A new off-licence application for Swanscombe News on Swanscombe Road has met with objections from the Metropolitan Police, citing concerns over potential increases in crime and anti-social behaviour in an area already struggling with these issues. The premises is located on a small parade of shops within the Edward Woods Estate, which includes a butchers, pharmacy, café and another convenience store that is already licensed for the sale of alcohol off the premises.
The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Monday 28 July 2025 to discuss the application by Mr Dipesh Patel for the supply of alcohol (off the premises) from 08:00 to 23:00, Monday to Saturday, and from 10:00 to 23:00 on Sunday. The same hours were proposed for when the premises are open to the public. The Public Reports Pack details the application.
PC Nicole Sondh of the Hammersmith and Fulham Police Licensing Unit, lodged an objection based on the prevention of crime and disorder. PC Sondh stated that the premises is located within the ward of Shepherds Bush Green, which is currently experiencing high levels of anti-social behaviour often linked to alcohol.
PC Melisa Lopez, from the Safer Neighbourhoods Team at Hammersmith Police Station, reinforced these concerns, noting that a convenience store at 6 Swanscombe Road is already licensed to sell alcohol between 7:00 and 23:00 hours. PC Lopez believes that allowing another licensed store in the area would increase issues related to alcohol misuse. PC Lopez provided data showing numerous reports made to police regarding anti-social behaviour in the area, including incidents at Stebbing House, Queensdale Crescent, and Norland House, Queensdale Crescent1.
Councillor Umeh, Shepherds Bush Green Ward, also raised concerns about the proposed operating hours on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and Notting Hill Carnival, stating that this could have a significant impact on the surrounding area and residents living above the flats, with potential noise disturbance and safety concerns. Councillor Umeh stated that they had previously received numerous complaints from residents regarding excessive noise emanating from the premises in the past.
In response to these representations, Mr Patel stated that he is committed to being a responsible licence holder and contributing positively to the local community. He also stated that he is prepared to accept and implement a condition prohibiting the sale of high strength, low value alcohol products, and that he is willing to amend his application for Notting Hill Carnival to align with the police's recommended conditions for off-licences within the carnival footprint, ceasing alcohol sales at 20:00hrs on the days of the carnival. Mr. Patel also proposed several measures to mitigate concerns about anti-social behaviour, including comprehensive staff training, installation of a CCTV system, maintenance of a refusals log, prominent signage, and regular litter patrols.
However, objectors remained unconvinced. One resident stated that they did not believe the applicant's measures were robust enough to prevent anti-social behaviour, and that the area already had enough licensees to satisfy demand.
Another objector stated that the proposed extended hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve would only exacerbate anti-social problems for residents.
It is now up to the Licensing Sub-Committee to decide whether to grant the licence, taking into account the representations from the police, local residents, and the applicant.
- PC Melisa Lopez provided specific incident reports to Police in regard to ASB in the area:
- 01/7517109/25 - 21/05/25 STEBBING HOUSE, QUEENSDALE CRESCENT, W11 4TJ 092/61 - Having possession of a controlled drug - Class B – Cannabis
- 01/7512926/25 20/05/25 008/06 - Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) STEBBING HOUSE, QUEENSDALE CRESCENT, LONDON, HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM, W11 Female called the police asking for a unit as she got beaten up by a male who lives two floors below her boyfriend's flat.
- 01/7504317/25 17/05/25 008/06 - Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) Poynter House, Queensdale Crescent, London, Hammersmith and Fulham, W11 4TB Altercation between neighbours which led to a victim being assaulted resulting in a scratch and a bruise on her face.
- 01/6051765/25 Crimestoppers report - Drug Supply – resident of Stebbing House.
- 01/224990/24 This is a report of ongoing drug dealing at STEBBING HOUSE, W11
- 01/7044251/25 Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) -NORLAND HOUSE, QUEENSDALE CRESCENT, LONDON, HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM, W11 4TL - This report refers to an incident of Actual Bodily Harm
