The Council will receive the annual State of the Tendring District Statement from the Leader of the Council.
Minutes:
The Council received the Annual State of the Tendring District Statement from the Leader of the Council as follows:-
“Chairman, Councillors and members of the public, I am delighted to present to you this year's State of Tendring address. This statement is intended to give you an overview of some of the Council's achievements over the past year and from my time as the Leader, since May last year. As you will all be aware there were a number of changes in the May 2023 elections and for some of you this is your first time as an elected District Councillor, so this is an opportunity to reflect on the journey we have been on over the past months as well as to consider the priorities and challenges that lay ahead.
Being an effective Councillor requires both commitment and hard work and as Councillors each of us represents our community and the interests of our residents and we should not understate our role in representing and doing the right thing for Tendring. Being an elected member is both rewarding and a privilege. It is undeniably a great honour to have the trust of residents placed into our hands, and we are all in a position to make a difference in the quality of other people's daily lives and the prospects they have. I believe we lead the way in Tendring, with innovative solutions, single-minded positivity, matched with a 'can-do' attitude, as we aim to work with our many partners, nationally, regionally and locally.
Every effective administration should clearly define its priorities for the duration of its term. I trust that you are all familiar with these priorities, as the new Administration collaborated to formulate and establish a new Corporate Plan, called Our Vision. This plan outlines the Council's vision and key objectives for the forthcoming four years and last week the detail for our first year was approved by Cabinet and gives more detail on how we aim to deliver on those priorities.
I bring up the Corporate Plan because we have made extensive efforts to engage with the residents of Tendring to fully grasp what matters to them, and what doesn't. This Corporate Plan serves as a blueprint for all councillors, outlining the desires and priorities of the residents. With this in mind, I would like to highlight some of the progress and achievements we've made since May 2023.
Undoubtedly, the levelling up funds have been a top priority. Work has commenced to deliver the Levelling Up Fund in Clacton, with the demolition of Carnarvon House paving the way for new homes and an overhaul of the car park. Collaborating with Essex County Council, plans are underway to rebuild the library and introduce adult community learning, while the University of Essex's Centre for Coastal Community is set to establish a base in the new hub.
Furthermore, Capital Regeneration Projects in Dovercourt are underway, where consultation has taken place ahead of improvements to Kingsway, to transform the look and feel of the town centre, and design work to bring the integration of adult community learning into the library has progressed.
The Levelling Up Partnership will provide £20m of capital funding next year pending final approval by Ministers. Government officials are to decide on the investment package following detailed discussions with the Council and partner organisations across the District during the early part of this year. We look forward to hearing their forthcoming final proposals shortly.
Next, we have the Long Term Plan for Towns, allocating an additional £20 million over a ten-year span, with a focus on Clacton. This plan aims to inject much-needed investment into Clacton Town Centre. To spearhead this initiative, we've established a new Town Board for Clacton, comprising community leaders, business figures, and local groups, all working collaboratively to shape the town's future and oversee the plan's implementation. Despite stringent government timelines, our diligent officers have managed to organise its inaugural meeting, scheduled for next week, and likely to be the first in the country.
Finally, we come to the High Street Accelerator initiative which provides £237,000 for Dovercourt town centre improvements, and this will be formally launched at a family fun day on Saturday, March 30. Notably, while these funds are administered by TDC, the voluntary sector, private sector, and residents play a crucial role in determining where these funds are directed. Additionally, we are in the process of bidding for a further £500,000 extension of this scheme, with hopes of delivering some positive news in the near future.
Chairman, I'm sure you'll agree that we have a lot happening within the framework of Levelling Up. However, there's much more in the pipeline. I'm referring specifically to the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community (TCBGC) project, which is another significant endeavour being undertaken by TDC. For those that can recall, the Development Plan Document (DPD) for the Garden Community was submitted to the Secretary of State in September 2023, following two rounds of formal public consultation.
The Submission Version of the DPD is a Plan containing policies, standards, and an indicative masterplan layout that will shape the growth of a planned new settlement between Colchester, Ardleigh and Elmstead Market, which forms part of the adopted Local Plans for Tendring and Colchester; and which will deliver around 7,500 new homes and opportunities for employment over the next 30 to 40 years.
A Government Planning Inspector has been appointed to examine the DPD which will involve considering all the evidence and assessing if the DPD is sound and compliant with local and national planning policy. The Inspector will be conducting a public hearing this May before coming to their conclusions. Once the Plan is formally adopted, any future planning applications to develop the Garden Community will be determined by the Joint Committee in line with the policies set out in the Plan.
It feels an appropriate time to mention that the Council has now kick-started the review of its Local Plan to ensure our blueprint for the future growth of Tendring and the rule book for determining planning applications remains up to date, aligns with government thinking and gives us the best chance to shape the future of our District, ensuring high-quality development at the right time and in the right place. Reviewing and updating the Local Plan is also critical in ensuring the District is protected from unwanted harmful and speculative development and that our natural and historic environment can continue to be protected and enhanced.
