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Southwark considers late-night deli alcohol sales, IT service exit

This week in Southwark:

Bermondsey Deli's Late-Night Alcohol Sales Face Resident Pushback

The Licensing Sub-Committee is set to review an application from S Lyons Limited to extend the alcohol sales and regulated entertainment hours for B Square Deli in Bermondsey Square. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday 27 November 2025. The deli seeks to operate until 01:00 on Saturdays, raising concerns from a local resident about potential antisocial behaviour and public nuisance in the residential area.

Resident Voices Concern

While acknowledging S Lyons Ltd's positive contributions to the neighbourhood, the resident expressed specific worries about the location's context, particularly its proximity to the Vine Bar and its central position within a residential area.

Police Mitigation

The Metropolitan Police initially objected but withdrew their representation after agreeing to additional conditions with the applicant, including CCTV, a dispersal policy, and biodegradable packaging.

Policy Context

The report pack notes that the premises lies outside of a cumulative impact area1 and within a residential area. It also notes that the council's statement of licensing policy recommends closing hours of 23:00 daily for restaurants, and for public houses, wine bars or other drinking establishments.

Southwark Plans Exit From Joint IT Service Amid Financial Pressures

The Joint IT Committee (Brent, Lewisham and Southwark) met to discuss the Shared Technology Service, including performance, risks, and future plans. The meeting took place on Tuesday 25 November 2025. A key item was Southwark Council's intention to exit the partnership, citing financial pressures and a broader plan to integrate IT, Digital, and Resident Experience into a single function.

Financial Pressures

According to the public reports pack, the rationale behind this intention is linked to a wider recommissioning exercise and an overall reduction of STS services over time.

Southwark has a broader plan to bring together IT, Digital, and Resident Experience into a single combined function. Alongside this, the council is also facing significant financial pressures as a result of the Local Government Fair Funding Review and is seeking opportunities to consolidate and reduce its spending.

Transition Plan

The report pack stated that once formal notice is received, a transition team would be established to work collectively with all partners to develop a comprehensive plan. The plan would set out the approach to managing TUPE2 implications, contract novations, and the transfer of all relevant documentation, tools and security credentials, with timescales to be confirmed at that point.

Service Performance

The report pack included details of service level performance between June and September 2025. It stated that SLA performance for priority 3 (P3) operational incident issues and priority 4 (P4) average SLA operational request calls SLA had improved compared with the previous reporting period. The report pack stated that this had come along with a reduction in open calls, showing good progress in overall operational performance.

The report pack also noted a growing demand for services, with the number of tickets logged into STS queues increasing. It noted that the number of supported users has grown from 10,500 users in 2020 to 12,693 in 2025, a 21% increase.

The report pack stated that there were sixteen Priority 1 (P1) incidents related to STS infrastructure during the reporting period, which meant that the KPI of no more than 3 major incidents per month had been breached three times.

The report pack stated that after each major incident, STS prepares a detailed Major Incident Report covering impact, timeline, root cause, and lessons learned, and that these reports are shared with affected partners, and review meetings are held as needed.

Community Safety and Play Spaces Under Scrutiny

The Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission met to discuss community safety, play spaces, and its work programme. The meeting took place on Wednesday 26 November 2025.

Community Safety

The commission discussed community safety, including crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots.

Play Space Scrutiny Review

The commission discussed the Play Space Scrutiny Review, covering planning and regeneration, as well as housing, environment, sustainability, and leisure.

An officer report was enclosed in the agenda, providing an update on the Open Space Needs Assessment. The report also included a briefing on how regeneration schemes support the provision and upgrades of playgrounds.

