This week in Lewisham:

Sun Wharf Development Approved Despite Significant Resident Objections Over Light Loss and Housing Mix

Lewisham Council's Strategic Planning Committee approved the controversial redevelopment of Sun Wharf in Creekside, London SE8, on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. The decision came despite strong objections from residents and the local ward councillor, who raised serious concerns about the loss of daylight and sunlight to existing homes, the over-concentration of student accommodation, and the environmental impact on Deptford Creek.

The approved plans involve demolishing existing buildings to construct three new blocks, including residential dwellings, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), and commercial floorspace. While officers recommended approval, citing significant public benefits, residents argued that the development would lead to unprecedented reductions in light for their homes. Lawrence Pileski, a leaseholder at the adjacent Kent Wharf, described the impact as like living in a shoebox, with one resident's wheelchair-adapted home facing near-complete darkness. The committee heard that 44 habitable windows would experience moderate to substantial reductions in daylight and sunlight, with one resident's living room potentially receiving only 1.6% of retained daylight.

Councillor Rosie Parry questioned the applicant's justification for the changes from a previously approved scheme, citing increased construction costs and regulatory changes. The applicant, Your Tribe, stated that the original scheme was no longer viable and that the new proposal, while similar in scale, was necessary to proceed. They argued that the 605 PBSA bedspaces would free up equivalent C3 housing, a claim contested by residents who cited the council's own Strategic Housing Market Assessment and the luxury nature of the proposed student units.

Councillor Dawn Atkinson, representing Deptford Ward, echoed residents' concerns, stating that Deptford needs family homes and that the development's focus on student accommodation would not address this need. She also raised concerns about the environmental impact on Deptford Creek, particularly the loss of the Kingfisher Bank, despite the applicant's proposal for a replacement.

The committee's decision to approve the development was influenced by the tilted balance principle, which favours development when housing delivery targets are not being met. Councillor John Paschoud, who proposed the approval, acknowledged the harm to existing residents but stated that the changed circumstances and policy landscape justified the decision. The approval was granted subject to planning conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

You can find more details in the Strategic Planning Committee meeting papers.

Policing Update Highlights Trust Deficit and Community Engagement Challenges

The Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee met on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, to discuss a range of critical issues, including a stark update on public trust in the police and strategies for becoming an age-friendly council. The committee also reviewed progress on implementing recommendations from the Disabled People's Commission.

The policing update revealed that while overall crime in Lewisham has decreased, public confidence in the Metropolitan Police remains significantly lower than the London average. Chief Inspector Darren Cox and Inspector Duncan Jackson presented data showing that only 32% of Lewisham residents trust the police, compared to the MPS average of 43%. This trust deficit is particularly concerning given that gun and knife crime is the primary concern for residents, despite being down significantly year-on-year.

Councillor David Walker highlighted the disconnect between falling crime rates and public perception, questioning the underlying reasons for this fear. Police representatives acknowledged that social media trends and well-publicised incidents contribute to this perception. They outlined plans to improve trust through increased visibility, community engagement, and aligned messaging, including the reintroduction of Local Focus Reviews (LFRs) and town centre deployments.

However, the discussion also revealed challenges in effective community engagement. Councillor Natasha Burgess raised concerns about the impact of police resources being diverted to other duties, leading to a lack of visible presence in wards. The committee also discussed the use of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) and the need for more integrated working with newly recruited antisocial behaviour officers.

The meeting also covered progress towards becoming an age-friendly council, with a focus on the work of the Positive Ageing Council (POSAC). POSAC has been instrumental in influencing council strategies and advocating for older residents' needs, particularly in areas like accessible housing, transport, and health services. The council's commitment to co-producing services with disabled residents was also highlighted, with updates on the development of a user-led deaf and disabled people's organisation.

You can find more details in the Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee meeting papers.

Mental Health Services Face Overhaul Amidst Funding and Integration Challenges

Lewisham's mental health services are undergoing significant reform, with a focus on integrated neighbourhood models and improved access to support. The Healthier Communities Select Committee was scheduled to discuss these changes on Thursday, 26 February 2026, alongside updates on public health initiatives and support for individuals with learning disabilities.

A key focus of the meeting was the redesign of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust's (SLaM) community mental health centres. The aim is to create integrated, neighbourhood-based services, with a pilot 24/7 community mental health centre planned for North Central Lewisham. This initiative, supported by NHS England, seeks to provide more accessible and responsive mental health care closer to home.

