Decision details

(1)       That the Cabinet noted the failure to conclude the tri-partite agreement between the District and Town Council and their development partner, for the redevelopment of the St John’s Road site in Epping;

(2)       That the Cabinet agreed to proceed with an alternative scheme in accordance with the previously adopted Development and Design Brief in order to seek to deliver the community and economic benefits sought;

(3)       That the Cabinet formally seek to enter into a partnership with Epping Town Council as part of any new scheme to ensure a strategic approach to this important Town Centre site;

(4)       That in the event of a partnering arrangement not being possible with Epping Town Council, the District Council proceeds with the St John’s Road Redevelopment project, on land within its ownership;

(5)       That as a result of the assessment undertaken by independent consultants as required by Sport England, that the St John’s Road site becomes the preferred site for the re-provision of Epping Sports Centre, in a final form to best meet the future Leisure needs of the local community;

(6)       That, subject to recommendation (5) above, the new leisure centre was sought to be delivered through the existing contractual arrangements with the Council’s Leisure Management Partner Places for People;

(7)       That if the Cabinet elects to choose St John’s Road, Epping as its preferred site for a new Leisure Centre to replace Epping Sports Centre, then the North Weald Airfield Masterplan is amended accordingly within the Local Plan;

(8)       That, subject to recommendation (7) above, a full assessment of alternative community provision be undertaken as part of the wider North Weald Masterplan to ensure that the needs of current and future residents were met as part of the implementation of the Local Plan;

(9)       That in order to proceed with the completion of a full development appraisal and bring forward a planning application for the site, appropriate external consultancy expertise is procured, to be funded by the anticipated balance of £150,000 from the £400,000 the Council has previously agreed for the partial demolition of the site; and

(10)    That appropriate governance arrangements are put in place through the establishment of a multi-disciplinary project team and that regular reports were brought forward on progress and key decisions to both the Asset Management and Economic Development Cabinet Committee, the Cabinet and the Council.