A briefing report on spending and service provision by Housing and Environment, Sustainability & Leisure Directorates was also provided, to enable comparison to inform the Play Space Scrutiny Review.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  1. A cumulative impact area is an area where the concentration of licensed premises is believed to be having a negative impact on the local community. ↩

  2. TUPE stands for Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations. It protects employees' terms and conditions of employment when a business is transferred from one owner to another. ↩

Southwark Council: Late-Night Licence Fears, Student Housing Debate

This week in Southwark:

Crispies Late-Night Licence Sparks Crime and Nuisance Fears

A Licensing Sub-Committee meeting to consider a new premises licence application for Crispies, a restaurant on Walworth Road, was cancelled. The meeting was scheduled to take place on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Crispies Enterprises Ltd sought permission to provide late-night refreshment until 4:00 AM, seven days a week. However, objections from licensing authorities and local residents raised concerns about potential crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

Objections Highlight Resident Concerns

Representations from licensing authorities recommended aligning operating hours with the Southwark statement of licensing policy and adding conditions to promote licensing objectives. [Wesley McArthur], Principal Enforcement Officer, expressed concerns that late-night refreshment would negatively impact crime, disorder, and public nuisance, stating:

We do not think it is appropriate to allow premises to provide late-night refreshment later than the closing times suggested in the SoLP in an area with so many residential properties (often housing families, school age children and many people of working age) in close proximity. We say that granting extended operating hours is likely to have a detrimental effect on the quality of life and amenity of local residents.

Other objections from local residents included concerns about noise, anti-social behaviour, litter, hygiene, and environmental impact. One representation stated that the area had become infested with fast food stores, and that the council gives out late night trading licences without any consideration for the local residents and neighbourhood.

Council Policy in the Spotlight

The report pack referenced Southwark's statement of licensing policy 2021-2026, which recommends closing times of 00:00 (Sunday to Thursday) and 01:00 (Friday and Saturday) for restaurants, cafes, and take-away establishments in the Elephant and Castle major town centre. The report pack also noted the council's commitment to considering the climate change implications of any decisions.

Student Accommodation Plan Draws Fire for Lack of Affordable Housing

A Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) meeting to discuss a planning application for land to the rear of 19-49 Bush Road was cancelled. The meeting was scheduled to take place on Monday 17 November 2025. The application proposed demolishing existing buildings and constructing three blocks of student accommodation and commercial space. The proposal has faced significant opposition from local residents, with concerns raised about the lack of affordable housing, the impact on the community, and the scale of the development.

Resident Objections Mount

The council received 70 comments of objection, raising concerns that student housing would not benefit the community and Southwark more generally, and that there would be no affordable homes. Residents also cited concerns about the impact on the local street scene, heritage assets, and the amenity of neighbouring properties.

Development Aims to Revitalize Brownfield Site

The planning officer's report recommended granting planning permission, stating that the proposed development seeks to reuse a brownfield site and would provide good quality purpose-built student housing which is in high demand. The report also stated that the development would benefit the local economy through student population expenditure, and that wider sustainability benefits include a payment in-lieu of affordable housing, an overall reduction in flood risk, and the provision of sustainable drainage systems.

Council to Review Finances, Fraud Prevention, and Customer Service

The Audit, Governance and Standards Committee met on Wednesday 19 November 2025 to discuss a range of issues, including the council's financial performance, anti-fraud measures, customer service, and risk management. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The committee reviewed external auditor's reports, the final statement of accounts, and strategies for treasury management and capital projects.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Financial Oversight: The committee reviewed the External Auditor's reports from KPMG for 2024-25 and considered the Final Statement of Accounts for 2024-25.
  • Housing Revenue Account: The committee discussed Housing Revenue Account governance and financial monitoring.
  • Fraud Prevention: The committee reviewed the 2025-26 Q3 Report of the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team and the Special Investigations Team.
  • Customer Service: The committee discussed complaints and customer service.
  • Risk Management: The committee received an update report on corporate risk.
  • Southwark360: The committee considered a report on the progress of Southwark360, the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) replacement programme.

Bermondsey Arts Club Licence Under Review

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 20 November 2025 to review the premises licence for Bermondsey Arts Club. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The Licensing Act 2003 regulates the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment, and the provision of late night refreshment. Licensing objectives include the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. No transcript of the meeting is currently available.

