This week in Southwark:

Late-Night Licence for Camberwell Bar Sparks Nuisance Fears

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 15 January 2026 to consider a controversial application to vary the premises licence for Monster Sapo Limited, located at 9 Camberwell Church Street, London SE5 8TR. The application sought to significantly extend the licensable hours for recorded music, late-night refreshment, and alcohol sales, pushing closing times into the early hours of the morning on multiple days of the week.

Resident Concerns Over Noise and Disruption

The application drew objections from a local resident who raised serious concerns about public nuisance, including loud music, shouting, and patrons congregating outside the premises. The resident also alleged that the premises had been operating outside its current licensable hours. These concerns are particularly pertinent given the premises' location beneath and adjacent to residential units.

Police and Environmental Health Initially Objected

The Metropolitan Police Service initially objected to the extended hours, citing concerns related to cumulative impact and the need for additional control measures. Similarly, the Environmental Protection Team (EPT) raised objections regarding potential public nuisance from noise and the impact on neighbouring residential properties.

Objections Withdrawn After Conditions Agreed

Crucially, both the Metropolitan Police and the EPT later withdrew their objections after the applicant agreed to incorporate a suite of stringent conditions into their operating schedule. These conditions include requirements for SIA registered door supervisors, the use of metal detectors and body-worn video, and specific measures to prevent noise nuisance and ensure the orderly dispersal of patrons.

The sub-committee was tasked with balancing the applicant's request with the council's duty to promote the four key licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of nuisance, and the protection of children from harm, as outlined in the Licensing Act 2003. The premises is located within the Camberwell Cumulative Impact Area (CIA), a designation aimed at addressing concerns about the density of licensed premises and their impact on the local community.

You can find more details about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.

East Dulwich and Dulwich Neighbourhood Meetings Held

Two neighbourhood-focused meetings took place on Monday 12 January 2026: the East Dulwich Neighbourhood meeting and the Dulwich Neighbourhood meeting. While the summaries for these meetings are currently pending, their occurrence indicates ongoing local engagement and discussion on neighbourhood-specific issues.

Details for the East Dulwich Neighbourhood meeting can be found here. Details for the Dulwich Neighbourhood meeting can be found here.

Planning Committee (Major Applications) A Cancelled

The Planning Committee (Major Applications) A meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday 13 January 2026, was cancelled. No further information is available regarding the reasons for the cancellation or any rescheduled dates.

Information about the cancelled Planning Committee (Major Applications) A meeting can be found here.

Upcoming Meetings

• Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 22 January 2026
• Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) - Wednesday 21 January 2026
• Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 20 January 2026
• Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Monday 19 January 2026
• Constitutional Steering Panel - Monday 19 January 2026

This week in Southwark:

Council Faces Tough Choices as Budget Shortfall Looms

Southwark Council is grappling with significant financial challenges, with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee set to examine the proposed budget for 2026-27 and an update on the medium-term financial strategy. The provisional Local Government Finance Settlement indicates a potential funding boost in the immediate future, but a projected decrease in core spending power over the subsequent two years. This could mean difficult decisions ahead, potentially requiring the use of over £12 million in earmarked reserves to balance the budget for 2026-27. Looking further out, a funding gap of around £80 million is estimated for the three-year Medium Term Financial Strategy from April 2027. Officers are actively identifying savings to address a current year overspend of approximately £26 million. The council's own projections for council tax growth are more cautious than government assumptions, highlighting the tightrope walk between maintaining services and managing finances.

Key Financial Concerns:

• Budget Balancing Act: The council may need to dip into reserves to cover the 2026-27 budget.
• Long-Term Funding Gap: An estimated £80 million shortfall is projected for the period from April 2027.
• Reliance on Council Tax: By 2028/29, all core spending power growth is expected to come from council tax increases.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 7 January 2026 to discuss these critical financial matters. You can find more details about the meeting here.

Old Kent Road Regeneration Continues to Deliver Homes and Community Benefits

The regeneration of the Old Kent Road area is progressing, with a focus on delivering new homes and enhancing community spaces. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee received an update on the Community Review Panel's work, highlighting that the regeneration is achieving a faster rate of home delivery compared to similar schemes across London. Crucially, over 50% of new homes are designated as affordable, with 32% specifically for social rent. This commitment to social rent is vital for ensuring genuinely affordable housing options for residents struggling with the cost of living.

