Councillor Alex Karmel
Email: alex.karmel@lbhf.gov.uk
Council: Hammersmith and Fulham
Council Profile: View on council website
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Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary
Councillor Alex Karmel's council service, particularly in recent years, demonstrates a consistent dedication to planning matters and a strong, albeit sometimes challenged, engagement with council proceedings. While earlier in his service (2024), Karmel was a vocal participant in planning and budget discussions, even receiving the freedom of the borough
for his long-standing connection and work with the Disabled People's Commission,
his most recent activity in 2025 has been significantly shaped by periods of ill health. Despite these challenges, for which he received a special dispensation, Karmel remained actively involved in the Planning and Development Control Committee. His most significant recent contribution in 2025 was proposing a crucial condition for the 316 WANDSWORTH BRIDGE ROAD, LONDON SW6 2TZ
development. This proposed condition, aimed at prevent[ing] the ground-floor commercial unit from being converted into residential units without prior planning permission, allowing officers to assess the cumulative impact of the scheme,
highlights a continued focus on careful and considered development. In 2024, Karmel's priorities were clearly centered on planning, budget scrutiny (voting AGAINST the Revenue Budget and Council Tax Levels for 2024/25 on multiple occasions), and advocating for increased public engagement by attempting to extend public question times. He also consistently offered tributes to deceased councillors. While his overall engagement has been marked by a commitment to planning and a desire to influence council decisions, his recent activity underscores a resilience in continuing to contribute despite personal health challenges, with a specific, impactful intervention in the planning process in 2025.
Yearly Activity Timeline
In 2025, Alex Karmel's activity was marked by periods of absence due to ill health, for which they received a special dispensation in July. Despite these challenges, Karmel was actively involved in the Planning and Development Control Committee in November. A key contribution during this month was proposing a new condition for the 316 WANDSWORTH BRIDGE ROAD, LONDON SW6 2TZ
development (2025/00023/FUL). This proposed condition aimed to prevent the ground-floor commercial unit from being converted into residential units without prior planning permission, allowing officers to assess the cumulative impact of the scheme.
Karmel also attended another committee meeting in November, though no specific actions were recorded.
Monthly Activity in 2025
During November 2025, Councillor Alex Karmel was active in one Planning and Development Control Committee meeting. On November 11th, Karmel proposed a new condition for the 316 WANDSWORTH BRIDGE ROAD, LONDON SW6 2TZ
development (2025/00023/FUL). This condition was intended to prevent the ground-floor commercial unit from being converted into residential units without prior planning permission, allowing officers to assess the cumulative impact of the scheme. Karmel was also present at the committee meeting on November 26th, but no specific actions or statements were recorded for them during that session.
Meetings in November 2025
Planning and Development Control Committee - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 7.00 pm - 26 November 2025
Alex Karmel was present at the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on November 26th, 2025. There is no record of Alex Karmel speaking or taking any action during this meeting.
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 7.00 pm - 11 November 2025
During the discussion of item 6, 316 WANDSWORTH BRIDGE ROAD, LONDON SW6 2TZ, PALACE AND HURLINGHAM, 2025/00023/FUL
, Councillor Alex Karmel proposed a new condition. This condition aimed to prevent the ground-floor commercial unit (Class E use) from being converted into additional residential units under permitted development rights without first obtaining planning permission. The purpose of this was to allow officers to consider the cumulative impact of the scheme, and authority was granted to officers to secure this through appropriate wording.
In October 2025, Alex Karmel sent apologies for absence from the Full Council meeting held on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025.
Meetings in October 2025
Full Council - Wednesday, 22nd October, 2025 7.00 pm - 22 October 2025
Alex Karmel sent apologies for absence from the Full Council meeting on Wednesday, 22nd October, 2025.
During July 2025, Councillor Alex Karmel was granted a special dispensation for non-attendance at meetings due to ill health, as permitted by Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.
