Meeting Details

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 9 March 2022 be confirmed as a correct record.

 

John Akker MBE addressed the Cabinet pursuant to the provisions of Meetings General Procedure Rule 5(1) on behalf of West Mersea Town Council.  He drew Cabinet’s attention to the publication of the British Energy Statement in April and the aim of the government to develop nuclear power rapidly, particularly Small Modular Reactors. This could lead to further development of new nuclear at Bradwell.  The Council had issued a full statement in response to the Part 1 consultation and the then Leader had addressed a national meeting in Colchester opposing development. The Council should engage with the planning process and express clearly its objection in any future consultation.  He would be writing in similar terms to the Chief Executive.

Councillor King, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, indicated that the Council would respond to any future consultation, although there was no indication of when this might take place.  The expectation was that the Council position would not change and that the Council would continue to object to new nuclear at Bradwell in view of the environmental impacts.  Its preferred approach was to encourage the use of renewable energy.  It would work with BANNG and other groups to make the strongest possible case.

Sir Bob Russell addressed the Cabinet pursuant to the provisions of Meetings General Procedure Rule 5(1) to seek clarification on the statement by the Leader on behalf of the new administration that he was “seeking to restore trust in politics”. He also noted that Councillor Fox had highlighted the importance of the environment.  However, on the only opportunity he had to vote on Middlewick he had voted for its inclusion in the Local Plan, as had all but one Liberal Democrat and Labour Councillor.  

Councillor King, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, explained that he was not seeking to lay blame.  Politics had been eroded by a lack of personal integrity.  Trust could only be restored by how politicians acted, through what they said and through being approachable, transparent and honest.

Councillor Fox, Portfolio Holder for Local Economy and Transformation, also responded.  The planning system was set up to benefit landowners and developers.  The Council had a responsibility to put together a Local Plan that met government housing targets and also respond to offers of land from developers. Part of maintaining trust was being honest and not promising the unachievable.  Together with ward councillors, he had campaigned to encourage the Ministry of Defence to withdraw Middlewick from sale. The final decision in respect of the Local Plan would be for all Councillors to consider. His preference would be for the local environment to be protected through the establishment of a country park and he would continue to lobby the Ministry of Defence.

Councillor Harris attended and with the consent of the Chair addressed the Cabinet and endorsed Councillor Fox’s comments on Middlewick.  He praised the redevelopment of Elfreda House and hoped the existing residents would be encouraged to return.  He also highlighted the work done by the Zones teams with Monkwick Residents Association on the jubilee celebrations.  The Council should consider putting further resources into the Zones Teams in view of the valuable work they did. 

Councillor Goss, Portfolio for Neighbourhood Services and Waste, and Councillor Fox, Portfolio Holder for Local Economy and Transformation, thanked Councillor Harris for his comments which would be passed on to the teams concerned. Councillor Goss indicated that whilst further resource would be welcomed, in view of the budget position he was looking for process improvements to maximise the team’s efficiency. Councillor Fox highlighted the quality of the Elfreda House scheme and that it was also providing work for a number of local companies.

Councillor Scordis attended and with the consent of the Chair addressed the Cabinet and explained that the vote referred to by Sir Bob Russell was an amendment to the budget on a proposal for a Country Park. He had proposed a scheme to the previous administration to deal with graffiti by allowing local artists to paint over it.  He hoped the new administration would now implement such a scheme.

Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Waste, explained that the new Graffiti Policy meant that the Council would not tackle graffiti on third party property. He welcomed Councillor Scordis’ suggestion and had raised with officers a scheme in York in which the BID funded artists to cover street furniture with designs.

Councillor McLean attended and with the consent of the Chair addressed the Cabinet to raise concerns about flytipping in New Town, which was a drain on Council resources.    In other wards with a high rate of flytipping, a free bulky item pick up service was offered and he requested that the provision of a similar service be rolled out in New Town.  This would reduce the pressure on the Neighbourhoods Team. Councillor Cox, Portfolio Holder for Heritage and Culture, explained that the issue was the disposal of bulky items, as a consequence of the high turnover of rented properties in the area.

Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Waste, explained that he would consider the request.  There were currently no plans to roll out the service to other wards.  This might increase rather than reduce the pressure on the Neighbourhoods Team and could actually encourage the behaviour it was seeking to address.

 

 

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.

Nick Chilvers addressed the Cabinet pursuant to the provisions of Meetings General Procedure Rule 5(1).  He welcomed the extension of the Cabinet to eight members which he felt enabled Cabinet members to manage their portfolios effectively. Spending should be targeted at the really needy and concentrated on essential services.  Culture and sport had been heavily invested in already and other services should be prioritised.   Major projects should work for the majority, not narrow interest groups.  In terms of levelling up south east Colchester, what concrete action would be taken?  The Deputy Leader should organise a tour for Cabinet and senior officers around south east Colchester to demonstrate its condition and some of the issues residents faced. It was not close to strategic routes and public transport services were being reduced.  Development and funding had been concentrated in north Colchester and Greenstead.   In terms of Middlewick, the Inspector had stressed the importance of engaging with the community and a creative approach needed to be taken.  South east Colchester also did not have the benefit of a community council to raise issues on its behalf so it needed dedicated and approachable officers to understand the issues and push for solutions.

Councillor King, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder thanked Mr Chilvers for his comments.  The need to ensure that help was directed to those most in need was understood and underpinned the proposals. He accepted the need for consultation to be done properly.  Councillor Fox, Portfolio Holder for Local Economy Transformation, indicated that he recognised much of Mr Chilver’s comments and would be happy to lead a delegation to south east Colchester.  The proposed priorities would help address a number of the issues raised.

Councillor Pearson attended and with the consent of the Chair addressed the Cabinet.  He welcomed the vision and priorities   In respect of the priority relating to tackling the climate emergency, would the administration now seek to roll out the provision of wheeled bins to the rest of Colchester, where appropriate?  Greater emphasis should be given to the provision of social housing, rather than affordable housing, in the priority at paragraph 4.6 of the Deputy Chief Executive’s report.

Councillor Luxford Vaughan, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure, explained that new ideas would be coming forward that would give greater permanency and security to those in affordable housing.  This was a completely new scheme and further details would follow.  

Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Waste, indicated that whilst he was personally supportive of wheeled bins there were no plans for a further roll out.  The Government was looking at kerbside recycling and was looking to introduce greater consistency to services across the country. 

Councillor Sunnucks attended and with the consent of the Chair addressed the Cabinet. He supported the aspiration of the vision and priorities but stressed the need to address practical issues.  The fundamental problem for Colchester was that housing development had run ahead of infrastructure provision. It should be a top priority to develop a coherent plan to tackle this infrastructure deficit and enable the Council to get the right infrastructure and funding from developers.  This would help ensure it could meet its aspirations.  He was willing  to help in anyway he could.  However, the Council needed to take greater responsibility for the issue and had the power to do so.

Councillor Cory, Portfolio Holder for Resources, welcomed the comments.  However, the Council had to meet housing development targets imposed by the government.  The system favoured developers and the largest developers were making large profits and should be doing more to provide infrastructure to support development.  The levers available to the Council were small and the government need to provide greater support.  

Councillor Luxford Vaughan, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure, welcomed Councillor Sunnucks comments and indicated she would continue the work of the previous portfolio holder in this area.  Work would continue to find infrastructure gaps and getting developers to fill them.  It was also important to reform the planning system so that such large housing numbers were not imposed in future.  

Councillor King introduced the report and explained that it set out high level priorities.  It  contained as much details as it could given the short timescale since the administration had been formed.  The proposals would be fleshed out in the future. The administration was looking for continuity and would build on the work of the previous administration and was conscious of its limits but would take responsibility for what it could achieve. 