Regeneration Highlights:

• Accelerated Housing Delivery: New homes are being built at a faster pace than comparable London schemes.
• High Affordable Housing Target: Over 50% of new homes are affordable, with a significant portion for social rent.
• Community Engagement: A Community Review Panel, comprising local residents and business owners, has influenced development plans, leading to increased park space and revised tall building strategies.

The regeneration includes significant estate renewal projects on the Tustin and Ledbury Estates. Funds from Section 106 agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) are being used to improve public parks, bus networks, and cycling infrastructure. The Area Action Plan (AAP), submitted for examination, aims to create new open spaces, with several parks planned. The report also noted the pivot towards student and co-living schemes, with policies ensuring these developments also contribute on-site affordable homes. The vital Bakerloo Line Extension (BLE) remains a key project, with ongoing work and technical studies progressing.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed this update on Wednesday 7 January 2026. More information is available here.

Investment in Rail Infrastructure to Boost Connectivity and Accessibility

Southwark Council is continuing to invest in its extensive network of 21 train and tube stations, recognizing their critical role in connectivity and accessibility for residents and businesses. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed reports detailing significant investments made in stations such as London Bridge, Elephant and Castle, and Surrey Quays/Canada Water.

Station Improvements:

• Major Upgrades: Multi-billion-pound investments have been made at London Bridge, and the Thameslink Programme has reconstructed Blackfriars Railway Bridge.
• Bakerloo Line Extension (BLE) Focus: Southwark has committed 50% of its strategic CIL to the BLE, which will bring two new stations to Old Kent Road, crucial for supporting the planned growth of 9,500 homes in Phase 1 and 10,500 in Phase 2.
• Local Station Enhancements: Significant CIL funding has supported the new tube station at Elephant and Castle, and phased projects are underway to upgrade Peckham Rye station.

The report highlighted that capacity and accessibility at stations are key issues raised by residents and businesses. The council's commitment to the BLE is a significant factor in future development plans, underscoring the importance of public transport for the borough's growth and the well-being of its residents.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed this on Wednesday 7 January 2026. Details can be found here.

Cabinet Approves New Framework for Council Land Use

The Cabinet met on Tuesday 6 January 2026 and approved the pilot phase of the Social Purpose of Land Framework (SPLF). This new initiative aims to guide decisions about council land and assets with a strong focus on community benefit. Developed in partnership with the New Economics Foundation, the SPLF will be piloted on four council sites. The framework seeks to increase transparency in decision-making and foster collaboration with local communities through the establishment of Neighbourhood Land Panels. An allocation of £500,000 from reserve funding has been agreed to support this pilot phase.

Social Purpose of Land Framework:

• Community Focus: Prioritizes community benefit in the use of council land.
• Transparency: Aims to make decision-making processes more open.
• Local Involvement: Establishes Neighbourhood Land Panels for community input.

Councillor Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, described this as ground-breaking work with the potential for community-generated ideas to shape the borough's built environment. The Southwark Land Partnership (SLP) will also be established to bring together key landowners to collaborate on releasing sites for affordable housing and improved green spaces.

Read the full Cabinet meeting details here.

Council Housing Rents to Increase by 4.8%

Southwark Council's Cabinet has approved a 4.8% rent increase for council housing stock, effective from April 2026. This increase, based on the September 2025 Consumer Price Index plus 1%, will also apply to shared ownership stock. Tenant service charges for essential services like estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, and communal lighting will also rise. While heat network charges for 2026-27 will be frozen, other charges for sheltered and flexi-care housing, as well as supported hostels, will increase in line with CPI+1%.

Rent and Service Charge Increases:

• Council Housing Rent: A 4.8% increase from April 2026.
• Service Charges: Increases for estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, and other communal services.
• Heat Networks: Charges will be frozen, with a reduction for new homes.

Councillors Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Democracy and Finance, and Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Council Homes, explained that these increases are necessary to address significant financial challenges within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). These challenges are exacerbated by previous government rent policies and rising costs for essential services, including those related to building and fire safety. Resident engagement events were held in December 2025 to gather feedback on these proposals.

Read the full Cabinet meeting details here.