Meetings in July 2025
Full Council - Wednesday, 9th July, 2025 7.00 pm - 9 July 2025
Councillor Alex Karmel was granted a special dispensation for non-attendance at meetings due to ill health, as per Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.
Alex Karmel, Councillor for Munster ward and a member of the Conservative party, was absent from the Full Council annual meeting on May 21, 2025, with apologies received. He was present at the Special Meeting of the Full Council later that same day, but the available documents do not indicate any specific actions or statements made by him during that meeting.
Meetings in May 2025
Special Meeting, Full Council - Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 8.00 pm - 21 May 2025
Alex Karmel, a Councillor for Munster ward and a member of the Conservative party, was present at the Special Meeting of the Full Council on May 21, 2025. However, the available documents do not indicate that Councillor Karmel spoke or took any specific actions during the meeting.
Annual meeting, Full Council - Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 7.00 pm - 21 May 2025
Alex Karmel was absent from the Full Council meeting on May 21, 2025. Apologies for his absence were received.
In April 2025, Alex Karmel sent apologies for absence from the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting held on April 2nd.
Meetings in April 2025
Planning and Development Control Committee - Wednesday, 2nd April, 2025 7.00 pm - 2 April 2025
Alex Karmel sent apologies for absence from the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on April 2nd, 2025.
Councillor Alex Karmel was absent from the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on March 4th, 2025. Apologies for his absence were received.
Meetings in March 2025
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 4th March, 2025 7.00 pm - 4 March 2025
Councillor Alex Karmel was absent from the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on March 4th, 2025. Apologies for his absence were received.
Councillor Alex Karmel was absent from the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting held on February 11, 2025. Apologies for their absence were received.
Meetings in February 2025
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 11th February, 2025 7.00 pm - 11 February 2025
Councillor Alex Karmel was absent from the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting held on February 11, 2025. Apologies for their absence were received.
In January 2025, Alex Karmel's only recorded activity was sending apologies for absence from the Full Council meeting on January 22nd, 2025. There is no record of them speaking or taking any action during this meeting.
Meetings in January 2025
Full Council - Wednesday, 22nd January, 2025 7.00 pm - 22 January 2025
Alex Karmel sent apologies for absence from the Full Council meeting held on January 22nd, 2025. There is no record of them speaking or taking any action during the meeting.
Throughout 2024, Councillor Alex Karmel was a vocal participant in council meetings, particularly focusing on planning matters and budget discussions. He actively engaged in the Planning and Development Control Committee, proposing motions related to planning permissions and conditions, and recusing himself from items where he had a pecuniary interest. Karmel also took a strong stance on budget issues, voting AGAINST the Revenue Budget and Council Tax Levels for 2024/25 on multiple occasions. He delivered speeches of remembrance for deceased councillors and offered tributes. A significant personal highlight was receiving the freedom of the borough,
which he accepted with gratitude, reflecting on his long-standing connection to the area and his work with the Disabled People's Commission.
Karmel also made efforts to extend public question times in council meetings, though these motions were unsuccessful. While he attended numerous meetings, he also provided apologies for absence in several Planning and Development Control Committee meetings due to illness or other reasons.
Monthly Activity in 2024
During December 2024, Alex Karmel's only recorded activity was providing apologies for absence at the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on December 3rd.
Meetings in December 2024
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 3rd December, 2024 7.00 pm - 3 December 2024
Alex Karmel provided apologies for absence at the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on December 3rd, 2024.
During November 2024, Alex Karmel was noted as having provided apologies for absence from the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting held on November 5th.
Meetings in November 2024
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 5th November, 2024 7.00 pm - 5 November 2024
Councillor Alex Karmel provided apologies for absence from the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on 2024-11-05.
In October 2024, Councillor Alex Karmel was absent from the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on October 8th due to illness, with the Committee extending their well wishes. He later participated in the Full Council meeting on October 17th, where he spoke for the Opposition during the debate on Special Motion 5 concerning the UK Parliamentary Election.
