A 'document pending investigation' has delayed the decision-making process over the New Bermondsey development once again.

Lewisham Council voted to impose a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) but this decision was 'called in' by the scrutiny committee.

A decision was expected to be reached at a meeting of the Mayor and Cabinet yesterday evening (September 28) but an new document has reportedly come to light which has postponed proceedings.

Councillor Alan Hall said: "The Compulsory Purchase Order decision would have been in place now if scrutiny Councillors had not referred this matter back to the Cabinet.

"The discovery of a new document that is serious enough to halt the democratic process needs to be explained fully and no further action on the CPO can proceed until then." 

In an email explaining the cancellation the council wrote: "Depending on the outcome of that investigation, the document may be referred to other authorities.

"In reconsidering this matter, the Council needs to be satisfied as to the veracity or otherwise of the document, and any potential impact it may have."

Councillors voted 6-1 on September 7 to approve the CPO in order to regenerate the area in New Bermondsey, which used to be known as Surrey Canal.

The decision was 'called in' to be reconsidered but that meeting was postponed.

A CPO would strip Millwall of the land and hand it over to Renewal who intend to build houses, a new overground station and community facilities.

A spokeswoman for Lewisham Council said: "Council officers received a copy of a document on September 27 which is now the subject of external investigation.  

"Depending on the outcome of that investigation, the document may be referred to other authorities.

"In reconsidering its decision on the CPO, the Council needs to be satisfied as to the veracity or otherwise of the document, and any potential impact it may have. 

"Further reconsideration of the CPO has therefore been adjourned to a future meeting of the Council’s Mayor & Cabinet.

"Notice of the meeting at which this matter will be reconsidered again will be given at the appropriate time."

Jordana Malik, Director at Renewal told News Shopper: “We understand that Lewisham Council has postponed its decision on the CPO pending further investigation of a document that it received on 27 September.

"We recognise the importance of the council completing this investigation and will therefore wait for the CPO to be considered in due course.”