Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report (C-024-2019-20).

The Cabinet agreed to grant a long lease of 125 years at a peppercorn rent for the demised area of 14.1m x 6m = 84.6m2 (911 sq.ft.) at Traps Hill, Loughton, to the Epping Forest Holocaust Educational Trust for the purpose of the erection of a Holocaust Memorial for the district.

Councillor Bedford the Community & Partnerships Portfolio Holder introduced the report on the Epping Forest Holocaust Memorial.

At the Full Council meeting on 31^st July 2018, the following motion was passed: “That the Leader of Council appoint the relevant Portfolio Holder to secure an official holocaust memorial within our district and brings forwards a proposal (after working with the mover and seconder of this motion) to a future Cabinet meeting.”

In October 2018 an Epping Forest Holocaust Memorial Working Group was established and significant work undertaken to identify a suitable site for a holocaust memorial for the district.

Following careful analysis, a site in Traps Hill, Loughton was identified as the most appropriate. Its proximity to Loughton Library and the opportunity to establish a small educational facility within the library over time, along with historical links to Holmehurst Hostel in Loughton where holocaust survivors were sent in 1945 were key contributing factors in the selection of the proposed site.

An Epping Forest Holocaust Educational Trust was currently being established and the Trust would oversee the design and implementation of the memorial, subject to consultation and securing planning permission, as appropriate. The Trust would be responsible for the long-term maintenance of the site and the memorial itself.

DECISION:

The Cabinet agreed to grant a long lease of 125 years at a peppercorn rent for the demised area of 14.1m x 6m = 84.6m2 (911 sq.ft.) at Traps Hill, Loughton, to the Epping Forest Holocaust Educational Trust for the purpose of the erection of a Holocaust Memorial for the district.

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

Epping Forest District Council is committed to supporting the establishment of a holocaust memorial for the district.

Detailed work had been undertaken by an Epping Forest Holocaust Memorial Working Group to identify the most suitable site for the memorial. The Traps Hill site in Loughton had been selected due to historical links to this part of the district and the potential to develop an educational resource in the adjacent library.

Other Options for Action:

That the Cabinet do not grant the proposed lease at Traps Hill, Loughton to the Epping Forest Holocaust Educational Trust for the establishment of a holocaust memorial for the district.