The Executive of Southwark Council met on Tuesday 13 October 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the relocation and expansion of Beormund Special School, the procurement strategy for highways maintenance contracts, and an update on the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. Decisions were also made regarding the Ledbury Estate Phase 2 appropriation and the Tustin Estate Renewal.

Beormund School Expansion and Relocation

Councillor Rebecca Corn, Executive Member for Education and Care, presented a report on the proposed relocation and expansion of Beormund Special School. The Executive agreed to the proposals, which aim to address the growing demand for specialist school places and ensure children learn in an environment that reflects the quality of the school's work. The current building is no longer fit for purpose, and the relocation to a new, purpose-built facility will increase capacity from 35 to 56 pupils. The new school is designed to foster a sense of identity and belonging for children with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, with bespoke therapy spaces, sensory rooms, and areas for children to calm and regulate. The project is a significant investment in children requiring specialist support, with the new school expected to open in January 2027.

Gateway 1 - Highways Works Contract

Councillor James McAsh, Leader of the Council, presented the procurement strategy for the new Highways Works Contract. The Executive approved the strategy, which will split the contracts into two lots: Lot A for reactive maintenance, winter services, and repairs, and Lot B for planned renewal and improvement projects. The proposed approach aims to ensure a competitive tender process, deliver value for money, and attract specialist providers. The contracts will be awarded through a competitive tender process, balancing quality and cost, with the new contracts expected to be in place around April 2028 and run for an initial period of seven years, with an option to extend for a further three years.

Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan Update and Annual Report

Councillor Eloise Waldon-Day, Executive Member for Council Coordination and Climate, presented an update on the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. The Executive noted the report, which highlighted that while borough-wide emissions reduced by 6% between 2023 and 2024, council operational emissions fell by 3%, but scope 3 emissions (through council purchasing) increased by 10%. The report emphasised the scale of the challenge and the need for recommitment to emission reduction targets. The 29 actions within the Climate Action Plan were allocated to new executive members to provide leadership and accountability. The council is committed to using its resources strategically to tackle the climate crisis, despite a significant budget gap, and will continue to advocate for necessary funding and powers from national government.

Ledbury Estate Phase 2 - Appropriation for Planning Purposes

Councillor Alexandra Austin, Executive Member for Public Works and New Homes, presented a report on the Ledbury Estate Phase 2 appropriation. The Executive noted the report, with the final decision on the appropriation to be taken in a closed session. This is a necessary legal step to facilitate the renewal of the Ledbury Estate, which involves replacing outdated housing with high-quality new council homes, community facilities, and public spaces. Phase 2 will deliver 260 council homes for social rent as part of a wider scheme. The appropriation process, utilising powers under the Housing and Planning Act 2016, will allow the development to proceed with greater certainty by overriding third-party rights, which will be compensated, and preventing potential injunctions that could cause delays and increased costs.

Phase 2b of the Tustin Estate Renewal and Phase 2 Appropriation

Councillor Alexandra Austin also presented an updated delivery strategy for Phase 2b of the Tustin Estate Renewal. The Executive noted the strategy, with the final decision to be taken in a closed session. The proposed approach involves utilising a contractual break clause to defer the construction of two smaller F blocks from Phase 2b to Phase 3. These blocks will be redesigned with residents to maximise efficiency and value for money. The updated cost for Phase 2b main works is £66,601,435, a reduction from the previous estimate of £88,458,598 due to the deferral of the F blocks. The Executive also noted the appropriation of land for planning purposes and its subsequent return to housing purposes, a mechanism used to ensure the smooth progression of the estate renewal programme. The Tustin Estate Renewal is a significant project aiming to deliver high-quality new homes and improved public spaces while preserving the existing community.

Gateway 1 - Keyworker Housing Pipeline Sites at Rotherhithe New Road, SE16, and Cherry Gardens Street, SE16

Councillor Alexandra Austin presented a report seeking approval to progress two further Keyworker Housing developments at Rotherhithe New Road and Cherry Gardens Street. The Executive noted the strategy for procuring a Development Partner to deliver approximately 380 Keyworker Housing units across both sites. The council will underwrite 50% of the preferred bidder's costs, capped at £2 million in aggregate, payable only in specific eventualities. The council also noted that it will enter into a Development Agreement with the preferred partner upon successful completion of planning consent and detailed negotiations. The Rotherhithe New Road site may also incorporate a Family Hub, and the Cherry Gardens site may include commercial space.

Response to the Report of the Housing Scrutiny Commission

Councillor Reginald Popoola, Executive Member for Council Homes, presented the council's response to the Housing Scrutiny Commission's report. The Executive accepted six out of the seven recommendations. These accepted recommendations focus on strengthening relationships with housing associations, improving oversight of major works, and ensuring residents have a key voice in the department's improvement. The council will identify a single point of contact for social landlord liaison, maintain and share a register of housing association email addresses, revitalise the Housing Association Forum to promote closer working and knowledge sharing, and continue to review major works projects for potential cost recovery. The commission's recommendation to explore mechanisms for letting properties earmarked for demolition as permanent tenancies was not accepted due to legislative constraints and potential impacts on regeneration timelines and costs.

The meeting also included items on apologies, notification of urgent items, notice of intention to conduct business in a closed meeting, disclosure of interests, and the approval of open minutes from the previous meeting. Public questions and deputations were also addressed.