Upcoming Meetings

Southwark Care Home Deal Faces Scrutiny, Residents' Rights Debated

This week in Southwark:

Care Home Decision Sparks Scrutiny Over Affordability and Stakeholder Engagement

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a call-in regarding the cabinet's decision to dispose of the Asylum Road Care Home site to Andover Care Ltd via a long lease. You can read the full details of the meeting here. Councillors requested the call-in, raising concerns about the ability to enforce the council's Residential Care Charter, guarantees for quality and affordability, a missing Gateway Zero report, insufficient engagement with key stakeholder groups, potential cost increases, and whether the proposal would meet the borough's specific bed needs. This decision has raised questions about the council's commitment to providing affordable and high-quality care for its residents, particularly vulnerable older adults.

Key Concerns:

  • Enforcement of Standards: Councillors questioned how the council would ensure Andover Care Ltd adheres to the standards outlined in the Residential Care Charter[^1] over the long term. [^1]: The Residential Care Charter is a document that outlines the standards of care that the council expects from residential care providers.
  • Affordability: Concerns were raised about whether the care home would remain affordable for Southwark residents, especially those with limited financial resources.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Councillors expressed disappointment that key stakeholder groups, such as COPSINS, Southwark Pensioners Action Group, and Southwark Dementia Action Alliance, were not adequately consulted before the decision was made.

Next Steps:

The committee had the option to refer the decision back to the cabinet for reconsideration, undertake a subsequent review, or not refer the matter back. The outcome of this scrutiny could significantly impact the future of care provision in Southwark and the council's approach to engaging with stakeholders on important decisions.

Council Assembly Debates Residents' Rights and Fairer Funding

The Council Assembly convened to discuss a range of issues, including a themed debate on residents' rights and motions on fairer funding, divestment from conflict, affordable housing, street safety, and water management. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The meeting highlighted the diverse priorities and perspectives within the council, as well as the challenges of balancing competing interests and addressing complex social and economic issues.

Residents' Rights Debate:

Councillor John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business, and Councillor Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhoods, presented a motion on Rights for Residents: Putting People First, emphasizing the importance of guaranteeing rights for residents. Councillor Emily Tester planned to propose an amendment to the motion, including a statement that access to safe, secure housing that ordinary people can afford is a right.

Motions and Deputations:

The Council Assembly was scheduled to consider motions on various topics, including fairer funding for Southwark, divestment from conflict, affordable housing requirements, cleaner and safer streets, Peckham Rye Station accessibility, and Thames Water management. The Assembly was also scheduled to hear deputations from Eco-Council, Judith Kerr Primary School, regarding road danger and air pollution, and Living Bankside, regarding anti-social behaviour and crime.

Key Reports:

The Council Assembly was scheduled to consider reports on committee proportionality, treasury management, the appointment of an Honorary Recorder, and the re-appointment of an independent person. The treasury management report included recommendations to add UK Building Societies and AAA-rated Variable Net Asset Value (VNAV) Money Market Funds1 to the approved investment list.

Planning Committee to Discuss Grove House and Camberwell Old Cemetery Toilets

The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) was scheduled to discuss planning applications relating to Grove House, Dulwich Common, and Camberwell Old Cemetery Public Toilets, Forest Hill Road. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The decisions made by the committee will have a direct impact on the local environment and the availability of public amenities.

Other Matters

  • The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) is scheduled to meet on 17 November 2025 to discuss a planning application concerning land to the rear of 19-49 Bush Road.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. Money Market Funds (MMFs) are a type of investment fund that invests in short-term, low-risk debt securities. They are often used by investors as a safe place to park cash. Variable Net Asset Value (VNAV) MMFs are a type of MMF that allows the net asset value (NAV) to fluctuate based on market conditions. ↩

Southwark: Student Housing Approved, Cycle Safety Boosted

This week in Southwark:

Student Accommodation Approved Amidst Resident Concerns

The Planning Committee (Major Applications) B approved the demolition of Coburg House on Newington Causeway and the construction of a new building with commercial space and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). You can read the full details of the meeting here. The decision has sparked debate, with some residents raising concerns about the height and massing of the building, overshadowing, loss of privacy, and the increasing saturation of student housing in the area.

