Apologies were received from Councillors John Kent (Vice-Chair), Daniel Chukwu, Adam Carter, and Sue Sammons. Apologies were also received from Laura Blake, Thames Crossing Action Group, and Peter Ward, Business Representative.

To receive additional items that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no items of urgent business.

There were no interests declared.

The Senior Consultant Stantec introduced the report and stated nineteen fortnightly meetings had now been held between the Council and National Highways (NH). He stated that the team had had some measure of success in agreeing some of the mitigation measures, and the Hatch report would contribute to the Statement of Common Ground. He commented that NH had started an ‘issues log’ which had recently been re-evaluated and now incorporated all of the comments made by Thurrock Council in previous consultations and on most technical documents. He explained that the issues log had been grouped into three sections, the first including duplications, statements and issues which had been superseded or were of no consequence anymore. The Senior Consultant explained that 1100 issues were included in this section and Thurrock Council would be likely to agree to about 90% of them. He stated that the second section included technical matters, which was made up of 1,500 issues, the majority of which were still under discussion and needed review. He stated that the third section was made up of 400-500 significant issues between NH and Thurrock Council that needed further detailed discussions or agree to disagree. He explained that these would be discussed in the New Year, although Thurrock will try to identify a summary of 20-30 important issues, and possibly 5-6 critical issues.

The Senior Consultant stated that the Hatch report update was colour coded. He commented that there were 5 purple measures, which meant NH had declined these and considered that these should not be challenged as they largely fell under the remit of the Department for Transport. He explained that there were 17 red measures which were currently unresolved issues, which had not yet been resolved even after numerous meetings. He felt that NH were happy to make minor amendments to these measures, but would not make any amendments that would result in a significant change for the scheme or programme. He explained that there were 20 amber measures, which were close to agreement. He stated that therefore 37 out of the 58 issues, approximately 70%, were rated as either purple, red, or amber. He summarised and stated that the measures marked as green in the report had not been formally agreed yet, but were technically acceptable. He added that although there had been progress on the Hatch report, this was mainly at a lower significance level.

The Chair asked for clarification regarding the purple measures. The Senior Consultant stated the purple measures were: smart speed limits as NH would only consider these on a regional level; revised proposals for the A13 junction; a fixed proportion of tolls for hypothecation (as this was the remit of the Department for Transport); the provision of legacy worker accommodation; and a low emissions target and financial penalties payable to Thurrock Council if these were missed, which would require Department for Transport approval. The Interim Assistant Director Regeneration and Place Delivery added that these purple measures were being discussed with both NH and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

The Senior Consultant asked for a verbal update on the Health Impact Assessment be added to every upcoming Task Force meeting. The Chair and the Task Force agreed.