However, the report highlighted challenges in re-establishing Lewisham Council's own mental health social work service, which is crucial for meeting statutory duties. The current reliance on SLaM's community teams has been identified as insufficient, necessitating a stronger council presence to ensure comprehensive support.

The committee was also set to receive updates on public health initiatives, including a report on Gambling Related Harms in Lewisham. This highlighted the growing recognition of gambling harm as a public health issue, linked to mental health problems and concentrated in deprived areas. The report noted the introduction of a levy on the gambling industry to fund prevention and treatment.

Furthermore, the meeting was to address the Lewisham Learning Disabilities Implementation Plan, focusing on co-production and accessible communication for individuals with learning disabilities. The plan aims to consolidate priorities across health, social care, and education, with a strong emphasis on empowering individuals and their families.

The committee's review of its work programme also signals a commitment to ongoing scrutiny of these vital services, ensuring that the council continues to address the mental health and wellbeing needs of all its residents.

You can find more details in the Healthier Communities Select Committee meeting papers.

Other Matters

• The Mayor and Cabinet met on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. While a summary is pending publication, the agenda indicated discussions on a range of council business. You can find more details in the Mayor and Cabinet meeting papers.
• The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Thursday, 26 February 2026. The meeting was expected to cover updates on safeguarding, national guidance on collective worship, and the draft SACRE Annual Report. You can find more details in the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) meeting papers.
• The Sustainable Development Select Committee met on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. Discussions were scheduled to include dockless bikes, a review of waste services, and the committee's work programme. You can find more details in the Sustainable Development Select Committee meeting papers.
• The Standards Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 25 February 2026, was cancelled.
• The Standards Sub-Committee A met on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, to consider a complaint under the Code of Conduct regarding the Mayor and a Councillor. The investigation report concluded no breach of the Code of Conduct was committed. You can find more details in the Standards Sub-Committee A meeting papers.

Upcoming Meetings

• Council - Wednesday 04 March 2026
• Housing Select Committee - Thursday 05 March 2026
• Children and Young People Select Committee - Tuesday 03 March 2026
• Appointments Committee - Monday 09 March 2026
• Public Accounts Select Committee - Tuesday 10 March 2026
• Planning Committee A - Thursday 12 March 2026
• Audit and Risk Committee - Thursday 12 March 2026

This week in Lewisham:

Council Approves Budget with 4.99% Tax Rise, Amidst Calls for Stronger Climate Action

Lewisham Council has approved its budget for the 2026/27 financial year, including a 4.99% increase in Council Tax. The decision, made at the Mayor and Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, aims to balance the borough's financial needs with support for residents facing cost of living pressures. Mayor Brenda Dacres highlighted the council's commitment to strong communities, fairness and resilience, while acknowledging the significant challenge of delivering services with a 17% real-terms reduction in spending power per person since 2010.

The budget includes funding for rising pressures in services, targeted investments, and capital projects in housing, regeneration, and the environment. Despite the tax increase, the council emphasised its commitment to avoiding rises above 5%, a move intended to support local businesses and residents. Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, noted a positive revision to the council's core spending power, which has increased to £426 million. However, the council still faces the challenge of delivering approximately £35 million in savings over the next three years.

The budget also signals a significant investment in social housing, with £148.7 million allocated for the next year and over £600 million planned for the next five years. This funding is earmarked for new council homes, tackling damp and mould, and improving energy efficiency. Councillor Will Cooper, Cabinet Member for Better Homes, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, stressed the importance of these investments, stating, making our homes safe, secure and decent takes data, it takes time, it takes investment, and it takes targeted work.

However, the budget discussions also saw calls for more robust climate action. The Sustainable Development Select Committee had previously urged the Mayor and Cabinet to strengthen planning rules to reduce flood risk from paved-over gardens, citing their contribution to urban overheating and loss of biodiversity. While the Mayor and Cabinet noted these comments, the budget itself did not detail specific new initiatives to address these concerns beyond existing plans. This highlights a potential tension between financial imperatives and the urgent need for environmental action, particularly for vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by climate change impacts like flooding.

You can find more details in the Mayor and Cabinet meeting papers.

Public Transport Faces Scrutiny Over Service Reliability and Electrification

The Public Transport Liaison Forum convened on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, to address a range of issues impacting Lewisham's transport network. Key discussions revolved around the transition to electric buses, infrastructure upgrades by rail operators, and proposed new bus routes, with a strong emphasis on service reliability and accessibility for all residents.

