AI Generated

Weekly updates

Greenwich HMOs Approved, Food Insecurity Report Released

This week in Greenwich:

HMOs Approved Despite Resident Concerns, Public Health Report Highlights Food Insecurity

Greenwich Council addressed key issues this week, including approving Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) despite local objections, and discussing a concerning report on food insecurity and health inequalities in the borough.

Planning Committee Approves HMOs in Eltham and Plumstead

The Local Planning Committee approved applications for two properties to become HMOs, despite objections from local residents. The Local Planning Committee meeting took place on Tuesday.

Eltham HMO Approved Amidst Concerns Over Family Homes and Parking

The committee approved the change of use of 47 Arbroath Road, Eltham, to a five-bedroom HMO, including a single-storey rear extension. This application had previously been refused, and an appeal dismissed, due to concerns about the size of the extension.

  • Resident Opposition: Councillor Charlie Davis, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, spoke against the application on behalf of local residents, citing concerns about the loss of family homes, the impact on the nearby Progress Estate Conservation Area[^1], and parking pressures. [^1]: Conservation areas are designated to protect places of special architectural or historic interest.
  • Parking Concerns: Residents also raised concerns about parking congestion and the lack of consideration for elderly residents.
  • Applicant Response: Joel Stern, representing the applicant, SAM Planning Services, stated that the current proposal addressed the concerns raised in the previous appeal decision.
  • Committee Approval: Despite the objections, the committee approved the application, arguing that there were no valid planning grounds to refuse it, and that HMOs provide a vital form of housing.

Plumstead HMO Approved With Management Plan Condition

The committee also approved the change of use of 32 Roydene Road, Plumstead, to a six-bedroom HMO, including a loft conversion and rear extension.

  • Existing HMOs: Councillor Patricia Greenwell noted the number of HMOs already in the area.
  • Committee Approval: The committee approved the application, subject to conditions, including a management plan and EV charging point.

These decisions highlight the ongoing debate about balancing the need for housing with the concerns of residents about the impact of HMOs on their communities.

Health Panel Examines Food Insecurity and Health Inequalities

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel discussed the council's food response and the Director of Public Health’s annual report, focusing on health inequalities. The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel meeting took place on Thursday.

Director of Public Health Annual Report Highlights Health Disparities

The Director of Public Health Annual Report, entitled Working together for fairer, healthier lives for all: Understanding health inequalities in Royal Greenwich, highlights the variations in health outcomes across the borough.

  • Health Equity Approach: The report calls for a health equity approach, emphasizing that everyone in Greenwich deserves to live the healthiest life possible.
  • Key Principles: The report outlines key principles to support a health equity approach: taking a life course approach, neighbourhood-based working, proportionate universalism[^2], and a wider public health workforce. [^2]: Proportionate universalism is an approach to designing and delivering services that aims to reduce health inequalities by providing support to everyone, but with a particular focus on those who are most disadvantaged.
  • Recommendations: The report sets out key recommendations to support a Greenwich system-wide approach to increasing health equity and reducing health inequalities, including finding and engaging with those most at risk, influencing policymakers, and operationalizing a health equity approach.

Council's Food Response Addresses Food Inequalities

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel received an update on work to address food inequalities and the development of a borough-wide food strategy.

  • Food Access: The report notes that access to healthy, safe, and nutritious food is a key building block of health, but that for too many residents this is challenging to achieve.
  • Council Approach: The report sets out the council's approach to tackling food inequalities in Greenwich, including infant nutrition, food insecurity, education, community, food environments, and weight management.
  • JSNA Findings: Emerging key findings from the draft Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA)[^3] include: [^3]: The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) is a process used by local authorities and their partners to understand the current and future health and wellbeing needs of their local population. This helps them to plan and commission effective services to meet those needs.
    • Food insecurity in Greenwich is increasing.
    • Residents in Charlton, Shooters Hill, Middle Park, south Woolwich, and Plumstead have comparatively decreased access to both physical grocery stores and online food deliveries.
    • Poorer residents are likely to pay more for their food and have higher travel costs.
    • 27% of Year 4 and 6 pupils, 24% of Year 8 and 10, and 26% of Years 12+ students indicated there were days in their last school holiday period where they did not get enough to eat.
  • Recommendations: Draft recommendations include the creation of a council-chaired food partnership and a borough-wide Food Strategy.

