Councillor L Watson introduced the report and explained that it outlines the progress made against the recommendations made by Stantec in its in-depth review of Thurrock’s Local Plan. Councillor L Watson clarified that the Local Plan has not been withdrawn, just delayed. The Stantec review highlighted 50 key failures and it will take 12 months to address the failures. The delay is essential to ensure Thurrock has a sound local plan otherwise it could put the council into another intervention. This administration is rescuing the local plan, the previous administration had 8 years and did nothing but sit on their hands.

Councillor Worrall stated that despite the political grandstanding, no conservative members were present at cabinet tonight. Councillor Worrall commented that she had sat through the previous local plan briefings and it did not have the legs to succeed. Councillor Worrall stated that it is the right decision to delay the local plan and she looked forward to seeing a plan that is fit for purpose.

Councillor Hooper requested a bit more detail on the timescales.

Councillor Muldowney thanked Councillor Watson for her leadership. Councillor Muldowney noted that there has been a cost implication to delaying the local plan but to continue with the plan would have compounded those losses and made the financial situation even worse.

Councillor J Kent stated that it is essential that the council has a robust and defensible local plan.

RESOLVED:

2.1 Cabinet noted the progress made regarding the preparation of the Thurrock Local Plan based on the 50 recommendations outlined in the Stantec Local Plan review report (Appendix A).

2.2 Cabinet noted the implications of the extended timetable.

2.3 Cabinet agreed the contents of this report as a response to the motion set out at paragraph 1.2 and 1.3 of this report.

Reason for the decision: as outlined in the report

This decision is subject to call-in