This week in Tower Hamlets:

Fabwick Licence Sparks Debate Over Noise and Compliance

The Licensing Sub Committee convened this week to consider an application for a new premises licence for Fabwick, a venue in Queen's Yard, Hackney Wick. The meeting, which was broadcast on the council's website, saw heated discussion over noise concerns and the applicant's history of adhering to licensing conditions.

• Applicant's Vision: UKFULLDEPO LTD, the applicant, sought permission to operate Fabwick as a community bar with extended hours, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshments.
• Licensing Authority's Concerns: The Licensing Authority objected, citing a history of breaches of existing licence conditions and concerns about noise impact on nearby residents, particularly in light of new residential developments.
• Noise Report Dispute: A key point of contention was the submission of an outdated noise impact report, leading to confusion and requiring a brief adjournment.
• Police Withdrawal: While the Metropolitan Police had initially objected, they later withdrew their representation after agreeing to a set of conditions with the applicant.
• Breach Allegations: Despite the police withdrawal, the Licensing Authority presented evidence of alleged breaches of existing licence conditions, including serving alcohol to patrons not seated at tables and exceeding permitted hours.
• Applicant's Response: The applicant acknowledged past breaches but argued they had taken steps to ensure future compliance and that the police withdrawal demonstrated confidence in their ability to operate responsibly.
• First Floor Concerns: The Licensing Authority raised concerns about the use of the first floor, which planning regulations may restrict to office space.
• Capacity Reduction: The applicant agreed to reduce the venue's capacity to 300 patrons plus 20 staff if the first floor was prohibited from licensable activities.

The decision is significant because it highlights the challenges of balancing the needs of businesses with the concerns of residents in a rapidly developing area. The outcome will determine whether Fabwick can operate as a community bar and the extent to which the council can ensure compliance with licensing conditions.

As Councillor Peter Golds, Chair of the Licensing Committee, put it:

How can you assure us that you will at last observe all the conditions because you've got a record of not observing conditions?

The Sub-Committee will deliberate in a private session and communicate the decision within five working days.

Feast Express Licence Bid Faces Cumulative Impact Zone Hurdle

The Licensing Sub Committee also considered an application for a new premises licence for Feast Express, a takeaway at 103 Whitechapel Road. The meeting was broadcast on the council's website.

• Late-Night Refreshments: Shariful Islam, the applicant, sought permission for the provision of late-night refreshment.
• Licensing Authority's Objection: The Licensing Authority objected, citing the location within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) and previous instances of operating without a licence.
• Breach History: The Licensing Authority stated that officers had visited the premises on two occasions and found them to be operating without a licence.
• Applicant's Defence: The applicant argued that they were committed to complying with licensing conditions and that the business would provide a community service by catering to shift workers and emergency staff.
• Police and Environmental Protection Agreement: The police and Environmental Protection had agreed to a set of conditions with the applicant, including measures to prevent crime and disorder, and to promote public safety.
• CIZ Challenge: The applicant argued that the premises was located on the eastern edge of the CIZ and would not contribute to alcohol-related disorder.

This decision is important because it tests the council's policy on granting new licences within Cumulative Impact Zones. The outcome will determine whether Feast Express can operate with extended hours and the extent to which the council prioritizes the prevention of crime and disorder in the Brick Lane area.

The Sub-Committee will deliberate in a private session and communicate the decision within five working days.

Pension Board Reviews Risk and Investment Strategies

The Tower Hamlets Pension Board met to discuss key reports and updates, including the terms of reference, the annual report, a pension administration report, and the risk register. The meeting was broadcast on the council's website.

• Vice-Chair Appointment: David Stephen Thompson was re-appointed as vice-chair of the board.
• Pension Administration Concerns: The board discussed the increase in general correspondence and benefit revision cases, noting that outstanding cases were falling further behind the SIPFA benchmark.
• Cyber Risk: John Gray raised concerns about cyber risk, given recent events affecting Marks and Spencer and the Co-operative Group, and asked if the council's IT department could provide reports on their testing and handling of cyber security.
• Investment Strategy: The board discussed the government's response to the 'Fit for the Future' consultation and the LGPS 'Access and Fairness' Consultation, focusing on the implications for local investment and asset allocation.
• Local Investment Ambition: David Stephen Thompson asked what 'local' meant in the context of the published local investment ambition, and whether the fund was familiar with the proportion of the fund already invested in the UK.

These discussions are crucial because they affect the financial security of current and future pensioners in Tower Hamlets. The board's oversight of risk management and investment strategies aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pension fund.

Other Matters

• The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met, but no video was provided. Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE)
• The Employee Appeals Sub Committee meeting was postponed. Employee Appeals Sub Committee
• The Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board meeting was cancelled. Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Employee Appeals Sub Committee - July 7, 2025 - Appeal against employee dismissal
• Strategic Development Committee - July 8, 2025 - Teviot Estate Redevelopment, Committee Terms of Reference
• Employee Appeals Sub Committee - July 8, 2025
• Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - July 9, 2025 - Grant Awards for Childcare and Holiday Activities
• Standards Advisory Committee - July 10, 2025 - Terms of Reference, Register of Interests, Annual Report
• Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee - July 15, 2025
• Council - July 16, 2025
• Licensing Sub Committee - July 17, 2025

This week in Tower Hamlets:

Albert Jacob House Redevelopment Faces Scrutiny

The Development Committee was scheduled to meet this week to discuss a planning application for the demolition of Albert Jacob House and its redevelopment into a mixed-use building. The meeting was scheduled to be broadcast live on the council's website, but no video was provided.