Speaking of which, our District enjoys a wealth of attractive and historically significant buildings and areas worthy of special protection. Tendring has twenty "conservation areas", which are defined as "areas of special architectural or historical interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance".
In line with the Council's Heritage Strategy, a series of "character appraisals and management plans" have been produced for each of the twenty conservation areas in Tendring through joint working between our Planning Officers and heritage experts in Essex Place Services. Following public consultation, we are now in the process of formally adopting these documents and so they are "material planning considerations" when considering development proposals within the conservation areas.
Continuing on the theme of planning and housing, I'd like to provide an update on two housing projects currently in progress. Firstly, Spendells House in Walton-on-the-Naze is undergoing conversion by TDC into temporary accommodation, aimed at housing individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The existing two-story accommodation is undergoing renovations with additional facilities being added, resulting in a total of 32 flats, including one designed to be wheelchair accessible. There will also be flexibility to connect certain flats to accommodate larger families. This new facility at Spendells House will address the urgent need for emergency accommodation, reducing our reliance on costly bed and breakfast options for those in need. This initiative offers improved support for individuals in difficult circumstances by keeping them closer to home and ensuring a minimum standard of quality.
Furthermore, plans are underway to construct 13 bungalows and a flat in Lawford for older residents, along with a community building at the Honeycroft site in Waldegrave Way. Repurposing this site demonstrates a positive use of council assets. Revitalising Honeycroft and providing quality housing for our residents will significantly benefit the community and contribute to addressing our priorities. Funding for these projects is sourced from the Council's housing budget, with costs being recouped over a 30-year period.
Moving on and Freeport East continues to progress, with the limited company which will drive this forward, creating a hub for global trade and regeneration. Freeport East was formally designated by the Government in January 2023, taking a huge step forward in the drive to create 13,500 new jobs in the region and transformational change. Work has already started through the Tendring Future Skills Partnership to discuss the skills and roles of the future which are likely to be created as part of this project.
Chairman, while I believe I've highlighted the major ongoing projects in Tendring, there are plenty of smaller yet equally significant endeavours deserving recognition. These projects collectively contribute to making Tendring a truly remarkable place to live and I wanted to highlight a few tonight.
Let's start with the completion of the new Orwell Place, designed as both a community space and a car park. This transformative project, utilising the former Starlings garage and the site of the Queens Head Hotel, which was destroyed by fire a few years ago, now offers 51 car parking spaces, an events area, and public toilets, all within an inviting landscaped setting. Despite cost pressures and unforeseen challenges, the project has been successfully concluded, standing as a testament to the Council's unwavering determination and a triumph for both the Council and the District.
The Economic Growth team has successfully delivered the Sunspot project. It features 24 affordable business units, a covered market, a café, public toilets, and meeting rooms, complemented by a community garden, bus shelter, and event space. This development marks a significant step in Jaywick Sands' regeneration, offering a much-needed facility that addresses both the business community's requirements and those of the residents. Notably, the Sunspot has garnered attention in the architectural realm, earning recognition as one of the top 5 buildings in 2023 by the Observer and receiving high commendation in the MacEwen Award 2024, an annual award recognising architecture for the common good.
Regarding business, it's no secret how deeply the Council values local enterprises and their impact on the community's economy. Last October, under the Tendring4Growth banner, the Council delivered a comprehensive two-week event featuring jobs and skills fair and an awards ceremony, spotlighting the diverse range of exceptional businesses in the Tendring District. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and our efforts persist through regular newsletters, updates, and smaller events year-round.
The team has also delivered £1.84m in Business Adaptation Grants, expanded the Tendring 4 Growth brand including awards, administered the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, all while supporting businesses and partners. Let's not forget that they also wrote two successful Levelling Up bids, mentioned earlier, in line with the long-term plans for the area. I hope all this demonstrates to the business community that Tendring is open for business.
Residents voiced strong support for the Clacton Airshow in our recent consultation. The 2023 event, drawing approximately 250,000 visitors, boasted one of England's largest flight lineups, including a stunning twilight show. An economic assessment revealed its value to our local economy at around £12 million. Feedback from businesses, visitors, and locals highlighted the event's positive impact, generating excitement and pride in Tendring. Understanding its significance, we proudly announced in January our commitment to hosting the Airshow until 2027, ensuring its continuation as a cherished tradition in our District.
Tonight, I'm also proud to showcase our revamped theatre, a gem in our District. Its recent redecoration, swapping the tired salmon pink for classic theatre hues, enhances its charm. The investment is justified, with over 14,500 attendees at our record-breaking pantomime, Aladdin, during Christmas. Ticket sales surpassed the previous year by £10,000, with glowing five-star reviews echoing the joy on our audience's faces. This success reaffirms our commitment to enriching cultural experiences for our community.
Finally, the newly refurbished £250,000 concrete Clacton Skate Park opened to the public in August and has been a hugely popular facility for local people. Skate Park users were able to add their input to the specification of works and as such, influenced the finished product, which added a new free to use high quality facility for our young people.
It would take a lot longer to list all of our achievements in what has been a very busy year so far and it looks like next year is just as exciting and will deliver more for residents as our new leisure and well-being strategy, currently out for consultation, will drive our ambition to encourage everyone to be more active. That strategy is designed with our partners in mind and where would we be without them?
