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Special Meeting, Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 24th April, 2024 4.30 pm

April 24, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)
AI Generated

Summary

The council meeting focused on a significant development project involving the construction of housing units and the financial arrangements related to Southend United Football Club. The discussion centered on the transaction structure, the percentage of affordable housing, and the financial risks to the council.

  1. Decision on Affordable Housing Percentage: The council agreed to reduce the affordable housing requirement from 30% to 15%, potentially dropping to 13%. Arguments for the reduction were based on financial viability and the need to ensure the project's success without imposing excessive financial risk on the council. Critics were concerned about the reduction in affordable housing impacting lower-income residents. The decision implies fewer affordable units than initially planned, which could affect housing availability for economically disadvantaged groups.

  2. Decision on Transaction Structure for Development: The council discussed the income strip transaction structure, where the council would lease the completed units from a pension fund, which finances the construction. Proponents argued this structure leverages the council's strong credit to finance the project without upfront costs, while opponents worried about long-term financial obligations and potential negative cash flows if rental income falls short. The decision to proceed with this structure means the council commits to long-term financial obligations but facilitates significant development without immediate capital expenditure.

  3. Discussion on Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns: Although not a formal decision, there was significant discussion about the environmental impact and infrastructure needs due to the development. Concerns were raised about increased traffic, pressure on local services, and environmental degradation. The council noted these issues would be addressed in the planning phase, emphasizing sustainable development and community benefits.

Interesting Event: An error was spotted in the presented map, showing land incorrectly allocated for supporter facilities, which was not part of the current plan. This mistake highlighted the need for careful review of public documents and plans shared in council meetings.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's focus on balancing development opportunities with financial prudence and community needs.

Attendees

Susan Zeiss
Claire Shuter
Colin Ansell
Profile image for Councillor Laurie Burton
Councillor Laurie Burton  Cabinet Member for Children, Learning and SEND •  Labour Party •  Blenheim Park Ward
Councillor Brian Beggs
Profile image for Councillor Margaret Borton
Councillor Margaret Borton  Labour Party •  Victoria Ward
Councillor Steve Buckley
Profile image for Councillor Paul Collins
Councillor Paul Collins  Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets and Public Transport - Liberal Democrat Group Leader •  Liberal Democrats •  Eastwood Park Ward
Profile image for Councillor Daniel Cowan
Councillor Daniel Cowan  Leader of the Council •  Labour & Co-operative Party •  St Laurence Ward
Councillor Tricia Cowdrey
Profile image for Councillor Alan Dear
Councillor Alan Dear  Conservative Party •  Belfairs Ward
Profile image for Councillor Matt Dent
Councillor Matt Dent  Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism •  Labour & Co-operative Party •  Kursaal Ward
Profile image for CouncillorFay Evans
CouncillorFay Evans  Conservative Party •  West Leigh Ward
Profile image for CouncillorNigel Folkard
CouncillorNigel Folkard  Mayor •  Conservative Party •  Chalkwell Ward
Councillor Stephen George
Profile image for Councillor John Harland
Councillor John Harland  Conservative Party •  West Shoebury Ward
Profile image for Councillor Anne Jones
Councillor Anne Jones  Deputy Leader - Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing •  Labour Party •  Westborough Ward
Councillor Chris Walker
Councillor Peter Wexham
Profile image for CouncillorTony Cox
CouncillorTony Cox  Deputy Mayor - Leader of the Southend Reform UK Group •  Reform UK •  West Shoebury Ward
Profile image for Councillor David Garston
Councillor David Garston  Conservative Party •  Prittlewell Ward
Profile image for CouncillorStephen Aylen
CouncillorStephen Aylen  Non-Aligned •  Belfairs Ward
Peter Bates
Joe Chesterton
Stephanie Cox
Alan Richards
Glyn Halksworth
Tim Holland
Tim Row
Colin Gamble
Profile image for Councillor Maxine Sadza
Councillor Maxine Sadza  Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities •  Labour Party •  Milton Ward
Profile image for Councillor Jack Warren
Councillor Jack Warren  Conservative Party •  Belfairs Ward
Profile image for CouncillorSteven Wakefield
CouncillorSteven Wakefield  Independent Group Lead Spokesperson •  Independent •  Shoeburyness Ward
Profile image for CouncillorRobert McMullan
CouncillorRobert McMullan  Liberal Democrats •  Eastwood Park Ward

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

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