The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) providing an update on the preparation of an Essex Coast Recreation disturbance, Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which will support the provisions of the emerging Southend New Local Plan (SNLP) in relation to the protection of important natural habitat sites on the Essex Coast.

Resolved:-

1. That the Essex Coast Recreation disturbance, Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (Appendix 1) for a 6 week public consultation, be approved.

2. That the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) be given delegated authority, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, to make necessary minor amendments which may be required as a result of public consultation and to subsequently adopt the RAMS as a Supplementary Planning Document.

3. That the implementation of a development tariff to be collected on all residential planning applications submitted in the Southend Borough as a contribution to funding mitigation proposals on the Essex Coast as defined and set out in the RAMS SPD, be approved. That this tariff charge of £122.30 per dwelling be reviewed on a yearly basis to permit inflation increases in accordance with the Retail Price Index.

4. That the Essex Planning Officers Association (EPOA) act as the RAMS Project Delivery Board responsible for the coordination and monitoring of the project, and that elected Councillors from each local authority will also be involved with the governance and delivery of the project.

Reason for Decision:

To ensure that an appropriate strategy and supporting evidence is put in place to support the nature conservation provisions of the SNLP and to meet the requirements of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive function

Eligible for call in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet member: Cllr Mulroney