This week in Lambeth:

Amazon Distribution Hub Licence Granted Amidst Resident Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 3 September 2026 to consider three licensing applications. A new premises licence was granted for Amazon's distribution hub on Hamilton Road, Norwood, with conditions. A licence was also granted for Mimosa on Clapham High Street, also with conditions. The application to vary the licence for Supercute Brewhouse was deferred for further consideration.

Amazon's Hamilton Road Hub: Balancing Convenience with Community Impact

The committee granted a new premises licence to Amazon UK Services Ltd for a distribution hub at 160 Hamilton Road, Norwood. The application sought permission for the off-sale of alcohol between 7 am and 1 am, seven days a week, with the premises operating 24 hours a day.

Amazon agreed to several licensing conditions with the licensing authority, including warnings on its digital platform about age verification, ensuring alcohol is delivered only to a premises address, all off-sales being in sealed containers, and making evidence of refused deliveries available for inspection.

Despite these agreements, the application attracted 29 objections from local residents. Their concerns centred on public nuisance, crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. Key issues raised included the narrowness and congestion of Hamilton Road, potential for increased traffic, noise, emissions, and obstruction of emergency vehicle access. Residents also voiced worries about potential loitering, litter, and the impact on vulnerable individuals in nearby sheltered accommodation.

Amazon's representative, David Roberts, explained that the hub would serve their Amazon Now quick convenience service, aiming for deliveries within 30 minutes using e-bikes. He stressed there would be no public access to the premises and detailed robust age verification processes.

The committee ultimately granted the licence with two key conditions: the removal of off-sales from the licence and the implementation of a named contact with a phone number for residents to raise concerns. This decision aims to balance the convenience offered by Amazon's service with the need to address resident concerns about the impact on their neighbourhood.

• View the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details

Mimosa on Clapham High Street: Late-Night Licence Approved with Restrictions

The committee granted a new premises licence to Rooftop Sixtyfour Ltd for Mimosa, located at 62-64 Clapham High Street, London SW4 7UL. The application sought permission for films, live and recorded music, performances of dance, late-night refreshment, and the supply of alcohol for both on and off-premises consumption until 3 am, Monday to Sunday.

The applicant agreed to conditions proposed by the Environmental Health Noise Team and the Police, including SIA security staff, CCTV, incident logs, staff training, a Challenge 25 policy, and noise limitation devices.

However, the Licensing Authority raised concerns that the requested hours significantly exceeded those recommended in Lambeth's Statement of Licensing Policy¹, potentially increasing public nuisance. Ward Councillor Linda Bray also objected, citing concerns about anti-social behaviour and crime, particularly after midnight. Two local residents also raised objections regarding noise and public nuisance.

After deliberation, the committee granted the application with several conditions. These included the removal of off-sales from the licence, the restriction of outside tables and chairs to 11 pm, and no drinks to be taken outside after 11 pm. The surrender of the two old licences from the previous buildings was also a condition. This decision allows the venue to operate later but imposes restrictions to mitigate potential impacts on the surrounding community.

• View the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details

Supercute Brewhouse Application Deferred Amidst Community Concerns

The committee considered an application to vary the existing premises licence for Supercute Brewhouse, located at Ground Floor Unit 1, Shakespeare Business Centre, Coldharbour Lane, London, SW9 8RR. The application sought to extend hours, authorise off-sales of alcohol, extend the licensed area to include part of the external courtyard, and remove a condition restricting courtyard use.

The application received 16 representations from local residents, with 14 against. Objectors raised concerns about public nuisance due to noise from the courtyard, public safety risks, and the potential harm to the community's character. Supporters highlighted the venue's role in community engagement and its support for local businesses.

Residents, including those from King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, strongly objected to the use of the courtyard, citing acoustic issues and potential noise disturbance. They also raised concerns about the removal of Condition 27, which currently restricts courtyard use.

After extensive deliberation, the committee decided to defer the decision for five working days to allow for further reflection. This deferral indicates the complexity of balancing the business's needs with the significant concerns raised by residents and local institutions about noise and the impact on the neighbourhood.

• View the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details

Lambeth Together Care Partnership Discusses Health and Social Care Priorities

The Lambeth Together Care Partnership met on Thursday 3 September 2026 to discuss updates on key programmes and strategic initiatives aimed at improving health and care services across the borough. The meeting covered a range of important topics, including the implementation of neighbourhood health services, primary care access, and support for homeless individuals.

Neighbourhood Health Services and Integrated Care

Andrew Eyres, Corporate Director of Integrated Health and Adult Social Care, provided an update on Our Health, Our Lambeth, the borough's health and care plan. A key focus is the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) designed to support individuals with complex needs, including the frail, those with multiple long-term health conditions, and children and young people with complex needs. This approach aims to provide more localised and coordinated care, potentially reducing hospital admissions and improving patient experience. Discussions also touched upon preventative measures like Health Checks, mental health outreach, and smoking cessation services, highlighting the council's commitment to proactive health and wellbeing initiatives.