Transport providers like Stagecoach and GoAhead are pushing towards full electrification of their fleets by 2030, but they highlighted the need for at least 12 weeks' notice from the council for road schemes to allow for effective mitigation planning. This is crucial for ensuring that essential bus services can continue to operate with minimal disruption, impacting daily commutes for thousands of residents. Concerns were also raised about parking issues along Thurston Road impacting bus access, prompting a call for a review by the Parking service.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) reported on ongoing issues with signalling faults, which have significantly affected services. While repairs have been made, the call for a backup system between Blackfriars and St Pancras underscores the vulnerability of the current infrastructure and the potential for widespread disruption. Councillor Louise Krupski's inquiry about the resolution of these faults highlights the direct impact on passengers who rely on consistent and reliable train services.

Transport for London (TfL) announced that Lewisham had secured funding for improvements along the A2212 and A2218 corridors, and a consultation for a new bus route, SL15, was underway. However, councillors like Liam Curran and James-J Walsh welcomed the potential for new routes but stressed the importance of considering the needs of all residents, including those reliant on night-time services.

Southeastern is undertaking significant infrastructure work, including £90 million of resignalling in Lewisham. While upgrades to stations like Blackheath station and Ladywell station are planned, concerns were raised about the accessibility of information signs at Lewisham station, creating potential safety risks. The gap between trains and platforms at some stations, including Lewisham, was also flagged as a concern for new rolling stock procurement, directly impacting passenger safety and accessibility.

The forum also addressed specific resident concerns, such as the lack of connectivity along the SL4 bus route and persistent pavement parking on red routes in Catford. These issues, while seemingly minor, can significantly impact the daily lives and accessibility for residents, particularly those with mobility issues or who rely heavily on public transport. The ongoing discussion about speeding e-bikes also highlights the council's efforts to balance the convenience of new transport modes with the safety of all road users.

You can find more details in the Public Transport Liaison Forum meeting papers.

New Bar and Restaurant Application Faces Objections Over Late Hours and Public Nuisance

A new premises licence application for Bel'Ivoire, a proposed bar and restaurant at 5 Eros House, Brownhill Road, SE6 2EF, has drawn objections from both the Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority. The application, discussed at the Licensing Sub Committee A meeting on Thursday, 12 February 2026, proposes operating hours that include the supply of alcohol until 02:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, with late-night refreshment extending to 03:00.

The Metropolitan Police have raised concerns about the potential for increased crime and disorder, public nuisance, and public safety, particularly given the area's existing issues with substance misuse and violent crime. They have recommended significantly reduced hours, suggesting closure by 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The police also proposed conditions such as a CCTV system and the employment of door supervisors, measures aimed at mitigating potential risks to the public.

The Licensing Authority echoed these concerns, requesting a reduction in hours for live and recorded music, alcohol sales, and late-night refreshment, citing Lewisham's Licensing Policy which prioritises the character of the area and the needs of residents. The applicant, Bel'ivoire Limited, described the venue as a bar and restaurant serving Afro-fusion cuisine, with plans for a ground-floor restaurant and lounge and a basement for low-key events.

The outcome of this application will have a direct impact on the local community, balancing the potential economic benefits of a new establishment with the need to protect residents from noise, disorder, and potential increases in crime. The committee's decision will reflect the delicate balance between supporting local businesses and upholding the licensing objectives designed to protect the public.

You can find more details in the Licensing Sub Committee A meeting papers.

Other Matters

• The Planning Committee B met on Thursday, 12 February 2026, to consider retrospective planning permission for works at 83 Arbuthnot Road, SE14 5NP, and proposals for window, door, roof, and balcony panel replacements at three residential blocks in Pagoda Gardens. The Arbuthnot Road application, which includes a rear dormer roof extension and deconversion from flats to a single dwelling, faced over ten objections. The Pagoda Gardens applications, also facing numerous objections, involve comprehensive external refurbishment works. The committee's decisions on these applications will impact residents' living conditions and the character of conservation areas. You can find more details in the Planning Committee B meeting papers.

Upcoming Meetings

• Healthier Communities Select Committee - Thursday 26 February 2026
• Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) - Thursday 26 February 2026
• Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee - Tuesday 24 February 2026
• Strategic Planning Committee - Tuesday 24 February 2026
• Licensing Committee - Wednesday 18 February 2026
• Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday 25 February 2026
• Standards Sub-Committee A - Wednesday 25 February 2026
• Sustainable Development Select Committee - Wednesday 25 February 2026

This week in Lewisham:

Libraries Face Rising Abuse and Safety Concerns

The Health and Safety Committee met on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, to discuss critical safety issues across council services, with a particular focus on the increasing levels of abuse and safety concerns within Lewisham's libraries. The committee reviewed incident reports that highlight a worrying trend of verbal and threatening behaviour, alongside a significant rise in near miss incidents.