Other Matters

• Local Development Scheme: The Cabinet adopted the Local Development Scheme (LDS) for 2026-2029, outlining the timetable for producing planning policy documents and commencing a full review of the Southwark Plan in 2026. This ensures the council's planning framework remains current and responsive to changes. Details from the Cabinet meeting.
• Parks Maintenance Contract Extended: The grounds maintenance contract with Idverde UK Limited has been extended for four years from October 2026, with an estimated annual cost of £3.289 million. This decision was made due to the consistently high quality of service provided and the current market conditions. Details from the Cabinet meeting.
• Livesey Trust Annual Report Reviewed: The Cabinet (Livesey Trust) Committee reviewed the annual report for The Livesey Trust, which details the operations of Treasure House (London) CIC, an organisation providing specialist education for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from the Livesey building at 682 Old Kent Road. The committee agreed with the recommendations in the report. Details from the Cabinet (Livesey Trust) Committee meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• East Dulwich Neighbourhood - Monday 12 January 2026
• Dulwich Neighbourhood - Monday 12 January 2026
• Planning Committee (Major Applications) A - Tuesday 13 January 2026 (Cancelled)
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 15 January 2026
• Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Monday 19 January 2026
• Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 20 January 2026
• Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) - Wednesday 21 January 2026

This week in Southwark:

Canterbury Arms Faces Licence Review After Fatal Incident

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider a review of the premises licence for the Canterbury Arms following a serious incident on 20 November 2025, where a member of the public died after a violent altercation. The meeting took place on Thursday 18 December 2025. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) requested the review, citing concerns about the management's handling of the incident and the integrity of the CCTV system.

Police Allege Management Failures

According to the MPS, the victim was ejected from the pub, then assaulted, and later re-entered the premises before being ejected again. The MPS also stated that attempts to collect CCTV footage were hindered and that the CCTV system had been partially dismantled. The police allege that a member of staff indicated that the person in charge was avoiding the authorities. The MPS representation states that to date no contact with the PLH or DPS has been established and it is the belief of the MPS that there is no managerial structure in place during a situation of serious crime and disorder .

Licence Already Suspended

The sub-committee had previously suspended the premises licence on 27 November 2025, pending the full review hearing. The sub-committee may consider modifying the conditions of the licence, removing the designated premises supervisor, or revoking the licence altogether.

Residential Area Considerations

The report notes that the Canterbury Arms is located in a residential area, and that the council's statement of licensing policy recommends a closing time of 23:00 for public houses in such areas.

Kent Restaurant and Lounge Licence Application Sparks Objections

The Licensing Sub-Committee also considered an application from Kent Restaurant and Lounge Limited for a new premises licence for Kent Restaurant and Lounge, located at 516 Old Kent Road. The meeting took place on Thursday 18 December 2025. The application faced strong opposition from the Metropolitan Police Service, the council's environmental protection team, licensing authorities, and local residents.

Extensive Hours Draw Criticism

The application requests permission to sell alcohol and provide late-night refreshment until 03:00 on weekends, along with regulated entertainment. The Metropolitan Police Service representation states that the hours applied for are vastly excessive and that the plans do not truly reflect the layout of the premises. The police also raise concerns about the history of the premises and the potential involvement of previous management.

History of Problems

The report details the premises' history, noting that it was previously operated as a licensed premises called K-Che, which was subject to two expedited reviews because of serious crime and disorder. The incident which prompted the second review was so serious that it led to the revocation of the premises licence. The report also notes a number of temporary event notices (TENs) that have been applied for at the premises, as well as a list of recent complaints, including one from the Metropolitan Police regarding unlicensed activity.

Residential Concerns

The council's environmental protection team (EPT) also objects to the applied hours, stating that they are excessive and could create a potential risk of public nuisance. Representations from local residents raise concerns over previous poor management practices and the potential for this to be repeated. One representation mentions that Pets at Home employees have reported feeling unsafe with the venue operating and its patrons loitering in the early hours.

Policy Considerations

The report notes that the premises is located outside of a Cumulative Impact Area¹, but within a residential area. The recommended closing time for public houses and restaurants in that location is 23:00 daily.

This week in Southwark:

Walworth Road Restaurant Faces Licence Clash Over Late-Night Hours

The Licensing Sub-Committee is set to review a new premises licence application for Crispies, a restaurant on Walworth Road, amid strong objections from the Metropolitan Police, the council's licensing team, and local residents. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday 11 December 2025. Crispies Enterprises Ltd seeks permission to provide late-night refreshment until 4:00 AM, seven days a week, a move that has sparked fears of increased crime, disorder, and public nuisance in the predominantly residential area.

Resident Concerns

Residents are worried about the potential for noise, anti-social behaviour, litter, and public urination, particularly given the area's high density of residential dwellings. One resident stated that the council gives out late night trading licences without any consideration for the local residents and neighbourhood.

