Charles Hammond, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, wished members a Good New Year and stated how delighted he was to present the Vision of Port of Tilbury report to Members.

Charles Hammond’s introduction stated that the Port of Tilbury was a leading multi-purpose port which was 130 years old and had been part of the Forth Ports Groups since 1996. In the last 20 years the tonnage going through the port had doubled and was confident that his would continue to grow based on the increased cargo throughput and the proposed increase in space on the Port. This major regeneration project had the investment of several millions of pounds to expand the Port and contribute to the future economy growth to Thurrock. The Port would continue to engage with the Council, Partnerships and residents to ensure the expansion related to the community and that all would benefit.

John Speakman, Senior Asset Property Manager at Port of Tilbury London Ltd, stated the importance of meeting the objectives set for the Port of Tilbury Vision and that issues emerged from the Local Plan would be considered. Improvements would be made to a sustainable rail access and improvements would be made to the town of Tilbury, the Tilbury Fort and the open space that lie between the Port and the Fort. Links to the town and the riverside would also form part of the expansion proposals.

Martin Friend, Director of Vincent and Gorbing Planning Associates, took Members through the site maps and explained the current, proposed and under construction locations of the Port. The longer term proposals would include the eastward expansion and how this would depend on the result of the Lower Thames Crossing. The following four key themes of the framework summary were highlighted:

•           Economic Development

•           Access to green space for recreation

•           Maximise social and community benefits

•           Environmental protection and enhancement

Martin Friend concluded that consultation would be undertaken with stakeholders over the next 6 months with consultation events being held in the next 6 to 8 weeks. The Port would continue to engage with stakeholders and alongside the Local Plan going forward.

The Chair thanked the Port of Tilbury representatives for their presentation and stated that regeneration and consultation was a vital part of this overview and scrutiny committee. The Chair stated that it was not a guarantee that all planning applications would be approved.

The Chair stated concerns that the air quality in Tilbury was one of the worst in the country and that the health of Thurrock residents should be a vital part of this redevelopment. Currently the ASDA roundabout could not handle the existing amount of traffic. Regeneration was welcomed but asked the Port of Tilbury for reassurance that employment and meaningful training would be available for Thurrock residents. That improvement to the cruise terminal frontage and the river frontage also be part of the redevelopment. The Chair stated that she looked forward to the consultation process and to be invited to comment especially on the Air Quality Strategy.

Councillor Redsell welcomed regeneration into the borough but had concerns over the traffic using the ASDA roundabout and how the Tilbury Riverside Ferry would cope as this played a crucial part to the community. That it was good news that the cruise terminal would be redeveloped.

Councillor G Rice welcomed regeneration into the borough but had concerns with the increase of traffic at the ASDA roundabout and what the possibility of having a “fly-over” built to alleviate the roundabout congestion. A railway access was a good idea and hoped that Port of Tilbury used the DP World example of 40 per cent of their traffic going by rail. That Dock Road approach should be installed with noise reduction tarmac which would benefit the residents.

Councillor Smith asked if sound barriers could be installed to omit noise levels and that the improvement of the cruise terminal may encourage more tourists to Thurrock.

Councillor Piccolo agreed with Members comments but asked could there be a possibility to move the ASDA onto the other side of the road to alleviate traffic congestion. That the modelling of rail tracks was good but would need to be tested fully as these do not always work in reality. The docks would need to be made more attractive and appealing for people to visit and that the interaction with residents was vital.

Councillor Allen welcomed new business to Thurrock but had concerns on the impact this may have on the residents of Tilbury. The number of heavy good vehicles currently using the ASDA roundabout and going through the town and into residential areas had increased. Concern on air quality with the port being operational 24/7 and that noise levels should be taken into consideration as part of the resident consultation.

The Chair thanked Members for their useful comments and hoped that the Port of Tilbury would take these away and consider. The Chair also stated that the 49 Thurrock Members represented the residents of Thurrock and using Members was a good way forward in liaising with residents.

Charles Hammond thanked Members for their comments and agreed there was a common theme amongst them all and agreed that consultation with residents was vital. The Port of Tilbury looked forward to continue to working with Thurrock Council.

RESOLVED

Members noted the report as a statement of the current status and progress on the production of a Development Strategy for the eastern expansion of Port of Tilbury and provide comments to assist in the further development of that Strategy.

Charles Hammond, Paul Dale, Martin Friend, John Speakman and Peter Ward left the committee room at 7.45 pm.