Lewisham council
Lewisham Council recently refused a major development at the former Lewisham College site, while addressing significant financial overspends and enhancing resident services.
Lewisham Council's Strategic Planning Committee refused planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Lewisham College site in September 2026, citing heritage and urban design impacts. This decision followed officer recommendations regarding the scale and massing of the proposed 802 dwellings. Greenwich Council's Planning Board subsequently deferred its decision on the cross-borough project in September 2026, pending Lewisham Council's determination.
In September 2026, the Public Accounts Select Committee heard that Lewisham Council faces a projected £10 million overspend for SEND services and a £6.5 million overspend due to parking contract costs. Despite these financial pressures, the council launched a 'cash-first' Crisis and Resilience Fund for residents and approved an £83 million investment in housing repairs in September 2026.
Lewisham Council insourced mental health social care services and committed to reviewing its parental leave policy in September 2026, aiming for a minimum of six weeks' fully paid leave. The council also secured an £800,000 grant for a new children's home and improved the speed of EHCP reviews in September 2026 following an LGO investigation. No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled to discuss this topic.
Key facts
- Lewisham Council's Strategic Planning Committee refused planning permission for the former Lewisham College site on 24 September 2026. Source
- Greenwich Council's Planning Board deferred a decision on the former Lewisham College site on 28 September 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council is facing a projected £10 million overspend on its high needs block for SEND services, as heard in September 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council launched a 'cash-first' Crisis and Resilience Fund for residents on 23 September 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council approved an £83 million investment in housing repairs and maintenance on 09 September 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.