Addressing Primary Care Access and Inequalities

The Lambeth Together Primary Care Commissioning Committee (PCCC) reported on efforts to ensure accessible and equitable general practice services. Updates included progress on primary care estate programmes, the Lambeth Offer Programme for 2027/28, and the allocation of Service Development Funding. The committee also considered contract awards for a Community Cardiovascular Diagnostic Service and a Denosumab Service, aiming to improve access to essential healthcare services for residents. These initiatives are crucial for ensuring that all Lambeth residents, particularly those in underserved communities, can access timely and appropriate primary care.

Enhancing Support for Homeless Individuals

The Homeless Health Programme provided an update on its work to address the complex health needs of rough sleepers and those in supported accommodation. The programme aims to improve physical and mental health, substance use, and sexual health support. Achievements in 2025/26 included supporting individuals into accommodation, engaging with substance use services, and increasing GP registration rates. Changes to the Adult Supported Accommodation Pathway, including a dedicated pathway for women and specialist mental health support, were discussed. This programme is vital for tackling health inequalities and providing essential support to some of the borough's most vulnerable residents.

• View the Lambeth Together Care Partnership meeting details

This week in Lambeth:

Top Council Job on the Line: Interviews for Growth and Environment Director

The Appointments Sub-Committee met on Thursday 27 August 2026 to interview candidates for a crucial senior role: the Corporate Director, Growth and Environment. This position is one of the most significant in London local government, overseeing strategic functions across regeneration, economic growth, planning, environment, highways, transport, resident services, and the borough's cultural offer. The successful candidate will play a vital part in delivering Lambeth's priorities, including its ambitious Lambeth 2030 Borough Plan[^2] and its One Lambeth [^3] vision for a fairer, greener, and safer borough.

The recruitment process, managed by executive search firm Gatenby Sanderson[^4], has been thorough, involving longlisting by the Chief Executive and technical interviews. The Appointments Sub-Committee's role was to conduct the final interviews and make a recommendation for appointment. The salary for this high-profile role is £180,000 per annum, with a total budget of £228,000 including oncosts[^7]. The job description emphasizes the need for extensive senior management experience in a large, complex public sector environment, with a strong track record in strategic development, financial management, and political acumen. Crucially, the role requires a commitment to championing equity and justice.

The committee was recommended to exclude the press and public from parts of the meeting due to the disclosure of exempt information, specifically candidate details, as permitted under the Local Government Act 1972[^5]. This is a standard procedure to protect the privacy of individuals involved in recruitment processes. The outcome of these interviews will have a direct impact on how key council services are managed and delivered to residents.

• View the Appointments Sub-Committee meeting details

This week in Lambeth:

Licence Refused for Ferndale Road Venue Amidst Noise and Safety Fears

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Friday 7 August 2026 and made the significant decision to refuse a new premises licence for Arch 600B to 600D, Ferndale Road, SW9. The applicant, Apollo Realtimes Limited, sought authorisation for regulated entertainment, the sale of alcohol, and late-night refreshment.

The Licensing Authority recommended refusal due to serious concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. These worries were amplified by the venue's location in a residential area and the requested operating hours, which extended beyond the council's own licensing policy recommendations. Crucially, the applicant failed to provide a detailed operating schedule to address these potential issues.

Adding to the concerns, the premises has a history of noise complaints from previous operations. Furthermore, a prior application for a licence for the same location was refused by the Licensing Sub-Committee in November 2023. The applicant's lack of engagement with the licensing authority and local residents, coupled with plans to use a shipping container for the kitchen and the unclear nature of the premises itself, all contributed to the committee's decision to refuse the licence. This refusal aims to protect residents from potential disturbances and ensure public safety in the neighbourhood.

• View the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details

New Wine Bar Approved for Abbeville Road with Strict Conditions

In a separate decision, the Licensing Sub-Committee approved a new premises licence for Rind Abbeville, located at 27 Abbeville Road, SW4. The application sought authorisation for live music, recorded music, and the supply of alcohol for on and off-sales.

During the consultation period, the applicant engaged with responsible authorities and interested parties, leading to amendments to the original application. These included reduced hours for live music and alcohol sales, revised opening hours, and the withdrawal of the late-night refreshment request. Despite these concessions, two representations remained outstanding from residents.

The primary concerns raised by residents, particularly those living directly above the premises, related to the prevention of public nuisance and crime and disorder. These centred on potential noise disturbance from music, customer arrivals and departures, and the use of the external seating area.

The committee approved the licence with several key conditions to mitigate these concerns:

• No open containers to be taken off-site.
• The external seating area to be managed separately from the licensed premises.
• Adherence to the amended hours detailed in the meeting papers.

