Lambeth and Southwark politics news

Police & crime

Police: 24-hour off-licence 'would add to crime and disorder'

Local police have warned that the Borough High Street area "has a large problem with street drinking and alcohol abuse" and formally objected to plans for an off-licence that currently closes at 2am to be able to sell booze 24 hours a day.

Transport

Druid Street cycle lanes - council asks for comments

Six months on from the creation of a segregated cycle lane on part of Druid Street, Southwark Council is inviting local residents and businesses to comment on how well the scheme is working.

Planning & Development

Pizza Hut vetoed by council for being too close to primary school

Plans to open a Pizza Hut in Great Suffolk Street have been rejected by Southwark Council because they would breach a planning policy ban on the opening of hot food takeaways near schools.

Transport

Borough Market: plan to make Stoney Street traffic ban permanent

The pedestrianisation of the southern end of Stoney Street in Borough Market - a temporary measure since the 2017 London Bridge terrorist attack - could be made permanent under plans proposed by Southwark Council.

London Fire Brigade

Fire brigade makes third attempt at Albert Embankment development

After having two schemes knocked back at public inquiry, the London Fire Brigade's 15-year struggle to redevelop its former headquarters at Albert Embankment is entering a new phase.

Planning & Development

Elephant & Castle: office block and health centre plans rejected

Plans by Lendlease to build an 18-storey office block - including a potential new health hub - at the Elephant & Castle have been vetoed by Southwark councillors.

Planning & Development

Pizza Hut would 'detract from experience' of Tate Modern visitors

The presence of a Pizza Hut takeaway outlet on the pedestrian route from Southwark tube to Tate Modern "would detract from the viewing experience" of the former Bankside Power Station building, a firm of local architects has claimed.

Parks & green spaces

Council clears wildlife garden to deter vermin and drug users

Shrubs and undergrowth have been removed from a wildlife area in Tabard Gardens as part of a bid by Southwark Council to deter vermin and antisocial behaviour.

Planning & Development

Waterloo Hub Hotel redevelopment approved by Lambeth councillors

Plans to redevelop and expand the Waterloo Hub Hotel (formerly Days Hotel) at the corner of Kennington Road and Lambeth Road have been approved by Lambeth councillors.

Planning & Development

Colechurch House: Foster plans for London Bridge site approved

Plans for a major development of a landmark site at the southern end of London Bridge have been approved by Southwark councillors.

Waterloo

Coffee and ice cream to be sold from Waterloo phone box

A Waterloo phone box which sold at auction for £25,000 could soon be converted into a coffee and ice cream kiosk.

Planning & Development

Pizza Hut puts Southwark ban on takeaways near schools to test

Plans for a new Pizza Hut on the walking route between Tate Modern and Southwark Station could fall foul of a council policy prohibiting new takeaways near schools.