This week, the Epping Forest council held the following meetings:

• Area Planning Sub-Committee South on Wednesday, 12 June 2024
• Meetings on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, for which no video broadcast was provided
• HGGT Joint Committee on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, for which no video broadcast was provided

Area Planning Sub-Committee South

The Area Planning Sub-Committee South meeting was the most impactful this week, with several key decisions made on planning applications that will shape the local landscape.

Key Decisions:

1. 18 Kenilworth Gardens, Loughton:

   • Application: EPF 1291/23
   • Proposal: First floor extension, demolition of existing rear conservatory, erection of a new single-storey rear extension with roof light, change of roof from pitched to small crown, replacement of all windows, and new porch with Gable D Tower.
   • Decision: Approved
   • Discussion: The committee discussed objections from the town council and a neighbour regarding the extension being overbearing and causing loss of residential amenity. The planning officer presented the application, highlighting that the modifications would not significantly impact the neighbouring properties. The committee voted in favour of the application, with conditions to ensure the materials used would be controlled to maintain the area's character.

2. 191 The FERS, High Road, Chigwell:

   • Application: EPF 1770/23
   • Proposal: Change of use from existing residential to nursery with class E.
   • Decision: Refused
   • Discussion: This application faced significant opposition from local residents and the Chigwell Parish Council. Concerns included insufficient parking, increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, and the impact on local residential amenity. The committee reviewed the noise assessment and parking provisions, ultimately deciding that the proposed nursery would have an unacceptable impact on the local area.

3. Land South of Chigwell Rise:

   • Application: EPF 1919/23
   • Proposal: Use of the site as a natural burial ground with associated landscaping, access improvements, and parking.
   • Decision: Refused
   • Discussion: The committee considered objections related to the impact on the Green Belt, potential flooding, and the lack of necessary facilities for a burial ground. The inspector's previous decision on a similar application was also taken into account. The committee concluded that the proposal would harm the openness of the Green Belt and did not provide sufficient facilities to operate a burial ground effectively.

4. 233-235 Fencepiece Road, Chigwell:

   • Application: EPF 2447/23
   • Proposal: Demolition of two semi-detached dwellings and replacement with six apartments.
   • Decision: Approved
   • Discussion: The committee reviewed the application, noting that a previous similar application had been dismissed at appeal due to the lack of a unilateral undertaking for SAC contributions. This issue had been resolved in the current application. The committee discussed concerns about parking and noise from the proposed car lift but ultimately decided that the application met planning policies and conditions could mitigate potential issues.

5. 2 Danbury Road:

   • Application: Not specified
   • Proposal: New porch and minor window alterations.
   • Decision: Approved with conditions
   • Discussion: The committee reviewed the application, which included retrospective elements. Concerns were raised about the potential use of the property as an HMO. The committee decided to approve the application with conditions to restrict the use to a single-family dwelling (C3) and to remove permitted development rights to prevent future intensification without further planning permission.

These decisions reflect the council's ongoing efforts to manage development while considering the impact on local communities and the environment. The discussions and outcomes from this week's meetings will have lasting implications for the district, particularly in terms of planning, housing, and public services.

For more details on the meetings and decisions, you can visit the council's meeting archive.

This week, the Epping Forest council held three meetings: the Licensing Sub Committee on Tuesday, 04 June 2024, the Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 04 June 2024, and the Area Planning Sub-Committee West on Wednesday, 05 June 2024.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting was the most impactful this week, covering a wide range of topics that will shape the council's priorities for the coming year.

1. Council's Corporate Priorities: The leader of the council presented the corporate priorities for the year ahead. Key areas of focus include:

   • Planning Control: Emphasis was placed on maintaining control over planning to avoid the pitfalls experienced by neighboring councils. The council aims to implement a new planning system by early autumn.
   • Housing: The council is committed to addressing issues in housing estates, such as parking on grass verges and other community concerns. The importance of housing in determining health outcomes was highlighted.
   • Place Fund: A fund of £150,000 has been set up to improve local areas, addressing issues like fly-tipping, litter, and parking on grass verges.
   • Waste Management: The council plans to establish its own waste company as the contract with Biffa ends, aiming to take back control of waste services.
   • Economic Development: The council is focused on attracting businesses and creating job opportunities, highlighted by a recent contract with Google.
   • Qualis: The council discussed the importance of Qualis, its arms-length company, in delivering housing repairs and managing commercial assets. While Qualis has faced challenges, particularly in development, the council remains optimistic about its future contributions.

2. Public Questions and Scrutiny: The committee discussed the importance of public engagement and scrutiny of external bodies like Transport for London (TfL). The council is keen to address issues related to public transport and digital connectivity, particularly the upcoming BT analogue switch-off.

3. Corporate Plan Key Objectives and Actions: The committee reviewed the year-end report for 2023/2024, focusing on areas such as anti-social behavior operations, the multi-agency hub in Oakwood Hill, and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. The council is also reviewing its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to better align with its corporate plan.

4. Budget Monitoring: The committee reviewed the budget monitoring report for the fourth quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year. Despite challenges, the council ended the year with a surplus, allowing for the replenishment of reserves and the creation of a transformation revenue reserve.

Licensing Sub Committee

The Licensing Sub Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, 04 June 2024. However, the details of the discussions and decisions made during this meeting were not provided.