These conditions are designed to promote the licensing objectives and address the specific worries of local residents, ensuring the new establishment can operate responsibly within the community.

• View the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details

Recruitment for Key Council Role Underway

The Appointments Sub-Committee met on Thursday 6 August 2026 to discuss the recruitment process for a crucial senior position: the Corporate Director of Growth and Environment. This role is vital, as the individual will share accountability with the Chief Executive for delivering the Borough Plan[^2], managing a significant budget, and fostering partnerships.

The recruitment process, managed by executive search firm Gatenby Sanderson[^3], involves several stages, including longlisting by the Chief Executive and technical interviews. The committee was tasked with reviewing recommendations for the shortlist and agreeing on the final candidate selection, as well as setting the date for final interviews and determining the candidate presentation topic and interview questions.

The salary for this senior role is advertised as up to £180,000 per annum, with a total budgeted cost of £228,000 including on-costs, funded from the existing Growth & Environment Senior Management Services budget. The Corporate Director will oversee strategic functions across regeneration, economic growth, planning, environment, highways, transport, resident services, and the borough's cultural offer. The job description emphasises the need for substantial senior management experience in a large, complex public sector environment.

The committee also considered a resolution to exclude the press and public from parts of the meeting due to the likely disclosure of exempt information, as permitted under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972[^7]. This process ensures that sensitive information related to individual candidates is handled appropriately while maintaining transparency where possible.

• View the Appointments Sub-Committee meeting details

This week in Lambeth:

Pension Fund Faces Scrutiny Over Investments and Risk Management

The Pensions Committee met on Wednesday 29 July 2026, delving into the performance and management of the Lambeth Pension Fund. Key discussions centred on investment returns, the fund's risk register, and the draft business plan for the upcoming year. The committee heard that the fund underperformed its benchmark in the quarter ending March 2026, returning -1.8% against a benchmark of 0.2%. This underperformance was primarily attributed to global equity managers.

Ethical Investment Concerns Raised

Councillor Peter Woodward voiced strong concerns regarding investments listed on the fund's risk register, specifically citing risks PA18 and PA20, which he described as investments in illegal settlements in the West Bank of Palestine. He urged the committee to reverse previous decisions to invest in such areas, highlighting the potential for significant reputational damage. Councillor Alan Andrews echoed these concerns, emphasizing the moral and ethical implications. Officers confirmed that the risk register would be updated to incorporate these comments and new regulations.

The committee also requested a comprehensive list of all companies the fund is invested in, and details on how holdings have voted on controversial matters. This follows discussions about the fund's exposure to geopolitical events, such as the conflict in Iran, and its impact on market volatility.

Business Plan Focuses on Governance and Investment Strategy

The draft business plan for 2026-27 outlines key objectives across administration, communication, actuarial and funding, committee activity, financial and risk management, and investment strategy. Significant focus will be placed on implementing government asset pooling requirements and associated investment governance changes. The committee noted the plan, with comments to be reflected in its finalisation. Discussions also touched upon the feasibility of including TCFD[^1] and TNFD[^2] reporting, with officers agreeing to provide a discussion paper.

Investment Performance Review Highlights Market Volatility

The investment performance review for the quarter ending 31 March 2026 revealed an underperformance against the benchmark, largely due to global equity managers. Discussions clarified that a significant cash balance was due to the redemption of an investment in the Invesco European Property Fund. The committee also discussed the potential impact of the AI bubble and market volatility driven by geopolitical events.

• View the Pensions Committee meeting details

Temporary Gym Use Approved at Mahatma Gandhi Industrial Estate

The Planning Applications Committee met on Tuesday 28 July 2026 and granted conditional planning permission for a temporary change of use at the Mahatma Gandhi Industrial Estate. Units 3 and 4 will be used as a community gym and ancillary community outreach space for a period of two years.

Supporting Community Services During Redevelopment

This decision allows the Block Workout Foundation, also known as the Brixton Street Gym, to continue its vital work while its permanent premises at 10 Somerleyton Road are redeveloped. The foundation provides fitness sessions, mentoring, and community engagement for young people and disaffected communities, helping to build confidence and positive networks. The temporary relocation is crucial to avoid interrupting these services during the construction phase of the Somerleyton Road project.

Balancing Industrial Land Protection with Community Benefits

The application represented a departure from Lambeth Local Plan Policy ED3, which designates the site as a Key Industrial Business Area (KIBA) reserved for industrial and storage uses. Officers acknowledged this conflict but highlighted the substantial public benefits offered by the Block Workout Foundation. The temporary nature of the permission, limited to two years and personal to the foundation, were key mitigating factors. Councillor Viktor Westerdahl initially proposed extending the temporary use to three and a half years, but this amendment was not seconded. The committee ultimately voted unanimously to grant conditional planning permission as recommended by officers.

• View the Planning Applications Committee meeting details