Councillor Peter Bernards

Planning Committee A - Tuesday, 7th October, 2025 7.30 pm

The Planning Committee A of Lewisham Council met to discuss a number of planning and licensing applications, including a proposal for the demolition of a garage and the construction of a house at 2a Gaynesford Road. Councillors also discussed retrospective permission for a terrace at Skehans Freehouse, and a new traveller site at Pool Court. The committee voted to approve the application for 2a Gaynesford Road, subject to conditions outlined by planning officers.

Strategic Planning Committee - Tuesday, 30th September, 2025 7.00 pm

Standards Committee - Wednesday, 24th September, 2025 7.00 pm

The Standards Committee met to appoint two new independent persons to play a consultative role in investigating complaints against councillors, as required by the Localism Act 2011[^2]. Following interviews, Katie Prestedge and Kalwant Grewal were recommended for appointment to the roles. The committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting and noted that there were no declarations of interest.

Council - Wednesday, 24th September, 2025 7.30 pm

Lewisham Council met to discuss a range of issues, including increasing councillor allowances, the use of substitutes on committees, and motions on childcare and public ownership of Thames Water[^2]. Councillors agreed to increase their basic allowance by 3.2% to £13,201 per year, and approved the use of substitutes on certain committees to ensure meetings can proceed even if some members are absent. A motion supporting the Labour government's plan for 30 hours of free childcare was passed, as was an amended motion calling for Thames Water to be brought back into public ownership.

Strategic Planning Committee - Tuesday, 9th September, 2025 7.00 pm

The Strategic Planning Committee met to discuss the restoration of the Lyrisham Play Tower and the realignment of the A205 South Circular. Councillors voted to refuse planning permission for the Play Tower project due to a failure to agree on a Section 106 agreement[^1], but voted to approve the A205 South Circular realignment project.