This report underscores the growing challenge of food insecurity in Greenwich and the council's efforts to address it.

Audit Panel Reviews Finances and Risk

The Audit and Risk Management Panel met to review internal audit and anti-fraud performance, consider treasury management and capital updates, and evaluate their own effectiveness. The Audit and Risk Management Panel meeting took place on Wednesday. No video was provided.

Upcoming meetings:

Greenwich Waterfront Demolition Approved; Height Concerns Raised

This week in Greenwich:

Greenwich Council Approves Waterfront Demolition Amidst Height Concerns

Greenwich Council's Cabinet and Planning Board made key decisions this week, including approving the demolition of the Woolwich Waterfront Leisure Centre and an amended planning application for land bound by Vincent Road, Wilmot Street and Woolwich New Road. These decisions have sparked debate about balancing development with community needs and preserving local heritage.

Waterfront Leisure Centre to be Demolished for Housing Development

The Cabinet agreed to demolish the Woolwich Waterfront Leisure Centre to make way for a residential development. The Cabinet meeting took place on Wednesday.

  • New Homes: The council will select a residential development partner to build new homes on the site.
  • Procurement: The council will conduct a below threshold works contract procurement in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 to select a demolition contractor, and a formal above threshold public works contract procurement in accordance with the Act to select a residential developer partner.
  • Budget Approved: The Cabinet approved a budget to cover the costs of the demolition and development, including security for the site while it remains under council ownership.

This decision marks a significant change for Woolwich, replacing a public amenity with residential housing.

Planning Board Approves Amended Development Amidst Height and Heritage Concerns

The Planning Board approved an application to amend a previously approved planning permission for land bound by Vincent Road, Wilmot Street and Woolwich New Road. The Planning Board meeting took place on Tuesday.

  • Increased Height and Density: The amended proposal includes increasing building heights, the number of residential units, and reducing commercial space.
  • Social Housing: The applicant is now delivering 100% social rented housing, representing 34% of the total, an increase from the previously consented 30%.
  • Loss of Heritage: The amended proposal includes the demolition of the Bull Tavern, a locally listed building, with a replacement ground floor facade for block A designed to hint at elements of the former pub.

Community Concerns

The Sikh Temple, which neighbours the development site, raised concerns about fire safety, acoustics and access. Jaginda Singh Chana, representing the local Sikh community and the Sikh temple, expressed concerns about the proximity of block E to the temple, particularly regarding fire safety and potential noise complaints. He also objected to the change of use of Mason's Hill road, which he said would impact noise levels and traffic volume.

Councillor Concerns

Councillor David Gardner, Deputy Mayor, expressed concern about the loss of the Bull Tavern and the lack of a community space within the development. He asked for assurance that any facilities within the development would be tenure blind. Councillor Patricia Greenwell expressed concerns about the height and massing of the buildings and their impact on the surrounding area. She also raised concerns about the impact of the development on the Sikh temple.

Council Response

Joe Higgins, unnamed officer of the council, stated that the buildings would be constructed using non-combustible materials and that the access arrangements were consistent with the previously approved scheme. He also noted that the buildings would be designed with sound insulation to mitigate noise disturbance. Councillor Calum O'Byrne Mulligan, Cabinet Member Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, welcomed the increase in social housing and the efforts to increase greening. He also emphasised the importance of continued engagement with the temple.

This decision highlights the ongoing debate about balancing development with community needs and preserving local heritage.

Rethinking the Riverside: Thames Path Improvements Proposed

The Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel considered the findings and recommendations of the Rethinking the Riverside - A Review of the Thames Path Cover Report. The Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel meeting took place on Thursday. The report identifies challenges such as inconsistent surfacing, poor lighting and fragmented ownership, but also highlights the Thames Path's potential. The report recommends a borough-wide Thames Path Strategy, improved design standards, enhanced community engagement, and stronger integration with planning and regeneration frameworks.

