The Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 20 April 2026 to review a call-in regarding the Warwick Avenue Public Realm Scheme. The committee decided to take no further action, allowing the Cabinet Member's decision to be implemented.

Warwick Avenue Public Realm Scheme

The committee convened to review a call-in concerning the Cabinet Member Decision on the 'Warwick Avenue Public Realm Scheme – Design and Implementation'. The decision had been called in by Councillors David Harvey, Paul Fisher, and Ralu Oteh-Osoka, who raised concerns about value for money, the potential exacerbation of anti-social behaviour due to additional seating, and the safety of proposed cycling measures at the Warrington Crescent and Clifton Gardens junction. They also questioned the resolution of operational matters such as motorcycle parking relocation and servicing access, and whether residents had been adequately consulted on the revised scheme and its costs.

Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, introduced the report, outlining the scheme's purpose, consultation efforts, and considerations for resident parking, anti-social behaviour, and safety. He was supported by senior specialist officers who addressed the committee's questions.

Members questioned the timing of the decision, suggesting it might be premature and that further resident consultation was needed. They also scrutinised the total cost of the scheme, referencing previous costings from 2019 and asking for justification for the £3 million expenditure, particularly concerning the use of Yorkstone paving. Concerns were raised about the inability to add vegetation to the Transport for London (TfL) stack and the ongoing issue of fly-tipping, questioning whether the scheme would genuinely improve the existing design.

Further points of discussion included the risks associated with officer delegation, the safety of proposed cycle provisions if the road was not widened, and a breakdown of the £3 million spending figure. Members noted the impact of inflation and rising material costs since 2019 on the scheme's overall expense. They also inquired about how residents' comments from an engagement report in 2024 had been considered, particularly from a large cohort who found earlier proposals not ambitious enough.

The committee also discussed potential impacts on refuse vehicle drop-off curves, the risk of the refurbishment exacerbating rat and rodent problems, and the sufficiency of CCTV to deter rough sleeping and anti-social behaviour. Questions were raised about the number of consultation respondents compared to initial targets and whether the timing of consultations, such as one held in November and December, might have affected participation. Clarity was sought on the proposed location for the re-provision of motorcycle parking, particularly around Formosa Street, and which contractor would be used for the scheme. Finally, members asked about the consideration of 'Legible London' signage for visitors and confirmation that there would be no reduction in residential parking.

Following the discussion, the committee voted on whether to refer the decision back to the decision-maker. The outcome was that no further action would be taken, allowing the Cabinet Member Decision to be implemented. The meeting concluded at 19:11.