The Cabinet of Tendring Council met on Friday 26 June 2026, adopting a revised strategy to protect coastal wildlife from the impact of new housing developments and approving a new tariff for this purpose. The meeting also addressed consequential matters arising from the formation of three new parishes in the Clacton-on-Sea area, including authorising funding for the transition process.

Adoption of the Revised Essex Coast Recreational Disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS)

The Cabinet formally adopted the revised Essex Coast Recreational Disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS), superseding the original strategy from 2018-2038. A key decision was the approval of a new RAMS tariff of £476 per net additional dwelling, which will take effect from 1 August 2026. This revised strategy and tariff are intended to ensure that mitigation measures are secured for the full lifetime of development and reflect a substantial increase in planned housing growth across the Zone of Influence. The existing RAMS Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will be withdrawn and replaced with an Essex Coast RAMS Technical Advice Note (TAN). Gary Guiver, Corporate Director (Planning and Community), in consultation with Councillor Andy Baker, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning, was authorised to finalise and publish the TAN.

Consequential Matters in Respect of the Formation of New Parishes

The Cabinet noted the report concerning the consequential matters arising from the formation of new parishes for Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea, and West Clacton & Jaywick Sands, which are set to officially come into existence from 1 April 2027. Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance, noted that the Council would, in due course, determine the budgets and Council Tax precepts for these new parish councils for 2027/28. The Assistant Director (Corporate Policy & Support), Keith Simmons, was authorised to commission the Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC) to support the transition process, with a sum of £52,500 allocated. Of this, £25,000 is expected to be recoverable from the new parish councils. The remaining £27,500 will be met from the Corporate Investment Fund (Revenue) for the 2026/27 financial year. The associated work, including tax bases and special expenses, will be part of the Council's wider annual budget setting processes for 2027/28. It was also noted that costs incurred by the Returning Officer for administering elections to the new Parish Councils will be recovered from those councils.

Local Regeneration Fund (LRF) - Milton Road and Victoria Street: Progress Update

Councillor Ivan Henderson, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, reported on the progress of the Local Regeneration Fund (LRF) schemes for Milton Road and Victoria Street in Dovercourt. Cabinet noted and welcomed the progress on the second procurement exercise, which had attracted significant market interest and identified a preferred bidder. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to the use and management of these sites, with Milton Road retained for public car parking and Victoria Street sites designated for housing purposes within the Housing Revenue Account. Cabinet supported the progression of the project to the next stage, including entering into a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) with the preferred bidder. Lee Heley, Corporate Director (Place and Wellbeing) & Deputy Chief Executive, will oversee this process.

Adoption of Food & Safety Service Plan & Enforcement Policy

Councillor Adrian Smith, Portfolio Holder for the Environment & ICT, presented the revised Food & Safety Service Plan 2026-2027 and the Food & Safety Enforcement Policy 2026-2028 for approval. Cabinet resolved to approve these documents in so far as they relate to executive functions. The documents will be referred to the Licensing and Registration Committee for consideration of non-executive functions. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director (Operations and Delivery), Tim Clarke, Assistant Director (Housing and Environment), to approve any necessary amendments or updates, subject to the decisions of the Licensing and Registration Committee.

Outturn Performance Against the Regulator of Social Housing's Tenant Satisfaction Measures for 2025/26

Councillor Andy Baker, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning, presented the Council's outturn performance against the Regulator of Social Housing's Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) for 2025/26. Cabinet noted the report, which will be published on the Council's website and submitted to the Regulator by 30 June 2026. A slight decline in overall tenant satisfaction was noted, from 81.3% in 2024/25 to 78.7% in 2025/26. Satisfaction with repairs also decreased, although emergency repairs completed within target timescales improved. The number of complaints received increased, with Stage 1 responses improving but Stage 2 responses declining. The proportion of homes failing the Decent Home standard increased to 4.9%, attributed to better data from stock condition surveys. Cabinet requested that the Corporate Director (Operations and Delivery), in consultation with Councillor Baker, develop a new action plan for 2026/27 focusing on continuous improvement, which will be presented to the Audit Committee.