Agenda item
Acquisition of Land (Decision: 110522)
Minutes:
The Leader highlighted that
there were two exempt appendices to the report, but felt that as
long as these were not directly
discussed, the meeting could remain open.
There had been one question submitted by a non-Executive
Member. Councillor Piccolo asked the following question to
Councillor Coxshall, relating to Item 17 on the agenda: Can the
Portfolio Holder outline how his new plans for Stanford le Hope
station will benefit residents? As Councillor Coxshall was unable
to attend, the Leader replied that the Stanford Le Hope Transport
Hub was a significant project to deliver much improved station
facilities in Stanford Le Hope for residents, businesses and
commuters. He added that the original design of the scheme with a
cantilevered deck proved to be an expensive design, requiring
complex engineering solutions to be delivered all of which pushed
the scheme much beyond the existing budget available. He clarified
that consequently the scheme had been under review to identify
alternative design and construction options that could deliver a
high quality design within the available budget. The Leader stated
that the options included identifying additional land that could,
if secured, result in much improved public realm outside of the
station and a dedicated bus turnaround/waiting area on land in the
vicinity as well as much needed additional parking provision.
Councillor Piccolo was invited to ask a
supplementary question and asked the following question:
since the Labour administration sold Sandpits carpark,
Stanford-le-Hope residents have been struggling to park, and there
has been a lack of infrastructure links in the town. Can the Leader
assure me that the proposed purchase of land will reduce the
stranglehold of capital landowners in the town?
The Leader replied that the proposed acquisition of land would
increase both commuter parking and parking for residents wishing to
access the town centre, as well as a new bus turnaround location.
He stated that although the new station car parking would not be as
convenient as Sandpits for access to the town centre, it would
still provide parking within walking distance. He stated that
parking and development of the station was long overdue.
The Leader introduced the report on behalf of Councillor Coxshall
and stated that this report was a fantastic opportunity to improve
Stanford-le-Hope station, after the loss of Sandpits carpark, the
increase of commuters, and the expansion of DP World. He felt that
this report would deliver the required improvements to the station
at a timelier pace, and would reduce the need for a complicated
design. He mentioned that the new design would not require a
complicated cantilever bridge, changes to Mucking Creek, and would
not encroach as much on resident’s houses. He added that the
new design would also provide better bus turnaround facilities, so
workers at the port could access the buses more easily, and would
increase commuter and town-centre parking. He apologised to the
residents of Stanford-le-Hope for the delay in the implementation
of the project, but felt that it was better to get the project
right first time, rather than increasing spending and the risk of
flooding with the original design.
Councillor Hebb added that the new proposed design would benefit
residents more, as it would save bricking over the River Hope,
which was a large part of the identity of Stanford-le-Hope, and did
not affect residents near the station as much as the original
design. He commented that this proposal was a partial resolution
after the sale of Sandpits and would unburden the local
infrastructure and highways. Councillor Maney echoed the comments
made and felt it was important to get the scheme back on track. He
commented that he hoped the Compulsory Purchase Order option would
be a last resort, and the Leader commented that it was, although
would be used if necessary.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Noted the regeneration and financial
opportunities presented by the potential acquisition of land
identified in Appendix A.
2. Delegated authority to the Director of Place and Director of
Finance, Governance and Property in consultation with the Cabinet
Member for Regeneration to commence negotiations and seek to agree
final terms for the acquisition of the site and to enter into any
such agreements necessary to conclude the acquisition of the
site.
Reason for decision: as outlined in the
report
This decision is subject to
call-in
Supporting documents:
- Acquisition of Land, item 64. PDF 353 KB
- Restricted enclosure View the reasons why document 64./2 is restricted
- Restricted enclosure View the reasons why document 64./3 is restricted