Councillor Gledhill presented the report that provided Members with details of Thurrock Regeneration Ltd proposals to develop the Belmont Road site in Grays and recommended that the Council agreed to lend the funds to Thurrock Regeneration Ltd to deliver the scheme. That the use of Right to Buy receipts was discussed as an option to purchase Belmont Road affordable units which would result in 28 new council homes for those on the Council’s waiting list. That the development would consist of 80 terrace and semi-detached houses and bungalows being built on brown land with three parks being incorporated within the proposed scheme.

The report proposed that delegated authority be given to the S151 Officer in consultation with the Chief Executive, the Portfolio Holder for Finance and the Leader to approve the scheme funding to Thurrock Regeneration Ltd and related amendment to the Council’s finances. The delegated authority would be subject to the scheme that would meet the key financial parameters.

Councillor Snell thanked Councillor Gledhill for the report and that it was good news that development was being undertaken on brown land instead of the green belt. Councillor Snell asked for assurance that ground works had been completed and that no contamination had been identified that would prevent the scheme going forward. Councillor Gledhill stated that checks had been undertaken and any future problems would be reported by Thurrock Regeneration Ltd to shareholders.

Councillor Gerrish asked for the Portfolio Holder’s commitment that lessons had been learnt from the St Chads development and that communication with residents would be improved. Councillor Gledhill stated that he could not agree more and lessons had been learnt. That regularly meetings will be held with the developer to ensure that the 28 new council homes are delivered.

Councillor Kerin thanked Councillor Gledhill for the positive report and was glad to see the regeneration in his ward but had concerns over congestion particularly in Parker Road and near the Belmont Castle Academy. Councillor Gledhill stated he was aware of the concerns and that three planning applications had been submitted, which would do the upmost to avoid traffic gridlocks in that area.

Councillor Pothecary thanked Councillor Gledhill for the report and welcomed the scheme and the available affordable options but asked for further guarantees that concerns over parking would be addressed particularly at the top of Parker Road. Councillor Pothecary also had concerns over primary school places taking into account that Belmont Castle Academy was already full. Councillor Gledhill stated he would be more than happy to attend a site meeting with Councillor Pothecary and Councillor B Little to look at parking in that area. Councillor Gledhill agreed to speak to Councillor Halden with regards to school places and stated that future planning applications should interact with educational needs.

Councillor Gledhill would be happy to answer any further questions outside of the Council Chamber.

RESOLVED

1.         That Council agreed that Thurrock Regeneration Ltd develop the Belmont Road, Grays site in accordance with the consented planning application.

2.         That Council agreed that authority be delegated to the S151 Officer, in consultation, with the Chief Executive, the Portfolio Holder for Finance and the Leader, to agree the final funding to Thurrock Regeneration Ltd, and to enter into legal agreements as required subject to the financial parameters as set out in the report.