Councillor Jefferies highlighted to the Cabinet members that appendix 2 to the report is exempt however if nobody wanted to discuss the appendix he would propose that the meeting remains in open session.

The Interim Director of Place introduced the report and explained that a review of the project has taken place to understand the current cost of the proposal.

The main aims of the Project are to:

·       Develop a Transport interchange that will connect bus, rail, cycle, taxi, and pedestrian modes of transport at Stanford-le-Hope Train station.

·       Expand capacity at Stanford-le-Hope Train Station. 

·       Implement a package of works that meets the requirements of travel plans for London Gateway and unlocks the next phase of development at London Gateway.

·       Provide improvements to public transport infrastructure and service reliability to new housing developments and to the major employment growth sites at London Gateway/Coryton.

·       Help curb traffic growth and minimise growth in transport emissions in the area through this new transport interchange.

There are several stakeholders involved in the project including UK Power Networks, SELEP, Train Operating Company - c2c, Network Rail and DP World. The Council has actively promoted the redevelopment of the SLH train station building and was instrumental in the demolition of the old station building on the proviso that a new station building would be procured.  This is still the expectation of both Network Rail and train operator c2c. Failure to procure the new station building could result in separate financial claims from both Network Rail and c2c. The Stanford-le-Hope train station has been subject to significant design changes since it was originally promoted.

There was a deliverable scheme to bring forward the station but following a tender, cost increases around interest rates meant we were unable to proceed. There is a lot of work to do around how these projects and how they are going to be funded and it is likely the rail operator will be the delivery partner instead of the Council.

Councillor Jefferies reassured the people of Stanford-le-Hope that they have a clear direction now. Councillor Jefferies was pleased to note the comments from the Planning, Transport and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee thanking officers for their honestly in the report. Councillor Jefferies stated that they will deliver a station for the people of Stanford-le-Hope.

Councillor Snell commented that at a recent Council meeting some doubt was raised as to whether some of the funding from SELEP was used for the correct purpose. He queried if officers were confident that SELEP will regard it as money well spent.

The Interim Director of Place confirmed the funding had been used for the correct purpose and they have a continuing dialogue with SELEP and have reassured them that there is a credible delivery plan. Through working constructively with SELEP around their deadlines they have been able to ensure that they can still use that funding.

RESOLVED:

CABINET

1.1          Note the outcomes of the project review process and funding options.

1.2          Approve for Phase 2 SLH Transport Interchange design option and the submission of the planning application.

Reason for the decision: As outlined in the report

This decision is subject to call-in