Key Points:

  • Building Details: The new building will be 19 storeys facing Newington Causeway and 18 storeys to the rear, including 243 student bedrooms.
  • Resident Objections: Concerns were raised about the building's impact on daylight, sunlight, and privacy for neighboring properties on Avonmouth Street.
  • Committee Response: The committee added conditions requiring obscure glazing for windows facing Avonmouth Street, restricting the hours of operation for the third-floor terrace, and mandating single-gender floors in the student management plan.
  • Urban Greening: A revised roof plan with additional bio-solar roof improved the Urban Greening Factor score, eliminating the need for a £56,000 contribution towards borough tree planting.

Saturation of student accommodation

The approval comes despite concerns about the increasing number of student accommodations in the area. One resident stated that there is a saturation of student accommodation in the area . The committee addressed these concerns by adding conditions to mitigate the impact on neighboring properties and ensure the building's sustainable design.

Mandela Way Cycle Infrastructure Gets Green Light

The committee also approved the release of £250,000 for cycling infrastructure improvements on Mandela Way. The funds, derived from a section 106 agreement1, will be used to improve road safety for cyclists, particularly at junctions with Pages Walk, Dunton Road, and Rolls Road.

Key Objectives:

  • Improved Safety: The scheme aims to reduce accidents and improve safety for cyclists, especially at key junctions.
  • Future-Proofing: The project will prepare the area for increased cycling, aligning with Southwark's strategic objectives outlined in the Streets for People strategy, Cycling Plan, Southwark Council Delivery Plan, Southwark Plan 2022, and Climate Change Strategy.
  • Healthy Streets Upgrades: The scheme includes new planting and improved pavements, enhancing the overall street environment.

Community Engagement

The committee emphasized the importance of community engagement in shaping the design of the scheme. Public consultation will be undertaken to gather feedback and ensure the project meets the needs of local residents and cyclists.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. Section 106 agreements are legal agreements between local authorities and developers. They are used to mitigate the impact of new developments on the local community. ↩

Southwark Bar Licence Under Review After Noise Complaints

This week in Southwark:

N1 Bar's Licence Under Review Following Resident Complaints

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider a review of the premises licence for N1 Bar, located at 16 Elephant & Castle. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The review was triggered by a local resident's concerns about noise and public nuisance, potentially impacting their sleep and ability to work.

Resident's Grievances: Noise, Late-Night Drinking, and Licence Breaches

The resident, an NHS Hospital consultant, alleged that N1 Bar was failing to control its external area late at night, violating several licence stipulations. These included:

  • Unsecured furniture: Large benches left outside encouraged use after closing time.
  • Open containers: Customers regularly exited the bar with open drinks.
  • External area usage: The external area was supposed to be out of use between 10 PM and 8 AM, but customers were allegedly drinking and smoking there late into the night.
  • Smoking area: Customers were not directed to the designated smoking area, leading to smoking along the length of the Strata Pavilion.

The resident claimed that attempts to discuss these issues with bar staff were unsuccessful.

Council's Stance: Balancing Business with Community Wellbeing

The report pack noted that the licensing unit had received complaints about noise nuisance, breaches of licence conditions, and anti-social behaviour. Compliance visits had also revealed breaches of conditions.

The report pack referenced Southwark Council's statement of licensing policy 2021-2026, noting that the premises is situated in The Elephant and Castle major town centre area.

The sub-committee was tasked with balancing the bar's business interests with the resident's right to a peaceful environment. The decision could set a precedent for how strictly the council enforces licensing conditions and addresses noise complaints in residential areas.