The vision and priorities addressed the quality of life of the borough’s residents.  The intention, given the cost of living crisis which meant that  that the needs of residents were manifest and growing, was to address systematically those challenges faced by residents ahead of the winter.  A Cost of Living Action Plan would be developed with new and existing partners to help ease the pressure on residents.  The administration would contribute financially, would ensure the relevant teams were reinforced so they were best placed to help, ensure government funding was combined with local funding to deliver help where needed and would provide additional financial help and advice and where appropriate signpost residents to partners. There would be a particular need to help those who had not been in this position before and who would not know how to navigate their way through the system. The Council would help the foodbanks if they were struggling to respond to need.  Further announcements would follow in the coming week. 

Councillor Cory expressed his support for the vision and priorities.  The coalition would work together to address both the cost of living crisis and the environmental crisis.  He endorsed the comments made about social housing: it was vital that affordable housing was genuinely affordable   As well as providing practical help to deal with the impact of the cost of living crisis it was also important to tackle longer terms issues, and the partnerships that had been developed over the past few years would be key to this.

Councillor Fox, Portfolio Holder for Local Economy and Transformation, stressed the cost of living crisis was very real and needed both short term interventions and longer terms support in order to address it.

RESOLVED that:-

(a) Cabinet agrees to work with Colchester Borough councillors, officers, residents, businesses and partners to help the Council tackle the biggest challenges facing Colchester, from sustainability and climate change to the cost-of-living crisis, homelessness, and inequalities.

(b) The priorities for the 2022/23 municipal year as set out in Section 4 of Deputy Chief Executive’s report be approved.

REASONS 

To review and confirm the Cabinet’s priorities at the beginning of the new Municipal Year will provide greater confidence, direction and clarity for the benefit of residents and businesses, for Council officers and for partner organisations across Colchester and North Essex.

The complexity of the issues facing the borough requires significant analysis, modelling, engagement, review and testing to ensure that the scope, impact and benefits of the Council’s actions are fully understood and deliverable. An early signal of priorities supports the ability of the organisation and its partners to begin this work. 

This Cabinet will look to build on the strengths within Colchester’s communities, businesses, and partnerships to tackle the challenges and opportunities facing Colchester together.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

No alternative options were presented.

 

The Assistant Director, Place and Client Services, submitted a report a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.

Alan Skinner addressed the Cabinet pursuant to the provisions of Meetings General Procedure Rule 5(1) in respect of lifelong learning.  This could help citizens achieve fulfilling, productive and health lives and enable them to cope with life changing circumstances.  In Colchester this had been provided through Grey Friars adult college, who had worked through Colchester Learning Shop partnership to make choices clear.  The Borough Council had been a key partner. Both were town centre walk in facilities,  Grey Friars had closed in 2007 and the Learning Shop partnership closed shortly afterwards.   He had formed a charity “Learning Never Stops” to fill the gap but this had closed  last year.  However there still remained a need for a One Stop Shop providing information  about what was available.  The Borough Council could put together a Lifelong Learning Information Service  together for a minimal outlay.  It had both the connections and resources to do this.  It would be a prefect use of levelling up funds.  

Councillor King, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, thanked Mr Skinner for this thoughtful contribution, Essex County Council had responsibility for  adult skills and the Wilson Marriage Centre continued to provide adult education.  The Council was also using Town Deal funding to provide a Digital Skills Hub.  However, he would ask officers to make contact and discuss his ideas.

Councillor Cory, Portfolio Holder for Resources, stressed the value he placed n education and the importance of investing in people so everyone had the opportunity to improve their skills.

Councillor Laws attended and with the consent of the Chair addressed Cabinet to express his support for an exciting project.  It provided an opportunity to build on the work of the We Are Colchester Board and to seek funding for some of the projects they had not been able to fund.  In particular, the opportunity to fund a wet dock should be looked into: this was a real asset for Ipswich.  It was noted that the Roman Circus site fell outside the red line for the project.  This site should also be included as it was of such significance.  In addition, the NCP car park and Bingo Hall site, the lack of a proper bus station and the improvement of disjointed cycleways were all schemes that could be addressed through the fund. 

