The Working Group will receive an update on the Housing Zone including the areas detailed in the Masterplan, Beam Park, Countryside & Somerfield and Circle.

The group received an update on the Housing Zone.  It noted that the core and shell of the Beam Park Station building would be delivered by Countryside Housing as part of the Beam Park development.  Circle Housing had acquired and would be developing the Somerfield site.

Officers stated that they were in discussions with Countryside about the detailed proposals they would be submitting.  They had an ambitious timetable and hoped to have a planning application in by the end of the year.  It was noted that they would have to also submit a planning application to London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, and if one of the applications was refused, then the whole scheme would be refused.

A detailed planning application regarding the actual station and platforms, would be submitted by Network Rail by late 2018/2019, with the station built and operating by 2020.  This would coincide with closures on the Barking line.  Members raised concerns about the parking around the station.  Officers stated that there would be less parking around the station; however Countryside would dictate the level of parking.

Discussions were being had with Circle Housing, it was noted that there was planning consent which may be implemented in whole or part however it will be required to integrated with the adjoining station development.

Officers explained that businesses and landowners affected by  the Land Acquisition Strategy had been contacted and had been met with.  Negotiations on acquiring some sites was in progress.  Discussions are taking place with businesses and the Council’s agents, Glennys were working with landowners.  Officers explained that there was a formula which worked out the cost of the land.  This included a PCE study, and current market value, the extinguishment of businesses as well as the movement and relocation of any existing businesses.  The length of lease left on the site was also taken into account.  A section 16 notice would be sent to all landowners which would provide all details of the site. A Compulsory Purchase Order would be made by December 2016 which would have to be confirmed by the Secretary of State.

Officers stated that the Council had put in a bid for both the Somerfield site and the Wag Bennett’s site.  It had been outbid on the Somerfield site and  the Wag Bennett site.  A pre-application meeting would be taking place with the company, who had bought the Wag Bennetts site.

Members asked how a medical provision would be incorporated into the development. This was included in the Countryside proposal, they would provide a shell and core in the station square development.  A meeting was being held with the CCG about how a practice could be delivered in the area which would serve the new homes as well as the existing residential area.  There was no objection from the developer and it was in the CCG’s interest to deliver a practice in the area.

Members asked about the school provision on the development. Officers informed that Countryside would make a provision for a 2 form entry primary school within their plans.  Discussions were being held with officers in education so that the location can be agreed upon.  It was felt a location in the centre of the development would be the most suitable position.

Discussions were had about changes to planning applications.  Officers advised that if there significant material changes, then a new application would need to be submitted.  An Informative about sensitive issues could be added to the application which could include details about the level of development appropriate to the site.  This provided the prospective development with advice.

The group thanked officers for an interesting update.