Other Matters Discussed

  • Customer Service Performance: The Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel considered a report on customer service performance, noting a rise in contact volumes and some decline in performance metrics due to vacancy levels.
  • Members Casework Performance: The Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel considered a report on members casework performance, noting an increase in casework requests and a reduction in open casework numbers.
  • Local Plan Consultation: The Cabinet recommended to the full council that it approve the draft Local Plan and draft Integrated Impact Assessment for public consultation. The Local Plan is a document that sets out the council’s planning policies and proposals for the development and use of land in the borough over a 15-year period.
  • School Place Planning: The Cabinet agreed to use the former Gallions Mount Primary School site on Purrett Road for the development of the primary phase of Rowan Wood School, a new special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) all-through free school.
  • Leaseholder Repayment Options: The Cabinet agreed to changes to leaseholder repayment options for capital major works, with a stepped repayment period based on the value of the invoice.
  • DG Cities Annual Plan: The Cabinet approved the DG Cities Annual Plan 2024-25. DG Cities is a company wholly owned by the Royal Borough of Greenwich that provides smart city solutions to local authorities and other organisations.

Upcoming meetings:

Greenwich approves developments, festival licence sparks noise fears

This week in Greenwich:

Greenwich Faces Tough Choices on Planning and Licensing

This week, Greenwich Council grappled with key decisions on planning applications and licensing, sparking debate about balancing development with community needs. From residential developments to festival licenses, the council weighed the potential impacts on residents, local amenities, and the borough's overall character.

Planning Committee Approves Residential Developments Amidst Local Objections

The Local Planning Committee convened to discuss several planning applications, including proposals for residential developments at Wyndcliff Road, Mcleod Road and West Hallows. The Local Planning Committee meeting took place on Tuesday.

Wyndcliff Road Development Sparks Privacy Concerns

The committee considered a request to grant full planning permission for the demolition of outbuildings and the construction of two dwellings to the rear of 53 Wyndcliff Road, London, SE7 7LP.

  • Officer Recommendation: Despite receiving 34 objections from neighbouring properties, the planning officer recommended approval, subject to conditions.
  • Resident Concerns: Objectors cited concerns about loss of privacy, overdevelopment, loss of trees, inadequate access for emergency vehicles, and increased parking pressure.
  • Committee Decision: The committee approved the application, stating that the development was considered acceptable subject to conditions.

This decision highlights the tension between the need for new housing and the concerns of existing residents about the impact on their quality of life.

Mcleod Road HMO Proposal Raises Strain on Amenities

The committee considered a request to grant full planning permission for the change of use of 103 Mcleod Road, Abbey Wood, London, SE2 0BW from a single-family dwellinghouse to a 6-bed, 6-person house in multiple occupation (HMO).

  • Officer Recommendation: Despite receiving three objections from neighbours, the planning officer recommended approval, subject to conditions.
  • Resident Concerns: Objectors cited concerns about strain on local amenities, overconcentration of HMOs, crime and disruption, and exacerbation of existing problems such as noise and parking.
  • Committee Decision: The committee approved the application, stating that the development was considered acceptable subject to conditions.

This decision raises questions about the cumulative impact of HMOs on local communities and the council's approach to managing their proliferation. This debate echoes similar discussions in previous meetings, such as the Council meeting on Wednesday 5 November 2025, where councillors grappled with the complexities of HMO planning decisions.

West Hallows Extension Approved Despite Design Concerns

The committee considered a request to grant full planning permission for development at 43 West Hallows, Eltham, London, SE9 4EY.

  • Officer Recommendation: Despite receiving four objections from neighbours, the planning officer recommended approval, subject to conditions.
  • Resident Concerns: Objectors cited concerns that the development was essentially identical to previously refused proposals, would ruin a nice view, would result in unacceptable impacts on the amenity enjoyed by neighbouring properties, and was overly large, contrary to design guidance, poorly designed and unacceptable in design terms.
  • Committee Decision: The committee approved the application, stating that the development was considered acceptable subject to conditions.

