This week in Lewisham:

New Mayor and Cabinet Take Office, Setting Ambitious Agenda for Change

Lewisham Council convened on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, for a pivotal meeting that saw the formal inauguration of its new Mayor, Liam Shrivastava, and the establishment of his cabinet. This marks a significant moment for the borough, with the new administration pledging to tackle key challenges and deliver tangible improvements for residents.

Mayor Shrivastava, the first Green, directly elected Mayor of Lewisham, delivered an address that set a clear tone for his term. He acknowledged the deep frustration felt by many residents who have experienced years of pressure on local services and a perceived lack of tangible change. Many people felt overlooked, many felt ignored, and too many told us, plainly, that they'd begun to lose hope, he stated. Years of pressure on local services, the long shadow of austerity and promises of change that have not translated into everyday improvements, have left residents asking a simple and reasonable question. When will things actually get better?

The Mayor outlined three immediate priorities:

• Restoring Pride in the Borough: This involves tackling visible issues like fly-tipping and neglected spaces, which can undermine residents' sense of safety and belonging. A more coordinated approach to enforcement and waste management, alongside community engagement for beautification projects, is planned.
• Bold Action on Housing: Addressing the housing crisis is paramount, with a commitment to driving forward an ambitious programme of genuinely affordable homes for social rent. The administration also plans to expand retrofit programmes to improve energy efficiency and address disrepair in existing homes, while strengthening enforcement against substandard landlords.
• Reshaping the Local Economy: The aim is to create an economy of care that benefits working-class communities. This involves using the council's spending power to support local businesses, strengthen ethical supply chains, invest in green industries and social care, and create opportunities that remain rooted in Lewisham.

The new cabinet members and their portfolios were announced:

• Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Economic Development: Councillor Rudi Schmidt
• Cabinet Member for Strategy, Performance and Digital Transformation: Councillor Ade Adewunmi
• Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration, Planning and Housing Delivery: Councillor Daniel Dream
• Cabinet Member for Safer Homes, Homelessness and Housing Services: Councillor Natalie Thomas
• Cabinet Member for Children, SEND, Youth Empowerment and Culture: Councillor Rotimi Skyers
• Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care: Councillor Samantha Gardiner
• Cabinet Member for Communities, Sanctuary and Healing: Councillor Hau-Yu Tam
• Cabinet Member for Workers, Business and Skills: Councillor Shireen Asaw
• Cabinet Member for Environment, Nature, Transport and Climate Action: Councillor Corin Ashwell

The meeting also saw the election of Councillor Aaron Regisford as the new Speaker and Councillor Hibaaq Aden as Deputy Speaker. The acceptance of office by the new Young Mayor, Tyrese Gale, and Deputy Young Mayor, Izzy McDonald, was a highlight, reinforcing Lewisham's commitment to youth engagement. The Mayor also announced Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) as his chosen charity for the year, recognising the vital support the organisation provides to asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants.

This meeting sets the stage for a new era of governance in Lewisham, with a clear focus on delivering practical improvements and rebuilding trust with residents.

You can find more details in the Council meeting papers.

Council Structure and Committees Established for the Year Ahead

Following the inauguration of the new Mayor and cabinet, the Council also formally agreed to the terms of reference for its various committees, the allocation of seats, and appointments to these crucial bodies. This includes the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which plays a vital role in holding the executive to account, and the Standards Committee, responsible for upholding ethical conduct.

The programme of council meetings for the 2026/27 year was also approved. These committees and their work are fundamental to how local government operates, allowing for detailed examination of policy, service delivery, and financial management. Decisions made within these committees can have a direct impact on the services residents receive, from social care to waste collection.

Appointments were also made to a wide range of outside bodies, demonstrating the council's engagement with external organisations and partnerships that contribute to the borough's well-being. These appointments ensure that Lewisham's voice is represented across various sectors and initiatives.

You can find more details in the Council meeting papers.

This week in Lewisham:

Extended Alcohol Sales Approved for Good Food Despite Resident Concerns Over Noise and Disorder

The Licensing Sub Committee D met on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, to consider a significant variation to the premises licence for Good Food at 26B Sydenham Road, London SE26 5QW. The application, from Craft 26 Ltd, sought to rename the premises Craft Metropolis, alter its layout, and crucially, extend its hours for the sale of alcohol.