Councillor Cox, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Heritage, expressed support for the inclusion of the Roman Circus site.

Councillor King, Leader of the Council and Portfolio for Strategy, introduced the report and stressed that this ws a significant opportunity to bid for funding.  It was important that the Council work cross party and be prepared to work at pace to secure a successful outcome.

RESOLVED that:-


(a) The thematic and geographic focus of Colchester’s Levelling Up Fund round 2 bid currently in preparation, with reference to the published Levelling Up Fund eligibility criteria, be endorsed.

(b) Further work on the bid be undertaken including engaging the local MP and key stakeholders to confirm their support.

(c) The final approval of the bid submission be delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Strategy and the Portfolio Holder for Resources in liaison with the Head of Finance, and thereafter its submission to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on or before 6th July 2022 by officers.

REASONS

Approval to proceed and submit a bid of up to £20m to LUF round 2 will build upon the strong foundations set by the ‘We are Colchester’ (Town Deal) programme, potentially attracting further substantial investment into a key part of our core town centre. 
The cohesive set of proposed interventions outlined in the Assistant Director’s report best meet the criteria set out at paragraph 1.6 of the Assistant Director’s report and will further boost Colchester’s opportunities to realise its economic development, place-making, inward investment, and regeneration ambitions, targeting the area of the town centre with the most extensive challenges, but also opportunities.
It should be noted that the criteria from DLUHC for this fund are very specific, and a number of the ambitions of the administration which do not fit within the intervention themes for this funding may do so for future funds. Furthermore, substantial, and eligible match funding of around £2.5m aligned to the St Botolph’s highway scheme is already identified and included within this proposed bid.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS  

No alternative options have been presented to Cabinet. As with the Town Deal, LUF is recognised as a once in a generation opportunity for Colchester, and there are no other current or anticipated sources of funding and investment of comparable size and scope. Some of the interventions included in the proposed LUF round 2 bid see LUF as the funder of last resort as they are unlikely to attract suitable investment from other sources; and cannot be funded within the Council’s resources.

 

The Assistant Director, Corporate and Improvement Services, submitted a report a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.

Cabinet noted that the Conservative Group appointment to the Board of Colchester Borough Homes and the Green appointment to the Member Development Group were outstanding and it was agreed that authority be delegated to the relevant group Leader to make these appointments.

RESOLVED that:-

(a) The representatives to the various external organisations and Council groups listed in Appendix A to the Assistant Director’s report be appointed for the 2022-23 municipal year, with such appointments to cease if representatives cease to be members of the Council during the municipal year and authority be delegated to the relevant Group Leader to make the outstanding appointments in Appendix A.
 
(b) The Leader of the Council be authorised to make a determination, where a nomination is deemed to be in dispute, if a vacancy occurs or if an appointment needs to be made to a new organisation during the municipal year.

(c) Councillor King be appointed as the Council’s Armed Forces Champion.

(d) The reports about the work undertaken by appointees to external organisations in 2021-22, as set out in Appendix B of the Assistant Director’s report, be noted. 

REASONS

It is important for the Council to continue to make formal appointments to certain organisations and council groups such as those with statutory functions, our key strategic and community partners and groups with joint working arrangements

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

No alternative options are proposed.  It is proposed to authorise the Leader of the Council to make a determination where a nomination is deemed to be in dispute or if an appointment needs to be made if a vacancy occurs or an appointment needs to be made to a new organisation during the municipal year.

 

The Assistant Director, Place and Client Services, submitted a report a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.

Councillor Fox, Portfolio Holder for Local Economy and Transformation, introduced the report and explained that this provided a new opportunity to provide affordable housing in the town centre.  It would support the economy and vibrancy of the town Centre. The proposal aligned with the current town centre masterplan and the Levelling Up Fund bid.  