This decision raises questions about the council's approach to design guidance and the extent to which it takes into account the views of local residents.

Labyrinth Festival Licence Application Sparks Noise Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee C convened to consider a licensing application for the Labyrinth Festival at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN. The Licensing Sub-Committee C meeting took place on Wednesday.

  • Application Details: The application sought to authorise several licensable activities, including plays, films, live music, recorded music, performance of dance, and anything of a similar description, as well as the supply of alcohol.
  • Resident Concerns: Residents objected to the proposed extension of the event from six to nine days, citing significant disruption from noise, crowd dispersal, anti-social behaviour, and litter during the 2025 event.
  • Community Safety Concerns: The Council's Community Safety & Integrated Enforcement Division sought the imposition of conditions relating to noise management, including a noise limit of 65dB LAeq 15 mins1, management of speaker direction, resident letter drops, and post-event reporting of noise readings and complaints. The decision on this application will have a significant impact on local residents, balancing the economic and cultural benefits of the festival with the potential for noise and disruption.

Scrutiny Panel Examines Support for Children and Young People

The Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel met to discuss national reforms to children's social care, annual reports on corporate parenting, the Independent Reviewing Officer service, and school admissions, as well as the Virtual School Headteacher's annual report. The Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel meeting took place on Wednesday.

National Children's Social Care Reforms (Families First)

The panel considered an update on the council's preparation for national reforms to children's social care, known as Families First. The National Childrens Social Care Reforms Families First report noted that the Families First Partnership programme aims to create a more integrated, family-focused system that delivers timely and effective support, reduces escalation, and improves outcomes for children and families. The reforms are linked to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, and local authorities have until April 2026 to implement the changes.

Corporate Parenting Annual Report 2024-25

The panel reviewed the Corporate Parenting Annual Report 2024-25, which highlights the work of Royal Greenwich Children's Services and its partners in supporting children in care and care leavers. The report covers education, health, placement stability, emotional well-being and future planning.

Annual Report of the Independent Reviewing Officer Service 2024-25

The panel considered the Annual Report of the Independent Reviewing Officer Service 2024-25. Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) are qualified social workers who monitor the cases of children in care to ensure that the local authority is acting as a good corporate parent2.

School Admissions Annual Report 2025

The panel considered the School Admissions Annual Report 2025. Royal Greenwich has a legal duty to ensure that enough school places are available at all education levels to meet the needs of local residents. Parents can apply for a place in any mainstream school, and local authorities cannot prioritise their own residents.

Virtual School Headteacher's Annual Report for the 2024-2025 Academic Year

The panel considered the Virtual School Headteachers Annual Report for the 2024-2025 Academic Year. The Virtual School provides support to children in care, children previously looked after, and children known to social care.

Flood Risk and Estate Regeneration Under Transport Panel Spotlight

The Transport and Place Scrutiny Panel convened to discuss flood risk management and estate regeneration in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The Transport and Place Scrutiny Panel meeting took place on Thursday.

Estate Regeneration

The panel received an update on the council's approach to estate regeneration. The report pack included an overview of the policy framework, current and planned regeneration schemes, and how the council was intending to work with residents and stakeholders to deliver improvements to housing estates.

Flood Risk Strategy and Surface Water Management Plan

The panel considered an update on the council's Flood Risk Strategy and Surface Water Management Plan. The report pack stated that a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) is a statutory document under the Flood and Water Management Act and is a requirement of a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA).