• Affordable Housing at Stake: The proposed development aims to provide 53 affordable residential units, split evenly between London Affordable Rent and Tower Hamlets Living Rent, alongside commercial units.
• Heritage Concerns: The development site is near the Globe Road Conservation Area and listed buildings like the London Buddhist Centre and Sulkin House, raising concerns about the impact on the area's heritage.
• Mixed Public Reaction: While some support the redevelopment, citing the need for affordable housing, others object due to concerns about the height of the building and the impact on the surrounding area.
• Officer Recommendation: The planning officer's summary recommendation was to grant planning permission with conditions and planning obligations.

This decision is significant because it balances the need for affordable housing with the preservation of local heritage and the concerns of residents. The outcome could set a precedent for future developments in conservation areas.

Other Matters

The Development Committee was also scheduled to:

• Elect a Vice-Chair for the committee for the municipal year 2025-26.
• Confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 26 April 2025.
• Note the recommendations and procedure for hearing objections and meeting guidance.
• Note the Development Committee terms of reference, quorum, membership and dates of meetings for 2025/2026, and determine the preferred start time for scheduled meetings.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Pension Board - June 30, 2025 - Government Response to LGPS Consultation, Annual Report
• Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) - June 30, 2025
• Licensing Sub Committee - July 1, 2025 - Premises Licence Applications
• Employee Appeals Sub Committee - July 7, 2025 - Appeal against employee dismissal
• Strategic Development Committee - July 8, 2025
• Employee Appeals Sub Committee - July 8, 2025
• Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - July 9, 2025
• Standards Advisory Committee - July 10, 2025

This week in Tower Hamlets:

Rough Sleeper Services Face Uncertainty Amid Funding Concerns

Tower Hamlets Cabinet approved the procurement of a four-year framework to deliver specialist services to support people rough sleeping in the borough. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting this week, but not without significant discussion about the security of funding.

• Framework Approved: The framework aims to provide specialist support to help end rough sleeping in Tower Hamlets.
• Funding Concerns: The report indicated that £2.76 million would come from general funds, with £6.52 million from anticipated grant funding.
• Councillor Intervention: Councillors expressed concern that the report did not clearly state that the contract was dependent on securing grant funding each year.
• Amended Recommendation: The Cabinet agreed to amend the recommendation to explicitly state that the contract would be awarded on a 1+1+1+1 basis, subject to funding being available each year.
• Mayor's Assurance: Mayor Lutfur Rahman assured the Cabinet that the intention was always for the contract to be dependent on funding, and that the amendment was to provide greater clarity and protect the council from entering into a commitment without the necessary resources.

This decision is crucial because it affects the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in Tower Hamlets. The explicit link to funding aims to ensure that the council can deliver these vital services sustainably, but also raises concerns about the long-term security of support for rough sleepers.

Virginia Primary School to Become an Academy

The Cabinet noted the decision of the Secretary of State for Education to approve the application from the Governing Body of Virginia Community Primary School to convert to academy status. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting this week.

• Statutory Duty: Steve Reddy, Corporate Director, Children's Services, explained that the council has a statutory duty under the Academies Act 2010 to facilitate the conversion process. [^1]: The Academies Act 2010 is a UK law that allows state schools in England to become academies, which are independent of local authority control.
• Lease Agreement: The council will lease the school site to the LETTA trust for 125 years at a nominal rent, ensuring the land remains dedicated to educational use.
• Councillor Concerns: Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, asked how the transition process can be made more smooth and what kind of collaboration work with all the stakeholders in terms of the staff, the contract, the services.
• Council's Position: Mayor Rahman stated his support for community schools rather than academies, but acknowledged that the council had no choice in this matter due to the academy order.

This decision is significant because it marks a shift in the governance of Virginia Primary School, moving it outside of direct local authority control. While the council is legally obligated to facilitate the conversion, concerns remain about the potential impact on the school's relationship with the local community and the quality of education provided.

Employee Dismissal Appeal Heard Behind Closed Doors

The Employee Appeals Sub Committee convened to discuss an appeal against an employee dismissal. The meeting took place this week, but no video was provided.

• Confidentiality: The press and public were excluded from the majority of the meeting due to the confidential nature of the information to be discussed, citing Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.
• Appeal Grounds: The appeal was expected to be considered on the grounds of procedure, facts, and decision.