Meetings in October 2024
Full Council - Thursday, 17th October, 2024 7.00 pm - 17 October 2024
Councillor Alex Karmel spoke for the Opposition during the debate on Special Motion 5 - UK Parliamentary Election.
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 8th October, 2024 7.00 pm - 8 October 2024
Councillor Alex Karmel was absent from the meeting due to illness. The Chair and Committee extended their well wishes to him.
During September 2024, Councillor Alex Karmel was noted as having provided apologies for absence from the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024.
Meetings in September 2024
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 17th September, 2024 7.00 pm - 17 September 2024
Councillor Alex Karmel provided apologies for absence from the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on Tuesday, 17th September, 2024.
During July 2024, Councillor Alex Karmel was active in two council meetings. On July 10th, he delivered speeches on the Ofsted rating for H&F Children's Services, the passing of former Councillor Dr. Jenny Vaughan, and the Members Allowances Scheme Annual Review. He also spoke for the Opposition during the debate on Special Motion 5 concerning the UK Parliamentary Election. On July 16th, Councillor Karmel provided apologies for absence from the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting. His previous remarks from June 4th, regarding Councillor Harcourt's contributions, were also noted:
Councillor Harcourtโs insight and institutional knowledge had benefitted the Committee to a huge extent, and he would be sorely missed.
Meetings in July 2024
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 16th July, 2024 7.00 pm - 16 July 2024
Councillor Alex Karmel provided apologies for absence from the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on July 16, 2024. Previously, on June 4, 2024, Councillor Karmel, representing Munster and the Conservative party, spoke about Councillor Harcourt's contributions, stating:
Councillor Harcourtโs insight and institutional knowledge had benefitted the Committee to a huge extent, and he would be sorely missed.
Full Council - Wednesday, 10th July, 2024 7.00 pm - 10 July 2024
During the Full Council meeting on July 10, 2024, Councillor Alex Karmel delivered several speeches. These included remarks on the Ofsted rating for H&F Children's Services, the passing of former Councillor Dr. Jenny Vaughan, and the report concerning the Members Allowances Scheme Annual Review. Additionally, Councillor Karmel spoke for the Opposition during the debate on Special Motion 5 regarding the UK Parliamentary Election.
During the June 4th, 2024 Planning and Development Control Committee meeting, Councillor Alex Karmel voted in favor of recommendations for Items 4 (Roberts House), 5 (advertisement hoarding at 3 Blacks Road), 7 (nursery at 165-167 New Kings Road), and 8 (Quenington Mansions renovation). He proposed an amendment to Condition 30 for Item 5 (K West Hotel), which was not carried. Councillor Karmel declared a pecuniary interest in Item 6 (93-97A Scrubs Lane) due to his company's involvement in its public consultation, leading him to recuse himself from discussion and voting on that item. He also expressed his appreciation for Councillor Harcourt's contributions, stating,
Councillor Harcourtโs insight and institutional knowledge had benefitted the Committee to a huge extent, and he would be sorely missed.
Meetings in June 2024
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 4th June, 2024 7.00 pm - 4 June 2024
During the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on June 4th, 2024, Councillor Alex Karmel voted For
on the recommendations for Items 4 (Roberts House), 5 (advertisement hoarding at 3 Blacks Road), 7 (nursery at 165-167 New Kings Road), and 8 (Quenington Mansions renovation). Earlier in the meeting, regarding Item 5 (K West Hotel), Councillor Karmel proposed an amendment to Condition 30, which was seconded but ultimately lost. He also declared a pecuniary interest in Item 6 (93-97A Scrubs Lane) due to his company's involvement in the public consultation for that application, and subsequently left the meeting without participating or voting on that item. In his remarks, Councillor Karmel praised Councillor Harcourt's contributions, stating:
Councillor Harcourtโs insight and institutional knowledge had benefitted the Committee to a huge extent, and he would be sorely missed.
