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Joanna Kirchner addressed the Cabinet pursuant to the provisions of Meetings General Procedure Rule 5(1) to express her concern about tree roots and their impact on pavements. She drew particular attention to the condition of Cambridge Walk. She had raised her concerns with Essex County Council, who stated they would not act as it was a footpath rather than a pavement, and it appeared that action would only be taken following an injury. Funding that had been used for other non essential projects would have been better spent on pavement repairs. Whilst it was appreciated that responsibility lay primarily with Essex County Council (ECC), it affected residents of Colchester and therefore Colchester Borough Council had a responsibility to address the issue.
Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation and Councillor J. Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance, responded and undertook to raise the issue in discussions with Essex County Council. The Council was seeking to take services and funding back from ECC in order to deliver services in accordance with local issues. It was also highlighted that Essex County Councillors had been offered the opportunity to nominate five pavements in their division for repair and therefore the issue should be taken up with local County Councillor.
Dorian Kelly addressed the Cabinet pursuant to the provisions of Meetings General Procedure Rule 5(1). He expressed concern that the consultants defending the appeal against the refusal of planning permission for student accommodation at St Botolphs had been advised not to talk to local residents. He also believed that the Cultural Quarter was too closely defined and that the Local Plan should be amended so the Cultural Quarter was defined as the whole town centre including Priory Street. In addition language that allowed unsuitable development should be removed. He had several suggestions for the improvement of the town centre which he would welcome an opportunity to put to the Cabinet.
Councillor J. Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance, welcomed the suggestions. The administration was looking to develop a new town centre Masterplan in which some of the ideas could be incorporated. The issues raised about the consultants defending the appeal against the Alumno development would be looked into.
Oliver Ward and Tristan Clarke addressed the Cabinet pursuant to the provisions of Meetings General Procedure Rule 5(1) to explain that they were exploring the possibility of purchasing the site of the old Odeon Cinema in Crouch Street and renovating it as a music venue. This would be an appropriate use for the building and would build on its heritage. It would be the largest staged venue in Essex and and would contribute to the vibrancy and economy of the town centre. The owner of the site had set a cash price for the site and they wished to alert the Council to their plans.
Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, Councillor Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Community Safety and Councillor King, Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, responded to indicate that they would welcome the redevelopment of the site and would be happy to meet to discuss their proposals further. Enforcement action had been taken against the current owner to improve the site.
Sir Bob Russell addressed the Cabinet pursuant to the provisions of Meetings General Procedure Rule 5(1) to urge the Cabinet to ensure that the appeal against the unanimous decisions of the Planning Committee to refuse the application for student accommodation at St Botolphs was rigorously defended. The consultants appointed to defend the appeal had recommended the withdrawal of one of one of the grounds of refusal. Concern was also expressed that Alumno’s legal team had indicated that those who had supported the Planning Committee decision could have costs awarded against them.
Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, Councillor J. Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Councillor King, Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, indicated that the decision of the Planning Committee would be supported and rigorously defended. The experts engaged by the Council were professional and reputable. Expert advice had been received in respect of the reason for refusal around whether the applicants had undertaken proper public consultation, and it was right that the Council should take this advice seriously. The other reasons for refusal would be defended.
Councillor Willetts attended and with the consent of the Chairman addressed the Cabinet to express his concern that a Colchester Borough Council recycling sack had been photographed at an open air incinerator facility in Indonesia. This was a contravention of the principles of the Climate Emergency recently declared by the Council. An independent inquiry needed to be established to investigate the matter, and this should include representatives of Extinction Rebellion.
Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, explained that the Council had undertaken an investigation and the results were all in the public domain. Colchester Borough Council was the waste collection authority. Essex County Council was the waste disposal authority, and they were investigating the matter. If further information came to light as a consequence this would be published. It was appropriate that such investigation were undertaken by officers rather than by elected members.
Councillor J. Maclean attended and with the consent of the Chairman, addressed the Cabinet and raised a number of queries about the waste service, in particular whether the new vehicles had a reduced capacity, the number of vacancies the service was carrying and the cost of the use of agency staff.
Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, explained that all vacancies had now been filled. Heavy goods vehicle drivers were in great demand and the Council was training operatives to become drivers. Agency staff were used when required to cover sickness absence or annual leave, but there was provision for this in the budget, which was not under pressure. The new vehicles held the same tonnage of waste. Some were slimmer than the previous vehicles in order for them to be able to manage the roads on new estate developments.
Councillor Harris attended and with the consent of the Chairman addressed the Cabinet to seek clarification on the administration’s position on Airspace developments. Residents of Berefield Way and Christopher Jolly Court were confused about apparently contradictory statements on the issue. While Cabinet minutes indicated support for the concept of Airspace developments, local Liberal Democrat leaflets opposed a third floor on these buildings.
Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, explained that the administration wanted to build more Council housing, including affordable housing. The Cabinet was fully behind the Airspace policy, but investigations were needed to ensure that each building was suitable. Further information about the suitability of the buildings would be discussed shortly. Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, stressed the need for Airspace developments to be delivered on the right sites. Councillor Fox, Portfolio Holder for Housing, explained that he was committed to take the Airspace policy forward as part of the package of developments to increase the provision of affordable housing.
Councillor Crow attended and with the consent of the Chairman, addressed the Cabinet to express his concern about the condition of the River Colne, and in particular the growth of algae. Whilst it was appreciated that the Council was not responsible for the causes of the algae, where the river ran through Council property it had a responsibility to take action. It was unattractive and could be harmful to wildlife.
Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, indicated that cuts to the Environment Agency had lessened its ability to take effective action to deal with the issue. Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, explained that similar issues arose at Chelmsford and it was a consequence of increases in temperature. The Environment Agency had cleared some of the algae. A wider view needed to be taken to the management of the river. A potential solution would be to increase the flow of the river, but this could have other implications.
Councillor Bourne attended and with the consent of the Chairman, addressed the Cabinet. She commended the Cabinet for stepping up the narrative on the provision of housing, including affordable housing, supported by the necessary infrastructure. Whilst plans for further housing growth were not universally popular, they were supported by those in housing need. Innovative solutions such as Airspace, were part of the solution and the Cabinet had agreed potential Airspace units in the bid to central government for funding before the borrowing headroom restrictions were lifted. The openness of Councillor King and Councillor J. Young on Garden Communities was also welcomed. The importance of the Garden Communities project in delivering the Council’s strategic objectives was stressed. In view of recent criticism of the leaflet issued by the Council to every household about the Local Pla, confirmation was sought that Councillor Cory remained committed to the Local Plan and Garden Communities project.
Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, explained that he had agreed with the publication of the leaflet as it was clear that residents needed to know more about the Local Plan process and Garden Communities. It encouraged people to find out more about the evidence coming forward on viability and he endorsed the open approach taken by Councillor King and Councillor J. Young. Further information would be provided to the public as plans developed.
Councillor King, Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, Councillor J. Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance, and Councillor Fox, Portfolio Holder for Housing also responded to stress the importance of providing clear information to residents. The technical nature of some of the information and processes and the fact that the Council was working in partnership made the provision of clear information challenging. A number of communication channels would be used, including leaflets and social media, using plain language. The importance of Garden Communities in ensuring managed housing growth and ensuring housing need was met was also stressed.