92 Proposed Letting of Land at NW Airfield to the Dept. of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Commercial and Regulatory Services – to receive a report (C-038-2020-21) for the consideration of EFDC to lease an area of land for the operation of a Common Transit Convention System facility as part the UK post-Brexit period.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS REPORT WILL BE MAILED OUT SEPARATELY.
Additional documents:
Decision:
1. The Cabinet recognised that the proposal to extend the provision of an HMRC facility for a further five years formed part of the national preparations for the full exit from the European Union;
2. The Cabinet noted the overall concerns raised by the Council in its planning response, following discussions with North Weald Basset Parish Council and issues raised by other individuals;
3. The Cabinet agreed to set up a monthly monitoring meeting between HMRC, the Council and the Parish, (in addition to the day to day operational meetings with the North Weald Airfield Management); and
4. As a consequence of the national interest, the formal raising of concerns and the suggestion of a close local monitoring of the facility and its operation, the Cabinet agreed to the approval of a new lease of land at North Weald Airfield (NWA) to the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government for a Common Transit Convention System facility and to grant delegated authority for such lease and any required side letter to the Chief Executive of the Council in consultation with the Leader of the Council.
Minutes:
The Commercial and Regulatory Services Portfolio Holder, Councillor A Patel introduced the report on the proposed letting of land at North Weald Airfield.
The Council had been approached to extend the lease granted last year for the provision of an HMRC custom clearance facility for vehicle freight at North Weald Airfield for a further five years, i.e. until November 2025.
In granting any extension to the lease, due account needed to be taken of the impact of this facility on the airfield, North Weald Basset Village and the surrounding area, including the trunk road and national road networks. The potential impact of the facility on the environment in general and Epping Forest in particular.
It also needed to be recognised the HMRC facility at North Weal Airfield forms part of the national infrastructure that would facilitate trade with the European Union post 1st January 2021 until custom clearance at source comes fully on-line.
It was noted that all upgrades would be paid for by the tenant and that it would be kept by us after their vacation of the premises.
Councillor Philip welcomed the work that had been put into this and he was keen to see that the proposals worked. If the monitoring proposals were kept, then it was something that we should welcome.
Councillor Bedford also welcomed the report and noted that the Council had liaised with the local council and HMRC. Councillor C Whitbread added that it was a way to look after the local residents as well as addressing their concerns. Councillor Murray agreed with the report but added that we must also listen carefully to the Parish Council. Councillor Patel replied that there would be monthly meetings of all the parties concerned as well as weekly local meetings with the Parish Council.
Councillor Jon Whitehouse noted that this was a less temporary arrangement than it was originally. There was the question of off-site issues such as porta-loos etc. for the drivers. Mr Pabani (Chief Estates Officer) said that officers had raised a number of issues with HMRC but they said that it was outside of their premises, but it was still an issue non-the-less. The best way to deal with this was by way of a legal side letter. This was being prepared to send to HMRC. Councillor C Whitbread added that the members of the Cabinet would like sight of this when it was available.
Asked if any SAC contributions would be going to the Council or Qualis it was noted that the Council would be getting this.
Concerns had been raised about site workers driving through the forest and this was being raised with the planning inspector. Lorries would come in via the motorways.
Councillor Baldwin wondered what implications there would be with the Local Plan; and, what facilities would be left by the HMRC. He was told that any upgrades made would be kept and would be of benefit to the airfield. Councillor Bedford added that the contract had been designed so ... view the full minutes text for item 92