Police and Council Object

The Metropolitan Police initially objected, citing concerns that the requested hours exceeded those suggested by the Southwark Council Licensing policy. The council's licensing team also objected, stating that the late-night provision of refreshment was likely to have a negative effect on the promotion of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance. Wesley McArthur, Principal Enforcement Officer, noted that the premises are adjacent to Liverpool Grove, which has a high density of residential dwellings and is a quiet road.

Policy Clash

The application clashes with Southwark's statement of licensing policy, which recommends closing times of 00:00 (Sunday to Thursday) and 01:00 (Friday and Saturday) for restaurants and take-away establishments in the Elephant and Castle major town centre.

Student Housing Plan on Bush Road Sparks Debate Over Community Benefit

The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) was scheduled to consider an application for the demolition of existing buildings at land rear of 19-49 Bush Road, and construction of 3 blocks of student accommodation and commercial space. The meeting took place on Monday 08 December 2025. While the report pack highlights the economic benefits of student housing and the reuse of brownfield land, concerns have been raised about the lack of affordable housing and the potential impact on the local community.

Community Concerns

The report pack included a summary of the objections that had been received, including concerns about land use, employment, design, quality of accommodation, ecology and biodiversity, transport and highways, the environment, daylight, sunlight and overshadowing, noise and disturbance, construction, security, potentially contaminated land, inequality and consultation.

Council Aims

The report pack noted that the proposed development would provide good quality purpose-built student housing, and would benefit the local economy through student population expenditure. It also stated that other social benefits would include an affordable housing contribution of £ 3,710,000 and the provision of accessible routes and student rooms.

Flood Risk

The report pack stated that flood risk had been assessed, and that the site benefits from raised flood defences and the Thames Barrier. It also stated that Finished Floor Levels are set 300mm above the Maximum Likely Water Level for the 2100 breach scenario, and that the development is considered flood resistant and resilient, with safe access and egress, and a flood warning plan to be implemented.

Potters Fields Park Events Face Scrutiny Over Noise and Open Space Loss

The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) was scheduled to consider an application for the temporary use of Potters Fields Park for events with the erection of associated temporary structures for no more than 80 days in any one calendar year, for a period of five years. The meeting took place on Monday 08 December 2025. The proposal has raised concerns about noise, anti-social behaviour, and the loss of open space for local residents.

Resident Objections

Three objections were received in response to the consultation, raising concerns that the events would impact on neighbouring residents in terms of noise and anti-social behaviour, and that the proposal would result in a loss of open space.

Councillor Support

The supplemental agenda included a letter of support from Councillor Emily Hickson, Labour Councillor for London Bridge and West Bermondsey, who said that as ward councillors, they are supporting the applicant's request to extend the permitted number of event days on Potters Fields Park from 75 to 80, and that based on long experience of how the Trust manages this space, we do not believe this modest increase will have any material impact on local residents.

Balancing Act

The report pack stated that the use of the park for events does not undermine its designation as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), and that the entirety of the park would never be closed at any one time, and it would always remain open to the public, and that the proposed events encourage greater use of the park by visitors, while the financial benefits generated help to maintain and improve its quality.

Other Matters

• Gallery Road Clubhouse: The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) was scheduled to consider an application relating to 10 Gallery Road, for the demolition of the existing shed/storage structure, refurbishment of the existing clubhouse building, erection of a lean-to on the existing clubhouse building, erection of a single-storey side extension to the existing clubhouse building, alterations to site access/egress for accessibility purposes, provision of plant equipment and additional cycle storage, and associated works and landscaping inside the application site. The meeting took place on Monday 08 December 2025.
• Budget Pressures: The Overview & Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss the council's budget, noting that balancing the budget would likely require up to £90 million of savings over 3 years. The meeting took place on Thursday 11 December 2025.
• Conflict Zones: The Pensions Advisory Panel was scheduled to note progress against four commitments made in September 2025 by the Leader of the Council regarding the fund's approach to investment in conflict zones. The meeting took place on Tuesday 09 December 2025.
• Health Protection: The Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to receive the Health Protection Annual Report 2024/25, noting that low vaccination rates increased the risk of measles and whooping cough cases and outbreaks. The meeting took place on Thursday 11 December 2025.
• Blackfriars Crown Court and Southwark Underground Station: The Planning Committee (Major Applications) B was scheduled to review planning applications for the Former Blackfriars Crown Court and Southwark Underground Station. The meeting took place on Tuesday 09 December 2025.

Upcoming Meetings

• Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 18 December 2025