RESOLVED that:-

(a) The Council pursue this particular town centre opportunity as set out in the Assistant Director’s report

(b) Authority be delegated to the Assistant Director of Place and Client Services, in conjunction with the appropriate Portfolio Holder to negotiate terms, approve the exchange of conditional contracts to acquire the town centre site, and any other related matters, and to complete the purchase when all conditions are satisfied.

REASONS


There are almost 3,000 households on the Council’s Housing Register seeking social housing and approximately 200 households in temporary accommodation. It is a priority of the Council, as shown by its New Housebuilding Programme, to try and find new ways to provide more homes in response to this need.

The Council is delivering affordable homes, but it is still continually seeking new and innovative ways to increase the supply of affordable housing further; and provide good quality, affordable and secure homes for Colchester’s residents who are in housing need

Although there is a supply of affordable housing through Section 106 provision via Registered providers, alongside Council led projects such as HRA Garage Sites Phase 2, Military Road, Creffield Road, Garage Sites Phase 3 and Elfreda House, supply is not meeting the need. The Covid impacts have slowed affordable housing delivery in the market, and for the first year the Council delivered more affordable homes through its delivery Programme than all other Registered Providers combined; which evidences the importance of the Council’s role.

This project will increase the Council’s housing stock in the town centre and diversifies the methods to bring forward additional affordable housing. This will also strengthen the Council’s investment partner status with Homes England and will provide more opportunities to bid for Affordable Housing Grant within the 2021/26 affordable homes programme.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

The Council could do nothing, but this will mean the Council will miss opportunities to maximise the delivery of newbuild social rent housing in Colchester and it will mean that households on the housing register and in temporary accommodation will wait longer for a secure affordable home.

 

Minute 42 of the Policy Panel meeting of 2 March 2022 was submitted to Cabinet.

Councillor Laws attended and with the consent of the Chair addressed the Cabinet to stress that the middle stretch of the River Colne provided a potential for improved leisure and tourism opportunities. These opportunities included the Old Lido, Cymbeline Meadows, the Belle Vue site and Middle Mill.  More should be done to engage with users, such as the Canoe Club, who would be able to advise on potential sources of funding.  It was disappointing that there were such few facilities available for users.  It was a key asset for Colchester.  However it was accepted that development of this potential needed to be consistent with public safety and environmental considerations.

RESOLVED that:-

(a) Work be commenced to develop a new Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy for Colchester and that development of the strategy be incorporated within a Panel work programme for the 2022/23 municipal year. A key element of the strategy development to include consultation with stakeholders. 

(b) Options be explored working alongside key partners to identify and lever in external funding to accelerate wetland restoration projects as part of the Woodland and Biodiversity Programme of work. 

(c) The Council collaborates with the Land Use and Green Infrastructure Essex Climate Action Commission with a view to the Council being a partner to the proposed Essex Climate Focus Area and that future updates are taken to Environment and Sustainability Panel for consideration. 

(d) An options paper on fishing rights for the River Colne be developed with stakeholders and presented to the relevant Portfolio Holder for consideration.

REASONS

Cabinet supported the recommendation of the Policy Panel.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

It was open to the Cabinet not to agree the recommendations from the Policy Panel or agree them subject to amendments.  

 

Minute 64 of the Environment and Sustainability Panel meeting of 22 March 2022 was submitted to Cabinet.

Councillor King explained that the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability was not present at the meeting but he reported her view that a separate website dedicated to environmental issues was not necessary. There was already significant information available online about the climate emergency and environmental issues. It was accepted that the presentation of environmental issues on the Council’s website could be made more accessible, and that there was a role for improved outreach and social media work. The Council’s website was mainly used for transactional purposes, rather than for information gathering.  It would be a better use of resource to seek to enhance the existing webpages than develop a separate website. This enhancement could include signposting and links to partner organisations and improved search functionality. It should also link into other promotional work by the Council on raising awareness on environmental issues and encourage residents to take part in environmental initiatives..

