To approve the formal adoption of the Thurrock Design Strategy as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

Councillor Gledhill, Leader of the Council addressed Cabinet notifying Members that Thurrock had one of the most ambitious growth programmes in the country.  He continued to advise Members that the Council had over £6billion of investment driving the creation of 26,000 new jobs and 20,000 new homes in the borough over the next 20 years.

The Leader stated that the Thurrock Design Guide had been appropriately amended following the consultation, showing that the Council was listening to residents not solely to investors.

Councillor MacPherson commented that she welcomed the report for making a difference and for showing that the Council was listening to not only residents but also local business.

Councillor S.Little echoed the comments made by Councillor MacPherson, stating she was pleased to see feedback from residents had been taken on board.

Councillor Hebb supported the report remarking that he felt it was clear and included contributions from all stakeholders.

The Leader mentioned that it was important to have a document to support not only the self-builder but also large developers who were building thousands of homes across the borough and small or large businesses. He further commented that with the assistance of Officers, the Portfolio Holder, residents and all stakeholders, he felt this had been achieved.

RESOLVED:

1.    To adopt the Thurrock Design Guide (Appendix B) as a Supplementary Planning Document to the adopted Core Strategy and Policies for the Management of Development Local Plan;

2.    To endorse the Thurrock Design Guide (Appendix B) as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in