This process is important because it ensures that employees have the right to appeal disciplinary actions taken against them. However, the lack of transparency raises concerns about accountability and public scrutiny of the council's employment practices.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet approved new design guidelines for mansard roof extensions in conservation areas, aiming to balance residents' needs for more space with the preservation of historic character. Cabinet Meeting
• The Cabinet approved the proposed 2025/26 corporate performance measures and associated targets. Cabinet Meeting
• The Cabinet authorised the Corporate Director, Children’s Services to extend the existing 0-5 Public Health Contract for a period of six months. Cabinet Meeting
• The Cabinet agreed to make direct awards to cover the interim arrangements with incumbent domiciliary care service suppliers B to E but not supplier A. Cabinet Meeting
• The General Purposes Committee elected Councillor Abdul Wahid as Vice-Chair and approved local authority governor appointments. General Purposes Committee
• The Licensing Sub Committee convened to review applications for new premise licences for Asia Villa and Fomo Studio. Licensing Sub Committee

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Development Committee - June 26, 2025 - Planning Application for Albert Jacob House, Committee Terms of Reference
• Pension Board - June 30, 2025 - Government Response to LGPS Consultation, Annual Report
• Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) - June 30, 2025
• Licensing Sub Committee - July 1, 2025 - Premises Licence Applications
• Strategic Development Committee - July 2, 2025

This week in Tower Hamlets:

Shoreditch Venue Faces Resident Backlash Over Late-Night Licence Bid

A Licensing Sub Committee meeting this week highlighted the tension between Tower Hamlets' vibrant nightlife and the needs of its residents. The committee convened to discuss a licence variation for Chiave Shoreditch, a cocktail bar seeking to extend its hours until 3:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

• Residents Unite in Opposition: Residents voiced strong objections, citing noise nuisance, parking issues, and anti-social behaviour already plaguing the area. Jonathan Mobley, Vice Chair of the Boundary Tenants and Residents Association, argued that extending the licence would inevitably increase the amount of alcohol-related pedestrian traffic and accompanying ASB.
• Applicant Pushes Back: Represented by Robert Sutherland, Chiave Shoreditch argued that the extension would not negatively impact the area, citing a £300,000 investment in the premises and a focus on quality service and niche music. Sutherland offered to reduce capacity after 2:00 AM and implement a no re-admission policy after 1:45 AM.
• Councillor Skepticism: Councillor Amina Ali questioned the realism of the no re-admission condition and the potential for the venue to become an after-party location. She also asked whether the applicant had conducted any local community or stakeholder consultations before making the application, and whether they were offering something materially different that supports the area's regeneration or diversity offer.
• Decision Pending: The Sub-Committee will deliberate in a private session and communicate the decision within five working days.

This case underscores the challenges of balancing economic development with the quality of life for residents, particularly in areas already experiencing the cumulative impact¹ of late-night venues. The decision could set a precedent for future licensing applications in the Brick Lane Community Impact Zone².

Scrutiny Committee Tackles Hate Crime and Domiciliary Care

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee addressed two critical issues: hate crime reporting and the Domiciliary Care Service. You can find the full meeting details here.

• Hate Crime Underreporting: Councillor Abdi Mohamed presented a report highlighting the underreporting of hate crimes in Tower Hamlets and the need to rebuild trust in the reporting system.
  • The report recommended expanding access to third-party reporting centers, improving training for staff and councillors, and strengthening data sharing.
  • Councillor Abdi Mohamed emphasized that too many victims do not feel confident that their reports will be taken seriously or lead to meaningful outcomes.
  • The committee agreed to send the report to the cabinet and suggested a progress update in six months.
• Domiciliary Care Service: The committee reviewed the Domiciliary Care Service following the abandonment of a previous procurement process.
  • Councillor Sabina Akhtar stated that officers had secured a two-year arrangement with existing providers to ensure continuity of care.
  • Georgie Achimbini, corporate director of health, well-being and social adult care, highlighted the importance of co-production, social value, and digital solutions in the re-procurement process.
  • The committee moved into a closed session to discuss sensitive legal and commercial information.

These discussions are vital because they address the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents. The focus on hate crime reporting aims to empower victims and create a more inclusive community. The review of the Domiciliary Care Service seeks to ensure that elderly and disabled residents receive the care they need.

New Premise Licence for Boundary Hotel Restaurant

James McCulloch, director of the premises, applied for a new premise licence for Boundary Hotel Restaurant at 2-4 Boundary Street London, E2 7JE. You can find the full meeting details here.

• New Licence: James McCulloch explained that the application seeks slightly reduced hours compared to the existing premises licence for the hotel. He stated that the restaurant is intended for anyone, not just hotel guests, and that there are ongoing talks with a Parisian brasserie operator to take over the restaurant.
• Councillor Questions: Councillor Ali asked how the effectiveness of the measures would be monitored over time. James McCulloch responded that the restaurant operator would have a lease with the hotel, and the lease would be forfeit if they did not comply with the terms of the licence.
• Decision Pending: The Sub-Committee will deliberate in a private session and communicate the decision within five working days.

Other Licensing Decisions

The Licensing Sub Committee extended the decision deadline for several applications to 30 June 2025 and 31 July 2025.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Development Committee - June 26, 2025
• General Purposes Committee - June 17, 2025 - Election of Vice-Chair, Review of Work Plan, Terms of Reference
• Licensing Sub Committee - June 19, 2025 - Premises Licence Applications