The Assistant Director of Planning and Growth introduced the report which reviewed the progress already achieved and highlighted opportunities within Tilbury which prompted the outlined approach proposed for a new masterplan.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration outlined that the key difference between masterplans for Grays and Tilbury were that the vision for Grays was easily seen however Tilbury had seemingly had things done to it with no real connectivity.  There was a need for a wider vision and investment.  Given the huge opportunities presented to Tilbury this was a chance to ensure Tilbury got what it needed, otherwise it could have a largely negative impact if not done properly. 

The Chair referred to section 2.1 of the report.  In his view the most important aspect was for Tilbury to be a place where people were healthy and the possibility of a green lung could prove very special.  He also hoped that the local MPs would join Thurrock Council in continuing to lobby the Government to reconsider the proposed route of the Lower Thames Crossing.  While there were clearly benefits from a number of the opportunities coming forward, such as employment, the overall impact these would have on Tilbury were not too clear.  He feared the Asda roundabout would reach its maximum capacity.  He welcomed Tilbury 2 using rail to keep freight off the road networks.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration highlighted that a key issue was to consider how individually and collectively these major developments would impact Tilbury, particularly the road networks.  This was an issue for all Members, not just the Councillors for Tilbury wards and the masterplan would be crucial for transport and logistics.

Councillor Gerrish welcomed the focus on Tilbury but stressed the importance of including the community so they did not feel these were simply more changes being imposed upon Tilbury.  He queried the breadth of the Estate Regeneration proposed in section 3.7 of the report and plans to involve the community.  Estate Regeneration was critical for Tilbury; it was quite deprived and out of the way.  Tilbury was somewhere you had to have a reason to go to.  However it was understandable that residents wished to stay in their houses and therefore the regeneration would need to be handled delicately, with resident engagement throughout.

Councillor Kelly referred to the Lower Thames Crossing and the possibility of Tilbury 2.  He asked whether the possibility of a relief road could be seriously considered.  He also expressed concern regarding the increased rail movements; while it was preferable to avoid adding to congestion on the road networks he was concerned about the impact it would have along the line, such as Stanford-le-Hope and Purfleet.  The Assistant Director of Planning and Growth agreed the increased rail movements were a concern as the network was strained already however it was preferable to road movements.  If both developments went ahead it would be logical to relieve the pressure on the Asda roundabout by rerouting traffic to a separate junction.  The Council hoped to influence thinking. 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration reiterated the concern over the combined impacts of development, particularly on the Asda roundabout.  Increased freight lines, such as HS2, would allow for passenger lines to be released and would be better for Thurrock.

Councillor Piccolo expressed the need to manage residents’ expectations around any consultation to avoid any misconceptions around what changes would be possible.  He was concerned that there would soon be a net surplus of jobs in Thurrock which would lead to increased commuters and increased congestion.  If it was difficult to commute into the borough there would then be a strain on the housing market.  He wanted to ensure it could be made easier to fulfil jobs so that additional houses could be well planned rather than forced upon the borough.  Members were advised that this explained the need for the Local Plan.  There were two possible scenarios moving forward, either an increase in commuters to fill jobs created, or if the jobs could not be filled then local economics would slow.  There was a need to balance economic growth with housing growth.  The Tilbury ferry was already used by many people living in Kent to commute to work in Tilbury Docks and it was necessary to improve transport links within the borough. 

The Committee discussed options such as extending the Oyster zone and extending clipper boat services.  The issue would be that running such services would only be viable at peak hours and it would not be beneficial for the Council to have to subsidise the services.  Councillor Piccolo interjected that Thurrock did not do enough to encourage tourism.  With RSPB sites the borough could be far more attractive, if the Grays and Tilbury riverfronts were improved.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration agreed that with better riverfront access, access to the Elizabethan fort and improvements such as a green lung there could be far more to offer passengers of the cruise liners which docked in Tilbury.  It was essential to consider what the desired outcome and vision was for Tilbury so that sustainable improvements could be made.

RESOLVED:

That  Planning, Transport and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee commented on the proposed approach to the masterplan for Tilbury set out in the report.