During May 2024, Councillor Alex Karmel attended the Standards Committee meeting on May 7th, where no specific actions or statements were recorded. On May 22nd, at the Annual Meeting of the Full Council, Karmel delivered tributes to the late Councillor Peter DeGory and former Councillor Dr. Jenny Vaughan. They also commented on the Members Allowances Scheme Annual Review and the Ofsted rating for H&F Children's Services. Karmel proposed extending the time limit for public questions, but this motion failed. Furthermore, Karmel voted AGAINST the adoption of the Revenue Budget and Council Tax Levels for 2024/25.
Later the same day, at a Special Meeting of the Full Council, Karmel, representing Munster and the Conservative party, expressed great pleasure at receiving the freedom of the borough.
They spoke about their long-standing connection to the area and their work with the Disabled People's Commission,
emphasizing the collaborative efforts of disabled residents in shaping public policy. Karmel recalled a past victory against a Conservative administration's policy of charging disabled residents for essential support, highlighting it as an early instance of shared decision making
and co-production.
Karmel also shared personal gratitude for the award, particularly its presentation at the Irish Centre, and acknowledged the support of family and friends.
Meetings in May 2024
Special Meeting, Full Council - Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024 8.00 pm - 22 May 2024
Councillor Alex Karmel, representing Munster and the Conservative party, spoke at the meeting to express delight at receiving the freedom of the borough.
He highlighted his long residency and involvement with the Disabled People's Commission,
emphasizing the collective achievements of disabled residents in leading public policy. Karmel recounted past struggles against a previous Conservative administration's policy to charge disabled residents for essential support, a policy that was eventually abolished after a commitment from Councillor Caron. He stated that this victory was an early example of shared decision making
and co-production.
Karmel also expressed personal joy at receiving the award, particularly at the Irish Centre, and thanked his family and supporters for their help during challenging times.
Annual Meeting, Full Council - Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024 7.00 pm - 22 May 2024
Councillor Alex Karmel delivered speeches of remembrance for the late Councillor Peter DeGory and former Councillor Dr Jenny Vaughan. They also spoke on the report concerning the Members Allowances Scheme Annual Review and the Ofsted rating for H&F Children's Services. Additionally, Councillor Karmel called for an extension of the time limit for public questions under Standing Order 15(e)12, but the motion was lost. Councillor Karmel voted AGAINST the adoption of the Revenue Budget and Council Tax Levels 2024/25.
Standards Committee - Tuesday, 7th May, 2024 6.00 pm - 7 May 2024
Alex Karmel was present at the Standards Committee meeting on Tuesday, 7th May, 2024, as a member of the committee. There is no record of Alex Karmel speaking or taking any action during this meeting.
In April 2024, Councillor Alex Karmel participated in the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on April 16th. He declared a pecuniary interest in the 93-97A SCRUBS LANE
item due to his company's involvement in public consultation, leading him to recuse himself from the discussion and vote. For the K WEST HOTEL, RICHMOND WAY
item, Councillor Karmel proposed an amendment to Condition 30, which was ultimately unsuccessful.
Meetings in April 2024
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 16th April, 2024 7.00 pm - 16 April 2024
Councillor Alex Karmel declared a pecuniary interest in Item 6 (93-97A SCRUBS LANE) due to his company's involvement in the public consultation for the application. Consequently, he left the meeting and did not participate in the discussion or vote on this item. For Item 5 (K WEST HOTEL, RICHMOND WAY), Councillor Karmel proposed an amendment to Condition 30, which was seconded but ultimately lost.
During March 2024, Alex Karmel attended the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on March 5th. There is no record of Alex Karmel speaking or taking any action during this meeting.
Meetings in March 2024
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 5th March, 2024 7.00 pm - 5 March 2024
Alex Karmel was present at the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on March 5th, 2024, as a committee member. There is no record of Alex Karmel speaking or taking any action during this meeting.
