Residents of the Deptford High Street area voiced strong objections to a new premises licence application for Unit 8 Titan Business Estate on Ffinch Street, citing concerns about public nuisance and potential crime and disorder. The applicant, Mark Walker, intends to operate a music venue and bar that offers opportunities for local musicians to play and community events such as Christmas markets and choir rehearsals.
The Lewisham Council Licensing Committee convened on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, to consider the application submitted by Mr. Walker, who is seeking permission to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises and to play live and recorded music. The proposed hours include late-night operations on Fridays and Saturdays, extending until 3:00 am. The agenda for the meeting was published online.
The Licensing Committee has the authority to grant, modify, or deny the license application. In making their decision, the committee must consider the Licensing Act 2003 and promote the four licensing objectives: preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm. Members must also consider the Licensing Authority's Statement of Licensing Policy 2020-25.
During the meeting, six local residents presented their objections, which are summarised in the Public Reports Pack. Concerns primarily revolved around noise emanating from the venue, especially late at night, and the potential for disruptive behaviour from patrons leaving the premises. One resident, whose bedroom faces the venue, expressed fears of losing sleep due to noise from people smoking and drinking outside. Another objector highlighted the narrowness of Ffinch Street and the likelihood of people loitering and shouting near residential windows.
Mark Walker, the applicant, addressed the committee, explaining that the venue is a small, family-run business aiming to provide a space for local musicians and community events. He noted the existing noise levels from the nearby Deptford railway station and outlined measures taken to mitigate noise, including the installation of a sound wall. Mr. Walker also stated that the venue would encourage patrons to leave quietly by placing signs at exits and having staff manage dispersal, as well as ensuring proper waste disposal arrangements. We're learning as we go and we're trying to be proactive about putting in measures to address issues that arise from time to time,
Mr Walker stated.
In addition to the proposed hours and sale of alcohol, the application included conditions such as CCTV, controlled entry and exit, conflict de-escalation training for staff, and a zero-tolerance policy on violence, drugs, and anti-social behaviour. Following discussions with the police and licensing authority, additional conditions were agreed upon, including requirements for a comprehensive CCTV system, a proof-of-age scheme (Challenge 25), and a dispersal policy. If the license is approved, compliance with these conditions will be ensured through measures such as maintaining a comprehensive CCTV system, operating the proof-of-age scheme, and keeping an incident log at the premises to record any issues or complaints.
Councillor Brown questioned Mr Walker about the dispersal policy, specifically condition number 14 in the application. Mr Walker responded that security staff would usher people onto Ffinch Street and direct them towards the high street to prevent loitering in the business estate.
Councillor Powell suggested implementing a system for neighbours to contact the venue quickly with any concerns, such as an emergency number or email address. Mr Walker responded positively, saying, That's a very good suggestion... it'd be something that uh we can certainly look into.
Several objectors spoke about the noise and disruption they have already experienced. One resident stated that the noise from live music was still noticeable even with windows shut. Another resident said that people were leaving the venue with open containers of alcohol, which is unacceptable.
Another resident, Mario, who lives in Flamingo Court, expressed concerns about the impact of late-night noise on his family, including a one-year-old child and another baby due in September. He also worried about a potential domino effect, with other arches in the area seeking similar licenses.
Linda, a resident of Ffinch Street, recounted instances of having to ask people to move along and reduce noise levels, noting that they often seemed unaware that people lived nearby. She also expressed concerns about her safety when doing so.
Keith, another objector, referred to Lewisham's licensing policy document, stating that nightclubs are not appropriate at all
within an area described as a local hub.
After hearing from all parties, the committee moved into a private session to deliberate. The decision will be announced within five working days.
