Royal Greenwich Council met in December 2025 to discuss a range of issues, including approving a draft local plan for consultation, adopting a revised licensing policy, and addressing community safety and road repairs through dedicated motions. Councillors also noted updates on treasury management and strategic risks.

Local Plan Consultation

The council approved the draft local plan and draft integrated impact assessment for an eight-week public consultation, in accordance with planning regulations. Councillor Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, described the plan as a vision for sustainable and healthy growth, balancing development with the protection of the borough's character, design excellence, and climate action. The plan includes eight themes: places, housing, economy, town centres, design and heritage, climate emergency, environment and transport. Councillor Charlie Davis, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, supported the consultation but raised concerns about affordable housing percentages, protections for pubs, controls on houses in multiple occupation¹, and car policies. Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, thanked the planning team and emphasised that the consultation would allow for feedback on issues such as HMOs and overconcentration. Councillor Tamasin Rhymes, Deputy Leader of the Independent and Green Group, called for ambition in pushing for a cleaner, greener future.

Revised Licensing Policy

The council adopted a revised Statement of Licensing Policy, set to take effect on 7 January 2026. Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, highlighted key changes, including strengthened procedures to prevent violence against women and girls, expectations for licensed venues to deter terrorism attacks in line with the forthcoming Terrorism Protection of Premises Act, and measures to tackle disorder on match days involving Charlton Athletic Football Club.

Community Safety and Enforcement

The council approved a motion to invest £4.4 million in community safety, including nearly doubling the number of community safety enforcement officers, increasing mobile CCTV capacity by 44%, and funding police constables and a data analyst. The investment will also support a new education programme for boys and men to end violence against women and girls. Councillor Taggart-Ryan spoke about the murder of Sabina Nessa² and the need to prevent violence against women in public spaces. Councillor Hartley proposed an amendment to include a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour from council tenants, but this was rejected.

Roads and Pavements Investment

The council approved a motion to invest £8 million over the next five years in road and pavement resurfacing, with proactive maintenance embedded in the highways strategy.

Superloop Bus Route

The council agreed to lobby Transport for London (TFL) to extend the proposed Superloop SL15 route to Woolwich and include a stop at Mottingham station. Councillor Hartley proposed the motion, emphasising the need for north-south public transport links and the limited utility of the Eltham to Clapham Junction route without the Woolwich extension. Councillor O'Byrne Mulligan supported the motion and mentioned ongoing efforts to improve north-south connections through other bus routes and active travel routes.

Treasury Management and Capital Strategy

The council noted the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report for 2025/26, along with the Capital Mid-Year Report. Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value, said the council continued to deliver an ambitious investment programme across housing, schools and sustainability. Councillor David Gardner, Chair of Audit and Risk Management, said the Audit and Risk Management Panel recommended accelerating the Strategic Asset Review to maximise the use of assets.

Strategic Risk Register

The council noted the updated Strategic Risk Register. Councillor Hyland noted that the council's top risks included financial pressures, demand for school places, cyber security, and achieving carbon neutral status. She also noted that the council had reassessed its cyber risk profile, resulting in an increased rating.

Changes to Executive Functions

The council noted changes to the executive functions scheme of delegation, including the withdrawal of delegation to the Cabinet for licence agreements with communication companies to install small cells infrastructure on lampposts, with the matter allocated to the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport. Councillor Averil Lekau was allocated responsibility for delivery of the Carbon Neutral Plan, Public Realm and Streets, Climate Action and sustainability, Air Quality Monitoring, and Transport strategy, Highways and Parking enforcement.

Other Matters

Other matters discussed included:

• Responses to petitions regarding controlled parking zones³ (CPZ) in Charlton, Lemonwell in Eltham, and West Thamesmead, as well as concerns about the closure of Glyndon Adventure Place Centre and the sale of car parks in Avery Street and Charlton Village.
• Responses to public questions on topics such as accessible spaces, the Royal Artillery Barracks, Plumstead Adventure Place Centre, wet leaves on pavements, and engagement with local businesses.
• Responses to questions from councillors on issues such as council tax support, adventure play centres, and the draft local plan.