During February 2024, Councillor Alex Karmel was active in two council meetings. In the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on February 13th, he seconded a motion to delegate planning permission for 299, 301, and 303 Munster Road, and subsequently proposed a motion to ensure agreement on planning conditions and the Unilateral Undertaking with the Chairman before issuing permission, which was carried. At the Budget Meeting and Full Council on February 28th, Councillor Karmel delivered a speech of remembrance for Peter DeGory, invoked Standing Order 15(e)12 to call for an extension of time for public questions (a motion that was lost), spoke for the Opposition on the Council Tax Base and Collection Rate 2024/25
report, made a point of personal explanation regarding the Appointment of the Monitoring Officer,
and voted AGAINST the Revenue Budget and Council Tax Levels 2024/25.
Meetings in February 2024
Budget Meeting, Full Council - Wednesday, 28th February, 2024 7.00 pm - 28 February 2024
Councillor Alex Karmel began the meeting by delivering a speech of remembrance for the late Peter DeGory. During the proceedings, Councillor Karmel invoked Standing Order 15(e)12 to call for an extension of the time limit for public questions, a motion that was ultimately lost. He also spoke for the Opposition regarding the Council Tax Base and Collection Rate 2024/25
report. Furthermore, Councillor Karmel made a point of personal explanation during the discussion on the Appointment of the Monitoring Officer.
Finally, Councillor Karmel voted AGAINST the Revenue Budget and Council Tax Levels 2024/25.
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 13th February, 2024 7.00 pm - 13 February 2024
Councillor Alex Karmel was present at the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting. They seconded a motion proposed by Councillor Florian Chevoppe-Verdier to delegate authority to officers to grant planning permission for 299, 301 and 303 Munster Road, London SW6 6BJ, subject to a Unilateral Undertaking and appropriate planning conditions. Councillor Karmel then proposed a motion that the planning conditions and terms of the Unilateral Undertaking be agreed with the Chairman before the planning permission was issued, which was carried by the committee.
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
31 meetings ยท Page 1 of 7
Budget meeting, Full Council - Wednesday, 25th February, 2026 7.00 pm
The Full Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday 25 February 2026 was set to focus on the council's financial plans for the upcoming year, including the revenue budget and council tax levels. Discussions were also scheduled to cover the capital programme, treasury management, and the pay policy statement.
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 10th February, 2026 7.00 pm
The Planning and Development Control Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Tuesday 10 February 2026, approving two significant planning applications. The committee granted permission for the demolition of an existing building and the erection of 18 residential units at 1 Spring Vale Terrace, London W14 0AE, and for the change of use of part of the basement of the West 12 Shopping Centre to a self-storage facility.
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 20th January, 2026 7.00 pm
The Planning and Development Control Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on Tuesday 20 January 2026, approving five planning applications. These included a new residential development on land between Sandilands Road and Pearscroft Road, the construction of three new homes on Barclay Close, retrospective permission for alterations at 495-497 Fulham Road, and significant works to Gasholder No. 2 at Fulham Gas Works, which also included listed building consent.
Planning and Development Control Committee - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 7.00 pm
The Hammersmith and Fulham Planning and Development Control Committee met to discuss a hybrid planning application for a large, mixed-use regeneration project on land bounded by North End Road, Beaumont Avenue, West Cromwell Road, the West London Railway Line, Lillie Road, the Empress State Building, Aisgill Avenue, the former Gibbs Green School and properties fronting Dieppe Close in West Kensington. After a lengthy presentation, questions from the councillors, and statements from both supporters and local ward councillors, the committee voted to approve the application, subject to conditions and a legal agreement, and referral to the Mayor of London.
Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 7.00 pm
The Planning and Development Control Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on 11 November 2025, and approved a variation to a prior planning permission, and the change of use and refurbishment of an existing building. Councillors also approved the redevelopment of an existing site, but added a new condition to prevent the commercial unit from being converted into additional residential units without planning permission.
Decisions from Meetings
0 decisions
No decisions found for the selected date range.
Summary
Meetings Attended: 31
Average per Month: 1.2
Decisions Recorded: 0