The proposed changes included extending off-sales of alcohol until 23:00 every day and allowing on-sales from 09:00 to 23:00 daily. This represents a substantial increase from the previous licence, which had more restricted hours, particularly for off-sales.

The committee received ten representations regarding the application: nine from local residents and one from a local Councillor. While three representations were in support, highlighting the potential for the business to revitalise the high street and provide a community space, seven objections were lodged. These objections centred on concerns about the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder.

Residents living nearby expressed worries about increased noise from patrons, particularly late at night, and the potential for anti-social behaviour. Concerns were also raised about smoke from outdoor areas and the cumulative impact of additional licensed premises in the vicinity.

Despite these objections, the committee resolved to grant the variation to the premises licence. However, the licence was granted subject to additional conditions aimed at mitigating the residents' concerns. These included restrictions on a smoking area to the rear of the premises, limiting its use to two people after 21:00, and ensuring patrons use this designated area rather than congregating at the front.

The applicant had already proposed conditions such as staff training, measures to prevent light nuisance, and ensuring off-sales of alcohol are in sealed containers. The existing licence also included robust measures like CCTV, an incident log, and restrictions on the sale of super-strength alcohol. The decision letter, detailing the full conditions, is expected within five working days.

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

This week in Lewisham:

New 20-Metre Telecoms Mast Approved for Sanford Street Despite Resident Objections

The Planning Committee B met on Thursday, 16 April 2026, and approved the installation of a 20-metre-high telecommunications mast on a grass verge at Sanford Street, New Cross Gate. The decision, made under the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) ¹, means the council's assessment was limited to the siting and appearance of the proposed development.

While the council granted prior approval, local residents voiced significant concerns about the mast's visual impact on their residential area and its proximity to a well-known local mural, Riders of the Apocalypse by Brian Burns. Ibrahim Abdullah, speaking on behalf of residents, argued that the application was based on inaccurate information regarding heritage assets and that the mast's scale was disproportionate to the surrounding two- and three-storey properties. He also questioned the thoroughness of the site selection process.

Councillor Rosie Parry acknowledged the residents' concerns, particularly regarding the mural's visibility. However, the case officer clarified that the proposed mast would not be directly in front of the mural and that tree coverage would limit direct views. The committee noted the narrow scope of a prior approval application, with Councillor Jack Lavery, Chair of the committee, stating, I think it's worth pointing out that the application in front of us is quite different from applications we see at planning committees normally. We're operating in a very different kind of framework.

The committee voted unanimously to grant prior approval, accepting the officers' recommendation. The decision was based on the assessment that the proposed siting and appearance were acceptable within the limited framework of the GPDO. A condition was imposed requiring the monopole to be finished in light grey (RAL 7035) and the equipment cabinets in fir green (RAL 6009) to ensure visual amenity. This decision highlights how national permitted development rights can sometimes override local planning concerns, particularly for essential infrastructure.

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

This week in Lewisham:

Key Appointment Decision Looms as Committee Meets in Private

The Appointments Committee met on Monday, 23 March 2026, with a crucial decision regarding the appointment of a Director of Family Quality and Commissioning on the agenda. The report pack indicated that this significant discussion was held behind closed doors, with the press and public excluded.

This exclusion was justified under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, which allows for the exclusion of the public when discussions are likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information. The council stated that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. This approach is often taken when sensitive personal or commercial details are involved in appointments, aiming to protect individuals and ensure a fair selection process. However, it means that residents will not have direct insight into the deliberations that led to this key leadership appointment, which will shape vital family services within the borough.

The committee also covered procedural matters, including the election of a chair and declarations of interest. Members were reminded of the council's Member Code of Conduct, which defines disclosable pecuniary interests, other registerable interests, and non-registerable interests. Failure to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000, underscoring the importance of transparency and ethical conduct in local government.

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

Other Matters

• The Appointments Committee met on Monday, 16 March 2026. As this meeting's information is pending council publication, details of its proceedings are not yet available. You can find more details in the Appointments Committee meeting papers.
• The Appointments Committee met on Monday, 09 March 2026. As this meeting's information is pending scraping, details of its proceedings are not yet available.
• The Appointments Committee met on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. As this meeting's information is pending council publication, details of its proceedings are not yet available. You can find more details in the Appointments Committee meeting papers.
• The Appointments Committee met on Monday, 23 March 2026. As this meeting's information is pending council publication, details of its proceedings are not yet available. You can find more details in the Appointments Committee meeting papers.