The data presented showed an overall increase in incidents within Hub Libraries, with Catford Library experiencing the most significant issues. These incidents are largely driven by anti-social behaviour, particularly concerning the misuse of library toilets, which leads to vandalism and temporary closures. Library staff are increasingly finding themselves on the front line, dealing with drug use, racial abuse, and even threats to their lives.

This situation has a direct impact on vulnerable residents who rely on libraries as safe, accessible spaces. The increase in incidents, especially those involving abuse, creates a hostile environment for both staff and library users. The council is taking steps to address this, including investing in staff training, increasing CCTV, and joining the Safer Business Network to report repeat offenders. A banning policy is in place, with bans ranging from 12 months for serious incidents.

However, the discussion also revealed a lack of public toilet facilities in Catford, contributing to the problem. Councillors raised concerns about the long-term strategy for addressing anti-social behaviour in the area and ensuring that libraries remain welcoming spaces for all. The committee resolved to keep these issues under review, recognising the vital role libraries play in the community.

You can find more details in the Health and Safety Committee meeting papers.

Polling Place Changes and Constitution Review Ahead of Elections

The Governance Committee met on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, to address logistical preparations for the upcoming May 2026 elections and to review the council's constitution. The committee considered proposed temporary changes to polling places in Hither Green, Bellingham, and Sydenham, necessitated by venue unavailability or suitability concerns.

In Hither Green, the St Christopher Christian Fellowship Church may no longer be available, with the Brownhill Road Baptist Church proposed as an alternative. In Bellingham, the Dumps Adventure Playground is unavailable due to redevelopment, leading to the proposed use of St Augustine's Primary School. In Sydenham, concerns have been raised about the suitability of St Philip the Apostle Church for residents of the Hillcrest estate, with St Bartholomew's Church being considered as a more accessible alternative.

These changes are crucial for ensuring that all eligible residents can easily access polling stations and exercise their democratic right to vote. The committee also recommended delegating authority to the Returning Officer to make urgent temporary amendments to polling places if unforeseen issues arise before an election, a measure designed to ensure the smooth running of the electoral process.

The committee also reviewed proposed minor amendments to the council's constitution. These included removing references to ward assemblies, clarifying the Housing Select Committee's terms of reference, and reinstating wording related to the Strategic Planning Committee. Discussions also touched upon public participation, with concerns raised about the potential removal of deputations from Council Procedure Rules. These constitutional reviews are vital for ensuring the council operates effectively and transparently.

You can find more details in the Governance Committee meeting papers.

Review of Premises Licence for Best Foods Mega Mart Amidst Illegal Working Allegations

The Licensing Sub Committee D met on Thursday, 5 February 2026, to consider a critical review of the premises licence for Best Foods Mega Mart, located at 445-453 Bromley Road. The review was initiated by the Home Office Immigration Enforcement due to allegations of illegal working at the premises.

The Home Office stated that there were grounds to believe the licence holder had failed to uphold the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder. An enforcement visit on 11 April 2025 identified two individuals working without the right to do so in the UK. One individual had been working for three months and receiving cash payments, while the other had been working for approximately three weeks. Checks revealed one individual was an overstayer, and the other was working in breach of immigration bail conditions.

KAJ Trading Ltd, the company associated with Best Foods Mega Mart, had previously been issued a £80,000 civil penalty for employing individuals without the right to work, which remains outstanding. The Home Office recommended the revocation of the premises licence, stating that revocation is a proportionate response where illegal working is identified. This decision has significant implications for the business and its employees, highlighting the council's role in enforcing national legislation to prevent exploitation and maintain fair trading practices.

You can find more details in the Licensing Sub Committee D meeting papers.

Upcoming Meetings

• Public Transport Liaison Forum - Tuesday 10 February 2026
• Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday 11 February 2026
• Corporate Parenting Group - Tuesday 10 February 2026
• Planning Committee B - Thursday 12 February 2026
• Licensing Sub Committee A - Thursday 12 February 2026
• Licensing Committee - Wednesday 18 February 2026

This week in Lewisham:

Blackheath Station Car Park Redevelopment Decision Deferred Amidst Resident and Business Concerns

The Planning Committee B met on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to consider a significant redevelopment proposal for Blackheath Station Car Park. The plan, which includes 45 residential units, commercial spaces, and a farmers' market, faced over 1200 objections from residents and over 100 from local businesses. After extensive deliberation, the committee unanimously voted to defer the decision, requesting further information on crucial aspects of the proposal.

