The Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, to discuss a range of issues including the council's environmental enforcement contract performance, placemaking efforts in Erith, and updates on national planning reforms. Key decisions included the agreement to re-establish the Transport Users' Subcommittee and a detailed discussion on the implications of government planning reforms for the borough.

Re-establishment of the Transport Users' Subcommittee

The committee agreed to re-establish the Transport Users' Subcommittee, a decision that was met with general contentment. This subcommittee will continue its work on transport-related matters within the borough.

Cabinet Member Response to How Clean is Our Borough? Recommendations

The committee reviewed the Cabinet Member's response to the recommendations made by the How Clean is Our Borough? scrutiny project sub-group. Councillor Dine, the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, confirmed agreement with five of the recommendations, which focused on street cleaning, the FixMyStreet app, weed control, fly-tipping reporting, and HMO waste regulations. Councillor Manurh, Cabinet Member for Place Shaping, also agreed with the recommendation concerning lobbying the government for stricter HMO waste regulations.

During the discussion, Councillor Slaughter raised concerns about the timing of an all-member briefing on the FixMyStreet app and the worsening issue of weed control. Ms. Michova, from the council's operational team, explained the three-stage weed application cycle and the necessity of waiting for weeds to die before removal. Councillor Pirella questioned the lack of pre-scrutiny for the grounds maintenance contract and the rationale behind targeting only HMOs for waste management issues. Councillor Sandhu clarified that HMOs were specifically targeted due to the perceived ease with which tenants could avoid responsibility for waste. Councillor Ogundayo inquired about the council's lobbying efforts regarding government policy, to which Councillor Dine responded that these were integrated into consultation responses and discussions with bodies like London Councils. Councillor Diamond noted that while specific scrutiny of the grounds maintenance procurement hadn't occurred, it was based on a like-for-like basis and would be discussed at a future meeting.

Environmental Enforcement Contract Performance

The committee received an update on the performance of the environmental enforcement contract with WISE Ltd. Councillor Bacon expressed concern over the number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) that were written off or cancelled, questioning whether this created an incentive not to pay. The officer explained that FPNs are only written off or cancelled after a thorough review, often involving legal professionals, and that this process is similar to parking charge notices. Councillor Reid asked for a comparison with other authorities and any best practices. The officer stated that benchmarking is difficult due to commercial sensitivities but confirmed that the current contractor's performance is better than the previous one. Councillor Obendayu raised questions about the delivery of social value targets, noting that while some activities had occurred, they did not reflect the scale of jobs, apprenticeships, and work experience outlined in the contract. The officer explained that contractors are typically given six months to embed and mobilise, and that while the current delivery is a good start, improvements are expected. Councillor Gower raised concerns about the distribution of FPNs, questioning why Bexleyheath had fewer than Belvedere and Crayford, and whether this was due to operative deployment or other deterrents. The committee also discussed issues such as spitting, urinating in public, and commercial waste presentation. The possibility of an in-camera session was suggested to discuss commercially sensitive information regarding contract costs and FPN surpluses.

Erith Placemaking Update

An update was provided on the placemaking and regeneration programme in Erith. Councillor Read, a long-standing resident of Erith, highlighted the critical importance of improving access to the town, referencing the closure of Avenue Road as a significant deterrent to visitors. He also raised concerns about potential vandalism to new developments and the need for robust monitoring. Councillor Borella questioned the silver bullet for Erith's regeneration, suggesting that a key factor would be improving access, potentially by reopening Avenue Road. He also stressed the importance of community engagement and asked about the status of volunteers for the Friends of the River Gardens. Councillor Hinkley praised the improvements to Riverside Gardens, noting its positive impact on opening up the riverfront. Councillor Davey inquired about the measures of success for regeneration, the key partners involved, and how the community is being brought on board. Councillor Ogundayo responded that success is measured through outputs for external partners, such as job creation and public realm improvements, and outcomes like increased footfall and reduced vacant units. She also detailed the various partners involved, including community groups and developers. Councillor Gower highlighted the underutilisation of Erith's riverside and suggested looking at the river as a key element for regeneration, drawing parallels with Gravesend's successful waterfront development. Councillor Hinkley also pointed to the potential of the river, noting that Erith was historically built on it. The discussion also touched upon the potential for cruise liners to visit Erith, the viability of extending the Riverbus service, and the need for improved infrastructure, such as a potential Elizabeth Line extension. The potential closure of Morrisons was addressed and denied. The committee also discussed the proposed redevelopment of the shopping centre, which aims to create a more traditional high street feel with a central public square.

Update on Planning Reforms

The committee received an update on national and regional planning reforms. Councillor Ogundayo welcomed the government's focus on building more homes, suggesting it could lead to improved transport links. Councillor Slaughter expressed significant concern about the impact of reforms on the green belt and the potential loss of local democratic control over planning decisions. Councillor Bacon echoed these concerns, particularly regarding the Mayor of London's influence and the potential for development on green belt land. Councillor Davey described the reforms as a disaster, arguing they would lead to increased building on green belt land and a lack of infrastructure to support new developments. Councillor Hinkley noted that the proposed increase in planning fees was a positive aspect, while Councillor Borella defended the need for development, particularly on brownfield sites, and criticised the council's record on affordable housing. The committee discussed the complexities of housing targets, the role of the London Plan, and the implications of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. The green belt review process was also a significant point of discussion, with concerns raised about the potential release of green belt land and the methodology for assessing its developability.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed its draft work programme for 2025/26. Several new items were proposed, including a review of sustainable transport, community centres, and further details on the Celebrating Bexley initiative. Councillor Slaughter proposed the establishment of a sustainable transport task and finish group, which was met with support. Councillor Hinkley raised the issue of community centres, highlighting concerns about their condition and accessibility. The committee agreed to add these items to the work programme for further consideration.