Councillor Coxshall introduced the report and began by stating that more infrastructure was needed in the borough due to an increase in the population, as Thurrock becomes a place people want to move too. He stated that the next phase of the Development Plan was to get the views of Thurrock residents, and that this was not about promoting sites or getting developers, but was about choosing a town plan on a grand scale. He added that the Development Plan had started in 2014, but had moved on dramatically since then. He commented that there were now better opportunities in South Essex and along the Thames, as Thurrock was working in wider coordination with other authorities on the South Essex Joint Strategic Plan. He discussed the need for cross party representation at key stages of the Development Plan to ensure that everyone, across all areas are engaged to make sure the Development Plan works. Councillor Coxshall went on to mention that 32,000 new homes need to be built in the borough, although this figure was up for review, but that so far only 500 new homes per year had been built. He summarised the report and said he was happy to work with the new Task Force and look at the review from the Portfolio Holder, to be able to bring forward new suggestions at Council.

Councillor Halden added that he felt confused by a leaflet from the Thurrock Independent Party which was challenging the Conservative plans for 32,000 homes, but that still wanted 8,000 new council homes, as well as “Thurrock homes for Thurrock people”. He asked Thurrock Independent Members why they had voted against the proposal for 32,000 new homes. Councillor Coxshall added that he wanted proper process in regards to the Development Plan, has they had seen that without it 300 new homes had been built where they had not been wanted. He also mentioned that he wanted to increase the number of council houses within the borough, and undergo a thorough public consultation.

The Leader then discussed the memo that had been sent from the Planning, Transport and Regeneration Committee following their extraordinary meeting on the issue. In regards to point 2, the Leader felt that Thurrock was already a national leader as they had secured £50,000 extra in funding for additional residents consultation; were building 3,500 new school places; additional medical centres; and much needed roads. He felt they had a fantastic opportunity as there were more potential sites than there was need for properties, and this gave the Council the chance to pick and choose sites. He went on to discuss point 5 and stated that he felt Thurrock was already taking a lead role in the South Essex Joint Strategic Plan, and other authorities were impressed with the work being undertaken. In regards to point 3, he stated that Councillor Coxshall had already emphasised the need for new affordable and council housing, and they ensured that 1/3 of all new developments was designated for social housing. Councillor Gledhill then turned the Member’s attention to point 4 and emphasised the fact that 75% of housing is the natural expansion of Thurrock, due to increasing work opportunities. Councillor Coxshall then added that the London Development Plan sought to “consume their own smoke” as they were building 60,000 new homes for the people of London to move into.

Councillor Halden added that the Local Plan included more sites than there was need for housing, because the Council had spent more money undertaking longer consultations with the public, to ensure there was choice. He discussed the Purfleet Regeneration Scheme and the benefits that would bring to the community such as removing the old level crossing, bringing in new shops, new homes, and a new medical centre.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

1. Approved the South Essex Statement of Common Ground (Appendix A) prepared by the Association of South Essex Local Authorities to guide the preparation of a Joint Strategic Plan for South Essex.

2. Approved the publication of the revised Local Development Scheme (Appendix B) and granted delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and in discussion with the Leaders and Deputy Leaders of each political party, to update the content of the document as and when appropriate.

3. Agreed that formal consultation on the updated Statement of Community Involvement (Appendix C) be carried out in accordance with the relevant regulations and to agree that any changes resulting from that consultation are delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration for adoption.

Reason for Decision – as stated in the report
This decision is subject to call-in