I am extremely proud of Tendring's ability to work with partners to build strong deliverable relationships for the good of residents and so much has been achieved. Do not just take our word that we are achieving success; there are plenty of examples of national recognition and I am happy to list a few.
The Council has achieved four Green Flags for Parks and Gardens including Clacton Seafront Gardens, Weeley Crematorium and Gardens, Cliff Park in Dovercourt and Crescent Gardens in Frinton.
Alongside this, seven beaches in Tendring have been handed prestigious awards by Keep Britain Tidy – including four of the top Blue Flags for the first time in eight years.
Two new beaches along the Essex Sunshine Coast have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for 2023, at Frinton and Walton-on-the-Naze’s Albion beach. Brightlingsea and Dovercourt Bay also retained their Blue Flag status. We are currently waiting on the 2024 results.
In addition, Brightlingsea, Harwich, Frinton, Walton-on-the-Naze’s Albion and Naze beaches, and Martello Bay in Clacton have all been given Seaside Awards in recognition of their quality.
Twenty-eight Tendring car parks have received top safety accreditation awards and achieved The Safer Parking Award Scheme, Park Mark.
The Council has also been awarded Gold Accreditation in recognition of its work supporting the Armed Forces as part of the Ministry of Defence Employers’ Recognition Scheme. This scheme publicly recognises employers’ efforts to support defence personnel issues, such as employing reservists and veterans. These awards celebrate our initiative, hard work and dedication to improving services.
Career Track had its OFSTED Inspection towards the end of last year and I am so proud that the team achieved GOOD in every category. This reflects the dedication, professionalism and hard work of the Assessors, alongside the fantastic contribution to public services and businesses across Tendring and North East Essex.
We have also recently heard that we have been shortlisted for a Local Government Chronicle award for our health initiative with Tendring Pedal Power and two PPMA awards. We will find out the results of this application later in the year (in June).
Our Community Leadership work continues to expand and fits into three key strands namely Health, Education and Community Safety.
The Tendring Education Strategic Board has brought together Headteachers and education professionals from Essex County Council Tendring Officers to prioritise key issues for young people and schools. Three priorities have been identified for this year, including school attendance, the curriculum and skills. All of this work aims to support our young people to reach their full potential and provide as many opportunities as possible.
We recently held a STEAM event (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) bringing Year 6 Primary Pupils to the Town Hall to meet local businesses and have hands-on experiences. There were definitely some budding builders, engineers and health professionals in the room, and it was a pleasure to see the children’s enthusiasm.
We are proud to have worked closely with health colleagues and to have been able to support the Clacton Hospital Diagnostics Hub. A fantastic local service to residents and we recently heard from the Chief Executive of the Integrated Care Board that over 250,000 procedures have been completed at the hub since its opening including CT and MRI scans, X-rays, Lung capacity tests and blood tests. This also means that there have been 250,000 fewer journeys to and from Colchester Hospital for Tendring residents, alongside the creation of 100 new jobs for local people.
Amidst our achievements, it's crucial to briefly acknowledge looming challenges. Our budget confronts mounting pressure, necessitating £3 million in savings over the next three years and tough decisions are undoubtedly ahead. Both nationally and locally, we are tackling the cost-of-living crisis, housing shortages, the implications of a new Government, climate change, and significant industrial action in transport and healthcare. Whilst internationally, conflicts persist in various countries around the world. Yet, rather than dwell on these challenges, I would rather look at what has already been achieved.
Finally, but by no means least I’d like to extend my gratitude to our remarkable staff who consistently go above and beyond their duties. Their dedication ensures that the essential tasks we often take for granted, considered part of our everyday operations, are successfully carried out. At our recent Tendring STARS event, I had the privilege of acknowledging the outstanding contributions of our staff throughout the Council.
A notable example of their commitment was demonstrated when our Sports Facilities team received commendations from the East of England Ambulance Service for their lifesaving efforts in two separate incidents last year. Their swift and decisive action, including performing CPR, resulted in two individuals returning home to their families that night. We should all take immense pride in their exemplary actions.
And so, Chairman, to conclude:
The Council continues to face many challenges in Tendring, and I urge Members to carry on contributing positively to address issues and problems as they arise. There will be difficult decisions to make; it is likely that we will have to look at different ways of delivering services that will not be easy.
Chairman, it was once said that a week is a long time in politics, so it should come as no surprise that even though the Administration has been in place since May 2023, so much has happened both locally and nationally. Tendring District Council has shown that we can rise to challenges, through sound financial management, embracing new ways of working, the ability to adapt and change our plans in often rapid circumstances and our work with partners. We must always remember that we are merely custodians of this great District and that we are here to support and deliver for the residents of Tendring.
Thank you, Chairman.
Members showed their appreciation for the Leader’s Statement with a round of applause.
Councillors Harris, Guglielmi, P B Honeywood and Calveraddressed the Council during the debate on the Leader of the Council’s Statement. Councillor M E Stephenson responded to the points made by those Members.