The Planning Officers presented the application and highlighted the

following points:

·       LDO1.5 is intended as an interim measure, valid for 1 year or until LDO2 is adopted, whichever is earlier.

·       This is to enable the delivery of up to a further 85,000sqm of B8 floorspace pending consideration of LDO2.

Members asked the following questions:

·       Councillor Arnold asked how the Local Authority will monitor the development area.

o   Submission of prior notification forms and assisted by Local Authority officers with conditions on operators to monitor.

o   DP monitor any breaches very well.

·       Councillor Redsell asked how the 106 agreement will it alter what is in place and expressed concerns with traffic on the Stanford bypass. Councillor Redsell also asked how traffic will be monitored and predicted.

o   LDO1 was planned for a full site of traffic, not an issue for LDO1.5 all statutory consultees accepted.

·       Councillor Redsell would of like the water authority to have been present and was concerned about possible flooding.

·       Councillor Watson asked what the legislation changes between LDO1 & LDO1.5 are and if there was any impact.

o   2015 changes to infrastructure, but legislation hasn’t changed.

o   2017 new environmental regulations

o   Nothing of note that changes LDO

·       Councillor Watson asked if 106 agreement will carry on running.

o   LDO1.5 will carry on.

o   LDO2 there will be a fresh look.

·       Councillor Watson asked if highways were comfortable with the amount of HGV traffic.

o   LDO1.5 is an extension of LDO1.

o   Will be reassessed for LDO 2.

·       Councillor Byrne asked if money from the 106 agreement is shared throughout the borough or just the effected wards.

·       Councillor Polley informed the Planning Committee that this is not a new LDO but an extension, nor a new 106 agreement.

·       Councillor Maney noted the sound barrier is ineffective/outdated and asked if it will be replaced.

o   No proposals to replace.

o   LDO 2 will look into more detail.

o   Chief Planning Officer – barrier was not wanted by residents and those received payments in areas where the barrier was taken down.

·       Councillor Arnold asked what happens if those properties change hands.

o   It’s a land charge, so property will be at a lower value.

·       Councillor Byrne asked that the trees planted are checked on because they look dead.

·       Councillor Watson asked when will LDO2 come before the Planning Committee and if it will be adopted in 2024.

o   Consultation in April, LDO2 will be before the Planning Committee in the Summer of 2024.

·       Councillor Piccolo asked if Lower Thames Crossing has been put into consideration.

o   LDO1.5 is based on LDO1, Lower Thames Crossing is not consented, LDO1.5 come before Lower Thames Crossing. Lower Thames Crossing has to consider LDO’s.

·       Councillor Polley sort clarity regarding flood risks

o   Site located in flood zone 3 but does not take into account flood defences which lowers the risks.

·       Councillor Polley noted DP World is a good neighbour and asked over the past 10 years has the Local Authority received feedback on how the site is monitored.

o   DP World is compliant.

o   Highways is being monitored.

·       Councillor Shinnick asked if pollution is monitored.

o   Outside of Planning Officers scope.

During the debate the following was highlighted:

·       Councillor Watson feels reassured but would like to see more pollution control for LDO2 before LDO1.5 runs out.

·       Councillor Polley thanked officers for the work they had done and noted that Thurrock sets the benchmark for LDO’s.

·       Councillor Redsell asked why there were only 2 responses back.

o   Only ones published.

·       Councillor Polley argues that it shows that DP World are good neighbours, complaints were regarding speed only, a camera is now in action.

RESOLVED:

That the Planning Committee

1.1  Note the Council’s earlier decision (if that be the case) that the development to be authorised by the London Gateway Logistic Park Local Development Order 1.5 (“LDO1.5”) will not adversely affect the integrity of a European Site or a European offshore marine site either alone or in combination with other plans or projects.

1.2  Agree to make LDO 1.5 subject to the signing of the s106 legal agreement.

1.3  Note requirement for Council to advise the Secretary of State that LDO1.5 made.

For: (9) Georgette Polley (Vice-Chair), Paul Arnold, Gary Byrne, Steve Liddiard, Jacqui Maney, Terry Piccolo, Joycelyn Redsell, Sue Shinnick, and Lee Watson.

Against: (0)

Abstained: (0)

The Planning Committee paused for a break at 19:28pm

The Planning Committee resumed at 19:32