Upcoming Meetings

Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission

Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission - Wednesday 3 December 2025 7.00 pm

The Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission met on Wednesday 3 December 2025 to discuss the Southwark Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) Annual Report for 2024/25, the Connect to Work Programme, and the commission's work programme for 2025-2026. The meeting was also scheduled to include an interview with Councillor Jasmine Ali, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Refugees.

December 03, 2025
Housing Scrutiny Commission

Housing Scrutiny Commission - Tuesday 2 December 2025 7.00 pm

The Housing Scrutiny Commission met to discuss challenges around housing delivery, district heating issues, and the progress of the Good Landlord Plan. Councillor Jason Ochere, Chair of the Housing Scrutiny Commission, and the other members were scheduled to review the commission's work programme for the coming year.

December 02, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Tuesday 2 December 2025 11.00 am

The Southwark Council cabinet met on 2 December 2025, discussing a range of issues from housing and education to community safety and environmental concerns. Key decisions included approving recommendations for the Southwark school standards report, agreeing to a change in strategy for phase two of the Tustin Estate renewal, and considering deputation requests related to the disposal of land at Greendale, East Dulwich. The cabinet also discussed the demolition of Marie Curie House, allocations for strategic community infrastructure funding, and a new resident engagement strategy.

December 02, 2025
Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission

Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission - Monday 1 December 2025 7.00 pm

The Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission was scheduled to meet to discuss a hoarding report, the Blue Badge scheme, cancer prevention and early diagnosis, and Healthwatch Southwark. The meeting was also scheduled to include a discussion of the commission's work programme.

December 01, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 27 November 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to convene to address licensing matters within the borough. The primary focus of the meeting will be a review of an application to vary a premises licence. Councillors will also elect a chair for the meeting and confirm voting members.

November 27, 2025
Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission

Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission - Wednesday 26 November 2025 7.00 pm

The Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission of Southwark Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025. The agenda includes a community safety review, a play space scrutiny review, and a review of the commission's work programme. The meeting will also cover apologies for absence, notification of urgent business, and disclosure of interests.

November 26, 2025
Planning Committee (Major Applications) A CANCELLED

Planning Committee (Major Applications) A - Tuesday 25 November 2025 6.30 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

November 25, 2025
Joint IT Committee (Brent, Lewisham and Southwark)

Joint IT Committee (Brent, Lewisham and Southwark) - Tuesday 25 November 2025 6.00 pm

The Joint IT Committee (Brent, Lewisham and Southwark) met to discuss updates on the Shared Technology Service, including performance, risks, and finances. The committee was also scheduled to note Southwark Council's intention to leave the partnership. The meeting was scheduled to be held virtually via MS Teams and was open to the press and public to view via a live webcast.

November 25, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 20 November 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 20 November 2025 to discuss licensing matters. The main item on the agenda is a review of the license for Bermondsey Arts Club. The committee may also discuss other open or closed business if any urgent items are brought to the chair's attention at the start of the meeting.

November 20, 2025
Audit, Governance and Standards Committee

Audit, Governance and Standards Committee - Wednesday 19 November 2025 6.30 pm

The Audit, Governance and Standards Committee of Southwark Council are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. The agenda includes discussion of the council's internal and external audits, anti-fraud measures, customer service, and risk management. Also scheduled for discussion are a number of financial reports and strategies, including the Housing Revenue Account, Treasury Management Strategy, and Capital Strategy.

November 19, 2025
Planning Committee (Smaller Applications)

Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) - Monday 8 December 2025 7.00 pm

December 08, 2025
Pensions Advisory Panel

Pensions Advisory Panel - Tuesday 9 December 2025 12.15 pm

December 09, 2025
Planning Committee (Major Applications) B

Planning Committee (Major Applications) B - Tuesday 9 December 2025 6.30 pm

December 09, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 11 December 2025 10.00 am

December 11, 2025
Overview & Scrutiny Committee

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 11 December 2025 6.30 pm

December 11, 2025
Health and Wellbeing Board

Health and Wellbeing Board - Thursday 11 December 2025 10.00 am

December 11, 2025