Councillor Speight, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, introduced the report following the 12 February 2014 Cabinet giving authorisation for the preparation of a new Local Plan to guide the future development of Thurrock.

The preparation and publication of the Thurrock Local Plan Issues and Options (Stage 1) Consultation represented the first key stage in the plan making process and provided the local community and stakeholders with their first opportunity to help shape the future development of the borough.

Councillor Speight stated that a draft Thurrock Design Strategy for public consultation will also be published. The intention of this Strategy was to promote the higher standards of design in Thurrock and provide detailed guidance to developers and landowners.

The consultation of both the Issues and Options and the Strategy would run for a six week period beginning on Friday 26 February.

Councillor Hebb stated that every resident in Thurrock needed to be engaged and encouraged to read and contribute to the consultation process.

Councillor S. Little asked how specifically the engagement of residents in rural communities would take place.

Councillor Ojetola welcomed and thanked the portfolio holder for his report and stated that on Planning Committees discussions had taken place on grey areas of the development plan and that it was a good opportunity for everyone to contribute to the way forward. Councillor Ojetola also wished David Bull a well-deserved retirement.

Councillor Gledhill also thanked David Bull for his hard work and was sorry to see him go.

Councillor Gledhill stated his support for the recommendation and that it was important for the Council to get the consultation right and obtain as many views of local residents as possible.

Councillor Hamilton asked for an update on the renovation the State Cinema in Grays. Councillor Speight would provide an update outside of the committee.

Councillor Jones stated that it was an excellent report and  that Officers had attended local forums and explained to residents in rural areas in the past, which he felt might help Cllr S. Little’s community.

Councillor Speight would liaise with Councillor S. Little on how best to consult with rural communities outside of the committee.

At 9.16pm, the Deputy Mayor moved a motion to suspend Council Procedure Rule 11.1 to allow the meeting to continue beyond the 2.5 hour time limit until completion of business. Members indicated their agreement to the proposal.

Councillor G. Rice stated how important this document was and how it attracted a high network of families; with regard to the timetable could this Plan move forward before the Lower Thames Crossing or Option D had been agreed. Councillor Speight stated that the consultation paper consisted of 40 questions some of which related to the Lower Thames Crossing. Councillor Speight would provide an update in writing of progress to Members once this information was to hand.

Councillor Speight also stated that outreach work was to take place with proposed road shows. Dates and times of these roadshows were not known at present but these would be provided to Members.

Councillor Speight thanked David Bull for all his hard work and contributions and moved the recommendations in the report.

Upon being put to the vote, Members voted unanimously in favour of the recommendations, whereupon the Deputy Mayor declared this to be carried.

RESOLVED

That the Council authorise public consultation on both the Thurrock Local Plan Issues and Options (Stage 1) Consultation Document and the Thurrock Local Plan Design Strategy Document.