The Cabinet of Greenwich Council met on Wednesday 19 November 2025, approving a revised Statement of Licensing Policy, changes to leaseholder repayment options, and the future development of the Woolwich Waterfront Leisure Centre site. The council also agreed to consult on a draft Local Plan and approved the DG Cities Annual Plan for 2024-25.

Future of Woolwich Waterfront Leisure Centre Site

The Cabinet agreed to proceed with the demolition of the Woolwich Waterfront Leisure Centre and the subsequent disposal of the site for residential development. This decision involves a two-stage procurement process: first, to select a demolition contractor, and second, to appoint a residential developer partner. Authority has been delegated to the Chief Officer (Interim Director Place and Growth) to manage these procurements. A budget has been approved to cover the costs associated with these actions, including site security. Certain financial and business information related to this decision has been deemed exempt from public disclosure under the Local Government Act 1972.

School Place Planning and Capital Programme

The Cabinet noted the projected demand for school places across primary, secondary, and post-16 education in the borough, including specialist places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). A key decision was to approve the use of the former Gallions Mount Primary School site on Purrett Road SE18 for the primary phase of Rowan Wood School, a new SEND all-through free school. This move will help the council meet its statutory duty to provide sufficient SEND places. Authority has been delegated to the Director of Place and Growth, in consultation with relevant officers and the Lead Member for Children and Young People, to negotiate the terms for transferring the Gallions Mount site to Compass Partnership of Schools under a 125-year academy lease at a peppercorn rent.

Additionally, the Cabinet agreed to delegate authority for negotiating and agreeing terms for a new Transition Learning Centre (TLC) for young people aged 19-25 at Bexley Road SE9 with an appointed provider. A land swap relating to the former Children’s Centre and vacant premises manager’s house at Greenacres Primary School for Maritime Academy Trust was also approved, subject to the Secretary of State's approval. The Director of Children's Services and Director Place and Growth have been delegated authority to vary the School Capital Programme as needed to address future demands within the agreed resources.

Licensing Act 2003 - Adoption of Revised Statement of Licensing Policy

The Cabinet considered and commended to Full Council the revised Royal Borough of Greenwich Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003. This policy outlines the council's approach to licensing premises for the sale of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment. The revised policy incorporates feedback from a public consultation, the responses to which are detailed in Appendix B of the report. An Equality Impact Assessment for the revised policy was also considered.

Leaseholder Repayment Options

The Cabinet agreed to new repayment options for leaseholders concerning capital and revenue charges, particularly for large capital bills. For annual revenue service charges, repayment terms will remain unchanged: 10 months for resident leaseholders and 4 months for non-resident leaseholders. Late payment charges will be applied if invoices are not settled within these periods.

For capital major works, new stepped repayment periods based on the invoice value have been introduced. Resident leaseholders will benefit from a 2-year interest-free period from the commencement of charges, while non-resident leaseholders will not receive an interest-free period. Interest rates for capital major works will be determined by the lease provisions or, if not specified, by the Public Works Loan Board rate. All leaseholders will be offered a 5% discount for paying capital major works invoices in full within the first year. The Cabinet Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness will review the policy's practical application in 12-18 months.

Draft Local Plan Consultation

The Cabinet recommended to Full Council that it approve the draft Local Plan and the accompanying draft Integrated Impact Assessment for public consultation. The Local Plan sets out the council's vision and strategy for the future development of the borough, including housing, employment, and infrastructure. The Integrated Impact Assessment evaluates the potential social, economic, and environmental effects of the plan.

DG Cities Annual Plan

The Cabinet approved the DG Cities Annual Plan for 2024-25. DG Cities is an organisation that works to improve urban living through technology and innovation. The annual plan outlines their objectives and activities for the upcoming year.

Strategic Risk Register

The Cabinet noted the council's updated Strategic Risk Register. This register identifies and assesses the key risks facing the council and outlines strategies for managing them. The updated register had previously been presented to the Audit & Risk Management Panel and will be presented to Full Council for noting.