In discussion, members of Cabinet acknowledged that the website could be difficult to navigate and that there could be value in seeking the view of a sample of users and analysing information on visits.  However, it was explained that the functionality was continually improved and usage monitored so that the most commons transaction or information were prioritised and were most prominent on the site.

RESOLVED that:-

(a) The Environment and Sustainability Panel be thanked for their recommendation;

(b) The information on environmental issues and climate change on the website be enhanced and made more accessible 

REASONS

Cabinet considered that it was a better use of resources to seek to seek to enhance and improve the accessibility of the existing website than to look at developing an entirely new and  separate website dedicated to environmental issues.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

It was open to the Cabinet to agree the recommendations from the Environment and Sustainability Panel.

 

Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Waste, explained that he was content for Cabinet to accept the recommendation. The Covid 19 pandemic had led to an increase in household waste as many people were working at home.  It was accepted that it would require the Council to push and promote behaviour change in order to significantly improve household recycling rates.

RESOLVED that that Cabinet campaigns and pushes to achieve a reduction in household waste produced and an increase in household recycling.  

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

It was open to the Cabinet not to agree the recommendations from the Scrutiny Panel or agree them subject to amendments.  

 

The Assistant Director, Place and Client Services submitted a report a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.

With the consent of the Chair a statement provided by Councillor G. Oxford was read to Cabinet.  The development was wholly within the Highwoods ward. A significant portion of the capital receipt generated from the sale should be used towards St Marks Community Centre, in addition to £1.8 million already secured.  As there had been a delay in the tendering process, the costs were likely to be higher than anticipated. An additional capital receipt would ensure the Community Centre went ahead without any reduction in quality of design or materials.  Without the additional funding the project was at risk as Trustees may not sign the lease if the quality of the final scheme were reduced. 

Councillor Cory, Portfolio Holder for Resources, explained that an increased offer had been made for the site, after the previous sale had not been proceeded with. This was a good for Colchester and would enable investment on other opportunities and projects.  The site was undeveloped and it was hoped that some of the greenery could be maintained or provided elsewhere though biodiversity mitigation.

In response to Councillor Oxford’s submission, Councillor King, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, stressed that the Council remained committed to the delivery of St Marks Community Centre.

RESOLVED that:-

(a) the disposal of Plot 600, The Crescent on a 250 year lease on the terms set out in Parts A and B of the Assistant Director’s report be agreed.

(b) All of the offers received (as set out in Appendix A of the not for publication report in Part B pf the agenda be noted) and the disposal to the 2nd party should the winning party fail to perform, and similarly to dispose to the 3rd party if the 2nd party does not perform, be agreed.

(c) Authority be delegated to the Assistant Director, Policy and Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources, to approve the final terms, conclude the legal documentation and complete the sale.  


REASONS

To conclude the disposal to the preferred bidder for the site with the objective of securing a capital receipt to fund regeneration projects and to maximise the effectiveness of its assets and contribute, in a planned and holistic manner, to the growth and prosperity of the wider borough in the interests of public benefit.  


ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

The Council could keep hold of the land and retain it as a longer-term asset to develop it itself in the future. However, the capital receipt has already been earmarked to support regeneration projects. 

 

The Cabinet resolved under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements)(Meetings and Access to Information)(England) Regulations 2012 to exclude the public from the meeting for the following item as it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

The Assistant Director, Place and Client Services, submitted a report a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.

RESOLVED that the contents of the Assistant Director’s report be noted.

REASONS

As set out in minute 662.


ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

As set out in minute 662.

 

The Cabinet resolved under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements)(Meetings and Access to Information)(England) Regulations 2012 to exclude the public from the meeting for the following item as it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.


The Assistant Director, Place and Client Services submitted a report a copy of which had been circulated to each Member .

RESOLVED that the contents of the Assistant Director’s report be noted.

REASONS

As set out in minute 666.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

As set out in minute 666.