Organisation

Lewisham council

86 stories · discussed at 5 council meetings · 4 councils

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

  1. Lewisham Council's Strategic Planning Committee refused planning permission for the former Lewisham College site on 24 September 2026. Source
  2. Greenwich Council's Planning Board deferred a decision on the former Lewisham College site on 28 September 2026. Source
  3. Lewisham Council is facing a projected £10 million overspend on its high needs block for SEND services, as heard in September 2026. Source
  4. Lewisham Council launched a 'cash-first' Crisis and Resilience Fund for residents on 23 September 2026. Source
  5. 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.

Stories, page 5

  1. Forest Hill designated for High Street Rental Auction Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet has approved the designation of Forest Hill District Centre as a high street rental auction area. This decision, made at a meeting on... Lewisham 13 February 2026
  2. Goldsmiths University to Lease Old Town Hall for Design and Fine Art Curriculum as Part of Catford Regeneration Goldsmiths University is set to lease the Old Town Hall in Catford as part of the town centre's regeneration plans, Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet confirmed. Lewisham 13 February 2026
  3. Lewisham Council approves £693,000 grant for youth project Lewisham Council has approved a £693,000 grant for a youth project aimed at supporting young people in Downham. Lewisham 13 February 2026
  4. Lewisham Council Approves New Strategy to Tackle Long-Term Empty Homes Lewisham Council has approved a new strategy aimed at tackling the issue of long-term empty homes in privately owned properties. Lewisham 13 February 2026
  5. Lewisham Council Approves 2026/27 Budget with Housing Investment and Tax Cap Lewisham Council has approved its budget for the upcoming financial year, which includes a significant capital investment programme and a commitment to a Council Tax cap of 5%.... Lewisham 13 February 2026
  6. Lewisham Council approves new SEN provision at Deptford Park Primary Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet has approved plans to establish a new Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision at Deptford Park Primary School. The decision, made at a... Lewisham 13 February 2026
  7. Lewisham to invest £600m in new council homes over five years Lewisham Council has committed to investing £600 million in building new council homes over the next five years as part of its ambitious housing strategy, aiming to deliver... Lewisham 13 February 2026
  8. Lewisham Council Governance Committee Discusses Concerns Over Public Participation in Council Procedures Lewisham Council's Governance Committee has debated a series of proposed changes to the council's constitution, with a particular focus on amendments that could impact public... Lewisham 7 February 2026