Cabinet 19 March 2025
Public questions anticipated the main debate as Epping Forest District Council’s Cabinet endorsed the South Epping Masterplan strategic framework and design code at its meeting on 19 March.
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Following the presentation of the report by Councillor Ken Williamson, Councillor Holly Whitbread acknowledged that while people such as her would have preferred not to have this site, the implementation of the Local Plan provided an important defence against over development, especially in view of the Government call for even more housing in Epping Forest and elsewhere.
Councillors supported the aspiration that affordable housing for South Epping should be primarily for local people. The Masterplan is not a planning application, and councillors emphasised the facilities and infrastructure such as schools, health, leisure and transport they would like to see the developer to bring forward.
Councillors also suggested that Overview and Scrutiny might invite the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to discuss enhanced medical provision and what more the ICB might do.
Local Government Reorganisation
It is 50 years since the last reorganisation of local government in Epping Forest district. Councillors endorsed the interim Local Government Reorganisation report for submission to government on 21 March. Councillor Chris Whitbread Leader of Epping Forest District Council highlighted the cooperation between the 15 Essex councils in producing the report which provides a starting point for further exploration and refinement. While some of the councils have suggested the creation of five new unitary councils, Councillor Whitbread emphasised the importance of gathering all the evidence necessary to ensure the final number of councils was both democratically accountable and financially sustainable.
In response to a question by Councillor Graham Wiskin, Councillor Whitbread explained that while the government white paper makes little mention of town and parish councils, he foresaw an important role for town and parish councils in the new structure.
Councillor Whitbread agreed with Councillor Jon Whitehouse that Local Government Reorganisation presented formidable challenges, while also emphasising the important opportunities, including bringing some services such as education and social care closer to the communities they serve. Councillor Whitbread also emphasised that Epping Forest District Council must continue to deliver the best possible services local residents require and deserve, right up to the point of reorganisation.
Energy efficiency retrofit programme
Council tenants can look forward to lower energy bills and more comfortable homes. Housing portfolio holder Councillor Nigel Bedford was delighted to announce excellent news. Epping Forest District Council has received confirmation of a successful bid leading to a £2.2million grant towards the delivery of an energy efficiency retrofit programme.
It was agreed to appoint Morgan Sindall Limited to deliver the programme. Councillors went on to approve contracts for the installation of various maintenance repairs and uPVC double glazing contracts for the district’s council housing.
Other items
In other business, Cabinet approved smoke control areas for Epping Forest district, the Essex Procurement Partnership Collaboration Agreement, better health outcomes through the integrated care system, the council’s CCTV strategy and anti-social behaviour policy. They also agreed the transfer of land between the Housing Revenue Account and General Fund for the Chequers B housing development in Loughton, and permission to dispose of land at Pyles Lane.
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