Upcoming meetings:

  1. LAeq is the equivalent continuous sound level. It is a single value of sound level for any desired duration, which includes all of the time-varying sound over that duration. ↩

  2. Corporate parenting is the term used to describe the collective responsibility of local authorities and their partner agencies to provide the same level of care and support to children in care as a reasonable parent would. ↩

Greenwich Traffic Scheme Debated, Markets Reviewed, ASB Tackled

This week in Greenwich:

Greenwich Council Reviews Markets and Small Parades Amidst Economic Challenges

The Inclusive Economy and Culture Scrutiny Panel met to discuss the borough's markets and small parades, key contributors to the local economy, particularly for vulnerable groups. The panel considered the progress of the Market Improvement Plan and the management of small parades, acknowledging the challenges faced by traders and the need for strategic interventions. The Inclusive Economy and Culture Scrutiny Panel meeting took place on Thursday.

Revitalizing Markets: Balancing Tradition and Modernization

The panel reviewed the progress of the Market Improvement Plan, focusing on infrastructure improvements, trader mix, footfall trends, and collaboration with stakeholders.

  • Beresford Square Market's Recovery: Beresford Square Market has shown strong recovery and growth since reopening in June 2025, with rising visitor numbers, especially on weekends. The market currently operates with 49 pitches and high demand from prospective traders.
  • Youth Enterprise Programme: The Youth Enterprise Programme, in collaboration with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Academy of Success, and Berkeley Homes, will provide training for young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 25. Ten entrepreneurs will debut their business ideas at the new chalet-style Christmas stalls in Beresford Square in December.
  • Modernizing Fee Structures: The council is exploring modernizing its fee structure, including differential pricing by commodity, peak and off-peak tariffs, premium pitch zones, loyalty and multi-day discounts, and events integration. > Benchmarking against other London boroughs highlights opportunities to modernise our fee structure, optimise space utilisation, and strategically integrate events to boost income while maintaining accessibility.

This modernization aims to boost income while maintaining accessibility for traders and customers.

Supporting Small Parades: Addressing Neglect and Promoting Vibrancy

The panel also considered a report on small parades management, recognizing that these neighbourhood shopping areas have not received the same level of attention as town centres and high streets.

  • Identifying Neighbourhood Parades: The report identifies 34 neighbourhood parades across the borough, outside of high streets and designated town centres.
  • Challenges and Opportunities: The report highlights that neighbourhood parade businesses often face constraints related to available premises and changing consumer behaviour.
  • Intervention Strategies: The report considers interventions to improve parades, including public realm improvements, accessibility enhancements, and policies to support independent businesses.

The report highlights that Hillreach, Woolwich and Wickham Lane, Plumstead appear to have challenges or issues.

Future Focus: Business Improvement Districts and Night Time Enterprise Zones

The panel also discussed future town centre work, focusing on establishing Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in each of the main town centres. The panel will also consider the scope of reports for their next meeting, including updates on the Greenwich Supports Strategy, performance review for Welfare Rights & Advice provision, and Night Time Enterprise Zones.

Scrutinizing Anti-Social Behaviour, Tenancy, and Building Safety

The Housing and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel convened to discuss critical issues affecting residents, including anti-social behaviour, the Rethinking Tenancy programme, and resident engagement in high-rise building safety. The Housing and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel meeting took place on Wednesday.

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour: A Community-Focused Approach

The panel discussed the council's approach to tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB) across the borough. The panel may make recommendations to the Executive1, if necessary.

Rethinking Tenancy Programme: Improving Housing Management

The panel received a report on the progress of Phase One of the council's Rethinking Tenancy programme. The report pack does not elaborate on what the Rethinking Tenancy programme is.

High-Rise Building Safety: Ensuring Resident Engagement

The panel received an update on how the council is meeting requirements for resident engagement in high-rise buildings, ensuring residents have knowledge of their building and how to stay safe within it.

Traffic Scheme Sparks Debate: Overview & Scrutiny Committee Weighs In

The Overview & Scrutiny Call-in Sub-Committee convened to consider the call-in of the Leader of the Council's decision regarding the West & East Greenwich Neighbourhood Management Trial Scheme. The Overview & Scrutiny Call-in Sub-Committee meeting took place on Thursday.

