The report was presented by Sean Nethercott.

The Task Force discussed the importance of infrastructure and the Chair mentioned the Local Development Corporation site in Blackshots that had lost s106 funds and needed to be developed. Councillor Spillman commented that the Planning system needed reform in terms of the proposal and he questioned what would the advantages and disadvantages be for Thurrock with the proposed reforms. Sean Nethercott answered that Thurrock was a growth authority and would not necessarily see any disadvantages to the proposed reforms. Thurrock was aware of the level of housing demand in Thurrock and had the opportunity to make this work through the reforms and were aware of what the local community wanted. Access to the countryside could be improved and declining areas could be improved to make the living environment more attractive.

The Chair questioned whether mobile homes for over 55’s had been considered for Thurrock. She also mentioned the issue of the river with the building works in Tilbury and stated that a route was needed to ensure that water did not build up and was able to flow out to the river. She also sought clarification on the statement, ‘more powers to address unauthorised development’ on page 22. Sean Nethercott said that discussions had been held with mobile homes providers and that the Borough needed different types of housing such as modular homes to deliver the housing needed in Thurrock. He went on to explain that the statement on page 22 meant Thurrock had more power but referred mostly to enforcement to deploy the powers they had already had in a more efficient and effective way. Leigh Nicholson added that the Enforcement Team was not expanding as a response to the Paper but would have stronger enforcement powers and increased resources as a result of the Paper.

The Chair suggested the idea of a new village and asked if this had been considered. Sean Nethercott answered that there were eight locations as part of the Design Charrettes and that five of those were major urban locations with potential for urban extensions. Three of those would have Design Charrettes to see if they would be sustainable and how those sites, such as Bulphan, would develop to achieve a different place without losing the character of the village.

The Task Force questioned whether other proposals in the Paper was needed that could help Thurrock in its Local Plan strategy. The Task Force also noted the contradictions in regards to resident engagement and queried whether feedback had been provided to Government on the Paper. Sean Nethercott answered that the Paper could provide more clarity on the Green Belt as it was an important issue and on more guidance on infrastructure particularly in larger developments where a lack of facilities were provided by developers and Local Authorities needed more power to ensure these facilities were provided as promised. He noted that there were some contradictions in the Paper on resident engagement and that to make better places, involvement from people were needed in the Local Plan process and it was important that this first part was undertaken correctly.

The Task Force gave praise to the recent development in Chadwell St Mary and said that the design was different to other estates in Thurrock. Officers answered that Thurrock aimed to set the bar high in terms of design to ensure better places.

The Task Force sought clarification on the Government’s plans for open spaces and woodlands and if there was a commitment to return land back to Local Authorities and the funding for this. The Lower Thames Crossing and its impact to the Local Plan process was also mentioned. Sean Nethercott answered that the Local Plan had to be produced in 30 months’ time and that the process had started in 2014. A strategy had been in place from the beginning and the process had been delayed due to constant changes because of the Lower Thames Crossing realignments.