The core of the controversy lies in the potential impact on local businesses, parking availability, and the character of the Blackheath Conservation Area. Objectors, including local businesses and the Blackheath Society, voiced strong concerns about the loss of 146 parking spaces, arguing it would cripple the vitality of the town centre, especially on peak trading days. The viability of the proposed farmers' market layout and its temporary relocation during construction also raised significant questions.

Local businesses, represented by Nick Ellis of Ellis Butchers, stated, We are telling you there will be a problem and we feel like we are being completely ignored. They highlighted that Sundays, driven by the market, are their single best trading day and expressed deep worry about the market's future, fearing this development could be the beginning at the end of the market.

Concerns were also raised about the development's impact on heritage assets and residential amenity. While officers acknowledged less than substantial harm to the Conservation Area and the locally listed Crown Public House, residents from 7 Collins Street highlighted a severe loss of sunlight to their garden, with probable sunlight levels dropping from 73% to 7%.

The committee's decision to defer was driven by a desire for more concrete evidence. Councillor James Rathbone, who proposed the deferral, stated, My principal concern relating to parking is for visitors to the village or commercial purposes and it's a very well known fact that peak commercial days are Saturdays. The committee requested:

• A parking survey covering peak commercial days.
• A report detailing commercial activity in the village and the application's impact on it.
• A more detailed report on the farmers' market operation and emergency service access arrangements.

This deferral highlights how local government decisions, particularly in planning, directly impact the economic health of neighbourhoods and the quality of life for residents. The need for robust data and consideration of diverse stakeholder views, from developers to local businesses and residents, is paramount in ensuring balanced outcomes.

You can find more details in the Planning Committee B meeting papers.

Council Tax Base and Financial Stability Under Review

Lewisham Council's Council met on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, to set the financial framework for the upcoming year. Key decisions included setting the Council Tax base for 2026/27 and reviewing the National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) tax base. The council also considered policies on discounts for second and empty homes, aiming to encourage housing availability and manage financial resources effectively.

The proposed Council Tax Base for 2026/27 was set at 93,758.1 Band D equivalent properties, with an assumed collection rate of 96.0%. This figure is crucial as it directly influences the amount of revenue the council can collect to fund local services. The report also recommended continuing the existing Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS), meaning eligible claimants will still contribute a minimum of 25% towards their council tax.

Discretionary policies on second and empty homes were also reviewed. The council recommended continuing with a 0% discount for second homes, applying a 100% premium after one year. For empty properties, the existing policies of 0% discount for those undergoing structural alteration or substantially empty and unfurnished were proposed to continue. Premiums for long-term empty properties were also recommended to remain, with escalating percentages for properties empty for longer periods (100% for 1-5 years, 200% for 5-10 years, and 300% for over 10 years). These measures aim to incentivise owners to bring properties back into use, addressing housing shortages and preventing neighbourhood blight.

The council also noted an estimated provisional NNDR net yield of £70 million for 2026/27. This figure, while substantial, is subject to uncertainty due to upcoming changes in the Business Rates Retention Scheme. The Executive Director for Finance, Digital and Corporate Resources was delegated approval of the final NNDR1 form, a necessary step to manage financial complexities.

These decisions, while technical, have a direct impact on residents through council tax levels and the availability of local services. The council's approach to empty homes and second homes also reflects a broader strategy to address housing needs and ensure properties are occupied, particularly in a borough facing housing pressures.

You can find more details in the Council meeting papers.

Other Matters

• The Public Accounts Select Committee met on Thursday, 29 January 2026. While no transcript is available, the committee was scheduled to discuss the council's budget for 2026-27, including the General Fund Revenue Budget, Dedicated Schools Grant, Housing Revenue Account, Treasury Management Strategy, Capital Programme, and Climate Budget. This committee plays a vital role in scrutinising the council's financial management and ensuring public funds are used effectively and responsibly. You can find more details in the Public Accounts Select Committee meeting papers.

Upcoming Meetings

• Health and Safety Committee - Tuesday 03 February 2026
• Governance Committee - Wednesday 04 February 2026
• Licensing Committee - Thursday 05 February 2026
• Public Transport Liaison Forum - Tuesday 10 February 2026
• Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday 11 February 2026
• Corporate Parenting Group - Tuesday 10 February 2026
• Planning Committee B - Thursday 12 February 2026