  • Call-in Grounds: Councillors Charlie Davis, Matt Hartley, Lakshan Saldin and Tamasin Rhymes requested the call-in, raising concerns about traffic reduction, air quality improvement, safety improvement, disproportionate negative impact, and public opposition.
  • Alternative Decisions Sought: The councillors sought deferral of the final decision, agreement to end the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), or inclusion of exemptions for all Greenwich residents if the scheme continued.
  • Council's Response: The Director of Communities and Environment and Central argued that the scheme had delivered reductions in motorised traffic and that air quality had not deteriorated significantly. The council was committed to exploring targeted mitigation measures for affected boundary roads.

The Sub-Committee had the option to note the decision, refer it back to the Cabinet, or refer it to the Full Council if the decision was considered contrary to the Council's Policy Framework.

Upcoming meetings:

  1. In UK politics, the Executive usually refers to the Cabinet. ↩

Greenwich tackles HMOs, fly-tipping, and anti-social behaviour

This week in Greenwich:

Council Debates Anti-Social Behaviour, Fly-Tipping, and HMO Licensing

The Greenwich Council meeting on Wednesday saw lively debate on motions addressing key local issues, including anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, and the licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Councillors clashed over proposed solutions, highlighting differing views on enforcement, prevention, and the role of the council in addressing community concerns.

Cracking Down on Anti-Social Behaviour: Zero Tolerance vs. Community Investment

A motion proposed by Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member Community Safety and Enforcement, and Councillor Raja Zeeshan focused on investing in community safety through prevention, education, and enforcement. The Council meeting took place on Wednesday.

  • Key Proposals: The motion included increasing the number of Community Safety Enforcement Officers, providing new mobile CCTV units, funding police constables and a data analyst apprentice, launching an education programme for boys and men, and continuing engagement with women and girls.
  • Zero Tolerance Amendment: Councillor Charlie Davis and Councillor Roger Tester proposed an amendment advocating a zero-tolerance approach to tenant anti-social behaviour, including eviction for disruptive tenants.

The debate reflects a broader discussion on how to best address anti-social behaviour, balancing punitive measures with preventative strategies and community support.

Tackling Fly-Tipping: Fines, Rewards, and Waste Collection Reviews

A motion proposed by Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member Inclusive Economy, Business, Greenwich Supports and Environmental Services, and Councillor Issy Cooke aimed to allocate investment to tackle fly-tipping. The Council meeting took place on Wednesday.

  • Proposed Measures: The motion included increasing fines, expanding fly-tipping clearing capacity, doubling the size of the enforcement squad, introducing a public reward scheme and a name and shame video series, launching an awareness campaign, and installing decorative planters.
  • Waste Collection Amendments: Councillor Charlie Davis and Councillor Pat Greenwell proposed amendments that included removing all fees for bulky waste collections if a review showed sufficient cost savings, publishing assessments relating to changes to general waste collection, and analysing the potential impact of charging for garden waste.

The debate highlights the complex factors contributing to fly-tipping, including access to waste disposal services, public awareness, and the effectiveness of enforcement measures.

HMO Licensing: Balancing Resident Concerns with Housing Needs

A motion proposed by Councillor Roger Tester, Councillor Charlie Davis, and Councillor Pat Greenwell addressed the licensing of HMOs, expressing concern that the Additional Licensing Scheme was not effectively curbing the number of applications or addressing residents' concerns. The Council meeting took place on Wednesday.

  • Proposed Modifications: The motion proposed modifying the process for granting HMO licenses, including notifying members of new applications, allowing ward members to call in applications for consideration by a sub-committee of the Licensing Committee, and giving residents the opportunity to make submissions.
  • Council Response: An amendment proposed by Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan and Councillor Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, acknowledged the Additional Licensing Scheme and the fines issued to landlords who have not licensed their properties. The amendment proposed ensuring that the emerging new Local Plan includes a policy specific to HMOs, introducing new policy to deal with areas with over concentrations of HMOs, establishing legal clarity on member involvement in HMO license determinations, holding a public awareness campaign, and investing in new technologies to expand the capacity and enforcement capability of the HMO Compliance Team.