Area Planning Sub-Committee West

The Area Planning Sub-Committee West meeting took place on Wednesday, 05 June 2024. The specifics of the planning applications reviewed and decisions made were not detailed.

These meetings underscore the council's commitment to addressing community needs, managing financial resources prudently, and maintaining control over planning and development. The discussions and decisions made this week will have lasting implications for the district, particularly in terms of planning, housing, and public services.

This week, the Epping Forest council held several meetings, including the Area Planning Sub-Committee East on Wednesday, 29 May 2024, and a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 28 May 2024. The remaining meetings were not specified in detail.

Area Planning Sub-Committee East

The Area Planning Sub-Committee East focused on two key planning applications:

1. Mill Lane Housing Development: The committee approved the erection of seven three-bedroom houses at Mill Lane, Hiongara. This decision was made despite objections from the parish council and local residents concerning the protection of veteran trees and the impact on local parking. The council's tree officers conducted a site visit and determined that the trees in question were not veteran trees, thus allowing the development to proceed with conditions to protect the existing trees and manage parking issues. The committee also discussed the potential use of Section 106 funds to address parking concerns raised by residents.

2. Tootill Bungalow Extension: The committee approved an extension to a bungalow in Tootill, despite objections from a neighboring property owner and the parish council. The extension was deemed to comply with local planning policies and was designed to minimize impact on neighboring properties.

Cabinet Meeting

The Cabinet meeting covered several significant topics:

1. Planning Advisory Service (PAS) Review: The council discussed the PAS review of the Planning Advisory Service Development Management Committee. The review was conducted in response to concerns about the quality of major planning applications. The council is close to the threshold for special measures, which could result in significant ramifications, including reputational damage and financial loss. The PAS review made seven recommendations, including reducing the number of planning committees, reviewing the scheme of delegation, and implementing a program of training for officers and members. The council agreed to accept these recommendations and implement the required changes.

2. East of Harlow Master Planning Guidance: The council adopted the East of Harlow Master Planning Guidance Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This document provides guidance for the development of 750 homes in Epping and 2,600 homes in Harlow, along with key infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, and green spaces. The SPD aims to ensure that the development reflects the vision shared by the Garden Town partners.

3. South Epping Strategic Master Plan Framework: The council approved the draft South Epping Master Plan area strategic master plan framework and design code for public consultation. This development is allocated for a minimum of 450 homes, a primary school, community space, and a bridge over the Central Line. The consultation will run for six weeks, allowing the public and statutory consultees to review and comment on the proposals.

4. Integration of Epping Library into Civic Offices: The council discussed the proposal to integrate Epping Library into the Epping Forest District Council's civic offices. This move aims to create a community hub, bringing together various services under one roof. The council emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate signage and accessibility for the library within the civic offices.

5. North Weald Airfield Control Tower and Fire Station Development: The council approved funding for the construction of a new control tower and fire station at North Weald Airfield. This investment aims to secure the future of aviation activities at the airfield, which is a significant part of the district's identity.

6. Qualis Accounts Report: The council reviewed the Qualis accounts report, noting a reduction in the valuation of assets due to the economic downturn. The council emphasized the importance of monitoring Qualis's performance and ensuring financial prudence.

7. Quarter Four Budget Monitoring Report: The council reviewed the budget monitoring report for the fourth quarter of the 2023-2024 financial year. The report highlighted a nearly £1 million underspend, which will be moved into reserves. However, the council also noted challenges ahead, particularly in planning income and housing benefit overpayments.

These meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts to manage development, financial planning, and community services effectively. The decisions made this week will have significant implications for the future of the district, particularly in terms of planning and infrastructure development.

This week, the Epping Forest council convened for the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting on Tuesday, 23 April 2024. This was the only meeting that took place, as the Licensing Sub Committee and Area Planning Sub-Committee South meetings were cancelled.

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting was notably comprehensive, covering several critical areas:

1. Youth Council Presentation: The Youth Council's annual review was a highlight, showcasing their initiatives against substance misuse and their educational programs. The council's support for empowering youth in community projects was evident. Here's a noteworthy quote from the discussion:

   The Youth Council's innovative approach to tackling substance misuse through education is commendable and essential for fostering a healthy community.

2. Budget Monitoring Report: The financial health of the council was a major topic, particularly the capital receipt from the sale of North Weald Airfield. This unexpected income has positively impacted the budget but also raised concerns about future financial planning due to shortfalls in planning income. The council is considering adjustments to address these challenges.

3. Corporate Performance Report: Issues such as customer service response times and waste management efficiencies were scrutinized. The council is looking into enhancing public communication and educational initiatives to manage the increasing household waste effectively.

4. People Strategy Update: The focus was on improving the employee experience and promoting diversity within the workforce. The alignment of the People Strategy with council goals was discussed, highlighting its potential impact on staff morale and overall council operations.

5. Scrutiny of External Bodies: The need for more rigorous scrutiny of external bodies like Transport for London and Thames Water was emphasized, particularly concerning their roles in local transportation and river pollution issues.

The meeting also served as an occasion to honor departing council members, acknowledging their contributions with personal tributes and gifts, which added a unique personal touch to the proceedings.

This meeting not only addressed immediate council operations and strategies but also set a tone for future council activities, emphasizing financial prudence, community engagement, and operational efficiency. As this is a recurring theme in council operations, the implications of these discussions are likely to influence future council priorities and actions.