 pm
The Corporate Parenting Committee was scheduled to meet on 16 July 2025 to discuss several issues relating to children in care, including employability pathways for care leavers, the annual health report for looked after children, and the Southwark Homes for Southwark Children programme. The committee was also scheduled to elect a vice-chair and review its work plan for the year.
Planning Committee (Major Applications) B - Tuesday 15 July 2025 6.30 pm
The Planning Committee (Major Applications) B was scheduled to meet on 15 July 2025, to discuss a range of planning and development issues, including a proposed local listed building consent order and several major planning applications. The committee, including Councillor Richard Livingstone (Chair) and Councillor Kath Whittam (Vice-Chair), was expected to consider reports and make recommendations on these items.
Rotherhithe Neighbourhood meeting
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Audit, Governance and Standards Committee - Monday 14 July 2025 6.30 pm
Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee meeting on 14 July 2025.
Ordinary meeting, Council Assembly - Wednesday 9 July 2025 7.00 pm
At a meeting of the Southwark Council Assembly, Councillor Sarah King was elected as the new Leader of the Council, and the cabinet will remain unchanged at present. Councillors debated a motion on community safety, and also discussed motions relating to welfare cuts, making space for girls in parks, a tourist tax, and limiting gambling premises. The assembly also approved a waiver for Councillor Maggie Browning's attendance due to maternity leave, and reviewed the Treasury Management Outturn report for 2024-25.
Joint IT Committee (Brent, Lewisham and Southwark) - Tuesday 8 July 2025 6.00 pm
The Joint IT Committee (Brent, Lewisham and Southwark) met to discuss updates on the Shared Technology Service (STS), including service level performance, project updates, and procurement matters. The committee was also scheduled to discuss a cyber security update in a closed session. The meeting was scheduled to be held virtually via MS Teams.
Peckham Neighbourhood Meeting
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.