The debate reflects the ongoing challenges of managing HMOs in Greenwich, balancing the need for affordable housing with the concerns of residents about noise, overcrowding, and the impact on local amenities. This debate echoes similar discussions in previous meetings, such as the Local Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday 30 September 2025, where councillors grappled with the complexities of HMO planning decisions.

Delivery Bikes: Enforcement, Parking, and Collaboration

A motion proposed by Councillor Charlie Davis, Councillor Pat Greenwell, and Councillor Roger Tester addressed the disruption and anti-social behaviour caused by delivery bikes on Eltham High Street. The Council meeting took place on Wednesday.

  • Proposed Actions: The motion called for targeted enforcement, assessment of motorcycle bay restrictions, engagement with online food delivery companies, and collaboration with other London councils and the police.
  • Council Response: An amendment to the motion was proposed by Councillor Calum O'Byrne Mulligan and Councillor Aidan Smith, which noted the increase in delivery motorbikes, the reliance of local businesses on app-based platforms, and the resulting user conflict. The amendment proposed continuing work to identify appropriate motorcycle parking spots and waiting zones, continuing enforcement, working with residents, councillors, businesses, and delivery riders, and continuing collaboration with stakeholders.

The debate highlights the challenges of managing the growing delivery bike industry, balancing the needs of businesses and riders with the concerns of residents about noise, traffic, and safety.

Planning Committee Approves and Defers Decisions on Housing Developments

The Local Planning Committee met to discuss several planning applications, approving recommendations for six applications and deferring a decision on one. The Local Planning Committee meeting took place on Tuesday.

  • HMO Decision Deferred: The committee deferred a decision on an application for the change of use from a single-family dwelling to a six-bedroom HMO at 72 Whetstone Road to obtain comments from the council's children's services safeguarding team and to undertake a site visit.
  • New Dwelling Approved: The committee approved planning permission for the construction of a new two-bedroom dwellinghouse at 57 Paston Crescent.
  • HMO Approved: The committee approved full planning permission for the change of use from an existing single-family dwellinghouse to a six-bed, six-person HMO at 24 Lucknow Street.
  • Warehouse Conversion Refused: The committee refused consent for the demolition of the existing warehouse building at 25 Wellington Mews and construction of a new two-storey + basement dwellinghouse, citing concerns about the quality of accommodation, design, and potential conflict with existing commercial premises.
  • Mixed-Use Development Approved: The committee approved planning permission for the construction of a mixed-use development at Land Fronting Norman Road and rear of the North Pole, comprising nine residential units, a restaurant, and a commercial unit.
  • New Dwelling Approved: The committee approved full planning permission for the construction of a single-storey detached two-bedroom dwelling on land to the rear of 65 Eglinton Hill.

Other Matters Discussed

  • Petition Responses: The council noted the action taken in response to petitions regarding CCTV, CPZs, access to open space, gentrification, play centres, and parking zones.
  • Executive Functions: The council noted changes made to the executive functions scheme of delegation, re-allocating decisions related to the West and East Greenwich Neighbourhood Traffic Management Scheme to the Leader of the Council.
  • Member Questions: Members of the council submitted questions to Cabinet Members on a variety of topics, including the Greenwich foot tunnel, public queries, technology and AI, the 'Beatstop' programme, pay and display machines, footfall data, planters, the Equestrian Centre, Metropolitan Open Land, planning applications, Herbert Road, planning enforcement, fly-tipping, road maintenance, CCTV coverage, road safety, HMOs, mental health, leaseholders, parking bays, Charlton Athletic Community Trust, Abbey Wood, council communications, street cleansing, and Adventure Play Centres.

Upcoming meetings:

General Purposes Committee

General Purposes Committee - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 6.00 pm

The General Purposes Committee is scheduled to meet to discuss the recruitment of a new Head of Procurement, and to note the list of councillors' memberships on outside bodies, joint committees and school governing bodies. The meeting will also cover declarations of interest and the minutes of the previous meeting.

