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 6

  1. Lewisham Council Approves Polling Station Changes for May 2026 Elections Amidst Resident Concerns Lewisham Council's Governance Committee has reviewed proposed changes to polling stations for the May 2026 elections, addressing issues with venue availability and suitability... Lewisham 7 February 2026
  2. Lewisham Council Reviews Fire Evacuation Procedures After Recent Incidents Lewisham Council's Health and Safety Committee has reviewed fire evacuation procedures at Laurence House, the council's administrative building, following two recent fire... Lewisham 6 February 2026
  3. HSE Confirms Lewisham Council Complied with Asbestos Improvement Notice Lewisham Council has been informed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that an asbestos improvement notice has been fully complied with, marking the closure of a minor... Lewisham 6 February 2026
  4. Lewisham's £21m climate budget for 3 years Lewisham Council has outlined a £21 million climate budget for the next three years, from 2026-27 to 2028-29, as part of its ongoing commitment to achieving net zero carbon... Lewisham 2 February 2026
  5. Lewisham Council Proposes £602m Housing Investment Over Four Years Lewisham Council is proposing a significant housing investment totalling £602.1 million over the next four years, with £148.7 million earmarked for the upcoming financial year... Lewisham 2 February 2026
  6. Council constitution changes approved Lewisham Council has approved significant changes to its constitution, aiming to modernise its governance and operational procedures. The amendments, discussed and agreed upon... Lewisham 31 January 2026
  7. New co-optees join Children's committee Lewisham Council has welcomed two new co-opted members to its Children and Young People Select Committee. Emma McIntosh has been appointed as the Primary School Parent Governor... Lewisham 31 January 2026
  8. Lewisham Council Tax to Rise for 2026/27 Lewisham Council is set to increase its Council Tax for the 2026/27 financial year, following a decision made at a recent Council meeting. Lewisham 31 January 2026