Decision Details

Motion E

Proposer: Councillor Sunnucks

This Council notes with deep concern:

1. That last year Colchester City Council summitted a statement of interest in a new town of up to 24,000 people being created at Marks Tey without this being either approved by Cabinet or councillors, with even members of the Local Plan Committee not being made aware of it.
2. This only came to light because a member of the public submitted a freedom of information request.
3. That this represents a very serious failure of governance by the Council which should never have happened.  

The Council therefore resolves to set up a cross-party committee of inquiry of three cross-party Aldermen to produce a report on:-

1. How this was allowed to happen;
2 Lessons learnt – including recommendations on:

(a) the level of council decisions which should require prior approval by:
Full Council
Cabinet
Can be Delegated to officers

(b) the respective roles of councillors and officers.

The Council’s Chief Executive to seek group leaders agreement as to the Aldermen to be approached to serve on the committee. 


The motion relates to a non-executive function and will be debated and determined by Full Council.