December 03, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 2.00 pm

The Greenwich Council cabinet is scheduled to discuss strategies for ending male violence against women and girls, review the Greenwich Safeguarding Children Partnership annual report, and consider the council's financial status at its upcoming meeting. Also on the agenda are updates on treasury management, capital projects, and infrastructure funding.

December 03, 2025
Council

Council - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 7.00 pm

The Council of Greenwich Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, to discuss a range of issues, including the Draft Local Plan, the adoption of a revised Statement of Licensing Policy, and several motions related to anti-social behaviour, road repairs, a tourism levy, and the Superloop SL15.

December 03, 2025
Planning Board

Planning Board - Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025 6.30 pm

The Royal Borough of Greenwich Planning Board met to discuss several planning applications, including proposals for new sporting facilities, residential developments, and changes to existing buildings. The board was scheduled to consider applications ranging from the construction of new community sports facilities to the conversion of commercial spaces into residential units.

December 02, 2025
Health and Wellbeing Board

Health and Wellbeing Board - Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025 10.30 am

The Royal Borough of Greenwich's Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, to discuss a range of health-related issues. Key items on the agenda included a review of the Public Health Addictions Profile and the Royal Greenwich Addictions Strategic Plan 2026-2029, as well as a review of the board's forward work plan.

December 02, 2025
Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel

Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel - Thursday, 27th November, 2025 6.30 pm

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel were scheduled to meet to discuss the council's food response, and to consider the Director of Public Health's annual report. They were also scheduled to note the commissioning of future reports.

November 27, 2025
Audit and Risk Management Panel

Audit and Risk Management Panel - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 6.30 pm

The Audit and Risk Management Panel are scheduled to meet to review internal audit and anti-fraud performance, consider treasury management and capital updates, and evaluate their own effectiveness. The meeting will take place in Committee Rooms 4 & 5, Town Hall, Wellington Street, Woolwich and is open to the public, with proceedings recorded and broadcast on the internet.

November 26, 2025
Local Planning Committee

Local Planning Committee - Tuesday, 25th November, 2025 6.30 pm

The Royal Borough of Greenwich Local Planning Committee met on 25 November 2025, and approved plans for two properties to become houses in multiple occupation (HMO). Permission was granted for the change of use of 47 Arbroath Road, Eltham, to a five-bedroom HMO, and for 32 Roydene Road, Plumstead, to become a six-bedroom HMO, subject to conditions.

November 25, 2025
Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel

Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel - Thursday, 20th November, 2025 6.30 pm

The Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel were scheduled to meet to discuss member's casework performance, customer service performance, and to commission future reports. The meeting was scheduled to be held in Committee Rooms 4 & 5, Town Hall, Wellington Street, Woolwich and was open to the press and public. Councillor Joshua Ayodele, Chair of Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel, was scheduled to chair the meeting.

November 20, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Wednesday, 19th November, 2025 2.00 pm

Greenwich Council's Cabinet convened on 19 November 2025, addressing key issues such as the future of the Woolwich Waterfront Leisure Centre site, school place planning, leaseholder repayment options, and the adoption of a revised Statement of Licensing Policy. The Cabinet approved a plan for the demolition of the Woolwich Waterfront Leisure Centre and the selection of a residential development partner, as well as a school place planning and capital programme. Councillors also agreed to changes to leaseholder repayment options and recommended a draft local plan for public consultation.

November 19, 2025
Licensing Review Sub-Committee

Licensing Review Sub-Committee - Monday, 8th December, 2025 6.30 pm

December 08, 2025
Pension Fund Investment & Administration Panel

Pension Fund Investment & Administration Panel - Monday, 8th December, 2025 10.30 am

December 08, 2025
Pension Board

Pension Board - Monday, 8th December, 2025 12.00 pm

December 08, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee A

Licensing Sub-Committee A - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 6.30 pm

December 09, 2025
Local Planning Committee

Local Planning Committee - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 6.30 pm

December 09, 2025
Schools Forum

Schools Forum - Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 6.00 pm

December 17, 2025