Author: Blake Foster

The planning applications come amid concerns over an “upward surge” in family homes being converted into HMOs in the borough. As of the July 23 this year, there were 811 licensed HMOs in the borough. Neighbours in Eltham and Shooters Hill have told the News Shopper that they are worried about the conversions and want the local authority to introduce stricter rules. Last week, Greenwich Council committed to reviewing its HMO policy as part of a new local plan, a document which will provide a blueprint for planning decisions in the borough over the next 15 years. Councillors backed a motion that would require the local…

UBA in Shoreditch delivered – it’s the perfect balance of classy and cool, with an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped out of the London grind and straight into something special. UBA is a pan-Asian restaurant with a menu inspired by the bold flavours of Asian street food but elevated with beautiful presentation and a refined setting. Their new “Taste of UBA” menu celebrates dishes from across East Asia and beyond, and it’s the kind of place that makes you want to order everything. My friend and I went for the à la carte menu and shared a…

The proposal, which concerns the Council Offices Car Park on Denmark Road, would see the creation of 20 two-storey dwellings with roof accommodation, plus landscaping, access, and parking — a significant step in local housing delivery on publicly owned land. Here are the latest planning applications submitted to Sutton Council, featuring proposals for new extensions, outbuildings, tree works, and amendments to previously approved developments. 156-160 Beddington Lane, Beddington, Sutton CR0 4TE. Application to clear conditions 26 (energy strategy) and 27 (circular economy) of planning permission DM2023/01517. Ref. No: CLC2025/00125 17 Poplar Road, Sutton SM3 9JX. Prior approval sought for a…

The Folkestone to Dover walk is just one hour from London and takes you through the seaside, up onto cliffs and along a wildflower meadow. Described as “epic” and offering “incredible views”, the walk is said to be one of a kind. Recently, the route was completed by content creator Zoe Tehrani, who shared some advice to keen walkers. The ‘epic’ Kent coastal walk one hour from London In an Instagram post, Zoe shared: “This is the Folkestone to Dover Coastal Walk.” Adding that you need to “head to London St Pancras and buy a return ticket for the high-speed…

The popular climbing centre has acquired Parthian Climbing’s Wandsworth site and Hang in Hounslow, expanding their reach and increasing their space and facilities. The Wandsworth gym will become their new flagship location, replacing the current Lydden Road site, offering top-tier facilities complete with lead lines, auto-belays, and a speed wall. Font’s new Wandsworth site replaces Lydden Road with upgraded facilities (Image: The Font Climbing) This expansion allows The Font Climbing to offer all three Olympic disciplines: lead, speed, and boulder. Their acquisition of Hang, the much-loved gym formerly owned by renowned climbing content creators ‘Bouldering Bobats’, expands The Font’s reach…

An exciting new outdoor adventure could be coming to Danson Park. Bexley Council has been in talks with Go Ape about installing a high ropes course in the park’s woodlands. Go Ape is a popular outdoor activity provider offering treetop rope courses, zip lines, and other forest adventures across the UK. The nearest Go Ape site to Danson Park is currently in Battersea Park, south London. A spokesperson for Bexley Council said: “Go Ape approached the council regarding installing a high ropes course in Danson Park in the woodlands to the north of the children’s playground in 2024.” Go Ape…

The Inside Out festival, a celebration of culture and creativity, is set to take over the iconic square on August 9 and 10. The weekend promises a range of free activities for all ages, including live theatre, cinema experiences, and a Saturday night silent disco featuring film soundtracks and West End musical classics. Leicester Square statue captures Mary Poppins mid-flight with umbrella in hand (Image: vision7media.com) Families can also enjoy workshops exploring the magic of cinema and musical theatre. These include craft sessions, face painting, interactive games, and surprise visits from West End productions. Young witches and wizards can look…

The property, located in Manor Road, Lambourne End, is listed by Durden & Hunt Ongar. The estate agents highlight the home’s countryside location near Hainault Forest and its private gated access with a carriage driveway and courtyard. Private gated entrance opens onto a carriage driveway and central courtyard, set back from Manor Road (Image: Durden & Hunt-Ongar) The house has a main living room with a feature fireplace, a dedicated dining room, an additional sitting room, and a private office. The kitchen and breakfast room also offer access to the garden. Main reception features a fireplace and looks out onto…

The incident happened in Beresford Square just before 11.30pm on July 30. Officers and London Ambulance Service crews attended and found a man with injuries to his face and body. He was taken to hospital for treatment where his condition is unknown at this stage. No arrests have been made as police enquiries continue. A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Anyone with information that might help police with this investigation can call 101 referencing CAD 8815/30JUL. “To remain completely anonymous you can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.” Source link

Issa, who has worked as a street cleaner for years under Barking & Dagenham Council, was assaulted on Broad Street at 6.46am on July 31. He was found with injuries to his face before being treated by the London Ambulance Service. It is alleged by someone who regularly talks to him that he has been “punched and kicked to the floor”. The Metropolitan Police has not shared any further information about the suspects and no arrests have been made. A Dagenham street cleaner with a bruised eye (Image: Handout) In a fundraiser set up for Issa, it reads: “Please donate to…