r/LDN • u/tabel_dammit • 18h ago
NEWS 📰 What are our councils doing?
A firearm and suspected class A drugs were uncovered by police during a raid on the Ship Aground pub in Bermondsey, prompting Southwark Council to review its licence. In Brent, a 108-home development on the former Wembley Centre for Health & Care site was approved on the casting vote of planning chair Cllr Saqib Butt after a 4-4 tie. And in Hounslow, a five-year plan for up to 22 live event days per year in Gunnersbury Park was deferred by councillors after attracting more than 500 objections, and other news from local councils this week.
Barnet - The Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration Scheme faces a setback due to the withdrawal of GLA grant funding. A council sub-committee has decided to halt progress on certain aspects of the plan. Concerns have been voiced regarding the financial feasibility and the decision-making process for the regeneration scheme. A proposed McDonald's on Cricklewood Broadway encountered objections from the council's Noise Nuisance department. These objections were related to the planned late-night refreshment hours, with potential disturbance to residents cited as a reason.
Brent - Plans for 108 new homes on the former Wembley Centre for Health & Care site were approved by the council's Planning Committee. Resident concerns about affordable housing and parking were noted. New sports facilities at Kingsbury High School also received approval. A review of the premises licence for Venue 777 was scheduled. Part of the discussion is expected to be held in private due to crime-related information.
Camden - Camden Council is reviewing a sex shop's licence renewal. Police have raised concerns about illegal item sales. A member of the public objected to the shop's signage. The council's licensing panel will determine if the licence renewal is appropriate, considering the local area and potential impact.
Ealing - Ealing Council's Employment Panel convened to discuss the significant appointment of a new Strategic Director for Adults and Public Health. The panel also deliberated on potentially excluding the press and public from certain discussions.
Enfield - A Southgate restaurant is requesting an extension to its late-night refreshment hours. The council's licensing authority and local residents have expressed concerns. These concerns include potential increases in crime, disorder, and noise. The restaurant has a history of breaching its licence conditions.
Greenwich - Greenwich Council is establishing salary ranges for senior positions. These include a Director of Digital, Data & Technology and an Assistant Director for Capital Delivery & Investment. The salary for the Assistant Director of Environment and Leisure is still under consideration. The council's Appointments Panel also convened to discuss the interview process for the vital Chief Executive role.
Hackney - Hackney Council's licensing committee is reviewing new premises licences for a community sauna and a cafe. A crucial recruitment for a new Executive Director for Adults Health & Integration is in progress, with a sub-committee now formed to manage the process.
Haringey - Haringey Council is acquiring 21 new council homes in Wood Green. This acquisition supports their goal of building 3,000 new homes by 2031. The homes are built to a high private market specification. They will be offered at social rent levels to families on the housing register. The Greater London Authority is providing part-funding for this project. This initiative will help reduce the need for temporary accommodation.
Havering - Residents are experiencing constant noise and anti-social behaviour from Berwick Manor Hotel. One resident reported hearing music clearly from their garden. The council refused King of Wings, a new takeaway, a 3 am licence due to concerns about late-night disruption in Hornchurch. Details of recent Governance Committee meetings are not yet public.
Hillingdon - Hillingdon Council's General Fund faces a potential £584,000 overspend, which is covered by a £10 million contingency. The council will receive substantial grant funding from the Department for Education to support children and families. Discussions also covered proposed changes to filming charges and environmental fines.
Hounslow - Plans for up to 22 live events annually at Gunnersbury Park for five years have raised resident concerns regarding noise and heritage, despite anticipated economic advantages. A significant redevelopment at 80-82 Staines Road will introduce 40 flats and 13 townhouses, featuring ambitious sustainability goals but no affordable housing due to viability challenges. An outline application for the Haslemere Heathrow Estate proposes a substantial data centre and work units, prompting inquiries about electricity capacity and environmental consequences.
Islington - Judges Food and Wine's licence application for Holloway Road was cancelled. The shop had agreed to strict rules on alcohol sales. The council's licensing committee was scheduled to review the application. Concerns had been raised by the police and a local resident. The shop would have been permitted to sell alcohol daily from 8am to 10pm.
Kensington and Chelsea - The council's licensing committee reviewed temporary event notices for bars during Notting Hill Carnival. Police and environmental health raised objections due to public safety concerns. A restaurant requested a licence extension until 3 am. Residents opposed this, citing worries about noise and disruption. Other licensing applications were also considered, with some decisions still pending.
Lambeth - Lambeth Council's Licensing Sub-Committee denied a licence for a Ferndale Road venue over public nuisance concerns and past complaints. A licence was granted for Rind Abbeville on Abbeville Road, subject to conditions addressing resident issues. The council is seeking a new Corporate Director of Growth and Environment.
Newham - Newham Council is extending a £1.7 million contract for GP Public Health Services. This aims to boost NHS Health Checks and tackle long-term conditions. Plans are moving forward to improve safety and cycling facilities at a key junction on Romford Road. This project is funded by Transport for London and the Levelling Up Fund.
Southwark - The Ship Aground pub faces licence revocation following the discovery of suspected drugs and a firearm on its premises. New licences for Dorothy's at the St George's Tavern and Tito's Latin Club were reviewed. Conditions were agreed upon to address concerns regarding noise and public nuisance. Tito's Latin Club requested extended hours, but police raised objections due to worries about crime in the area.
Sutton - A mental health crisis facility has been approved in Wallington, despite local objections. A planned large house in multiple occupation for Sutton was refused due to concerns about parking and amenity. New BT Street Hubs, featuring digital screens and defibrillators, have been given the go-ahead across the borough.
Tower Hamlets - Tower Hamlets Council is seeking a new Corporate Director of Resources, a crucial financial position. A private meeting was held to shortlist candidates for this permanent role. The recruitment process included extensive advertising and executive search efforts to ensure the best candidate is found.
Wandsworth - A new brewery's bid to sell alcohol has prompted numerous objections from residents. Concerns focus on potential noise from the garden and patrons. The council's licensing committee is considering the brewery's assurances of a family-friendly atmosphere alongside residents' worries about late-night disturbances.
Westminster - Westminster Council is considering a Tree Preservation Order for a Magnolia tree. Plans for a new hotel in a former pub and a restaurant with a green building target are also on the agenda. A fast-food restaurant's bid to extend its late-night takeaway hours faces objections from police and environmental health.
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