Agenda item

(Director of Corporate Support Services) To consider the attached report (AMED-008-2013/14).

(1)       Langston Road Retail Park

Members noted that outline planning approval had now been granted and the Section 106 Agreement had been signed by Epping Forest District Council, Essex County Council and Polofind Limited. Negotiations were ongoing with Polofind Limited regarding a development agreement to jointly develop the site. A Judicial Review that had been initiated by Sainsburys had now been resolved. EFDC had approved funding for a joint detailed planning application to be made and for contamination surveys to be undertaken.

(2)       Oakwood Hill Depot

A planning application had been submitted but had now been withdrawn as further information was required. Consultants reports were being prepared and it was anticipated that the application would be re-submitted prior to the end of 2013.

(3)       Pyrles Lane Nursery

The planning application for residential development had been refused. EFDC were currently in the process of purchasing a property adjoining the entrance to the site, this was near completion. A consultation would then be taken as to whether a revised application would be considered to address the access and density issues.

(4)       St John’s Road

Following a joint exercise between Essex County Council (ECC), Epping Town Council (ETC) and Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) an expressions of interest exercise had been carried out which had attracted strong interest. A presentation had been made to EFDC and ETC Councillors on 10 October 2013 and further information would be provided for councillors to consider formally.

(5)        Waste Contractor’s Depot

This was currently being considered as part of the re-tendering of the waste contract by the Director of Environment and the results would be known by July 2014.

(6)        North Weald Airfield

The Valuation and Estates Department were in the process of appointing consultants to advise on estates and development opportunities at the airfield, to be considered by the Planning Directorate, who were preparing a report on the North Weald master plan by 31 December 2013.

(7)        Torrington Drive

Epping Forest District Council  were currently in discussion with Stobart Properties regarding the Sainsbury site. Sainsbury’s had now agreed terms for a new lease and refurbishment of the store with Stobarts.

 (8)       Winston Churchill Public House

A developer had agreed Heads of Terms with Epping Forest District Council and the Spirit Pub Group to redevelop the site and had submitted a planning application for two retail units, a pub and 64 flats. Negotiation of a development agreement was ongoing.

(9)       Broadway Car Parks/Burton Road Depot

A number of commercial and residential proposals were being considered in conjunction with the larger sites mentioned above but there were no firm proposals at this time.

(10)      Lindsey House, Epping

The leaseholders had indicated a wish to surrender the lease back to the Council at no cost to the Council. The Council’s agent had prepared a schedule of dilapidations and a payment of £7,000 to the Council had been agreed and was being documented.

Councillor Stallan asked that this be referred to the Council Housebuilding Cabinet Committee on the possibility of Lindsey House being added to the list of sites for potential redevelopment. The Chairman requested that the Chief Estates & Valuation Officer discuss this matter with the Director of Housing.

(11)      Town Mead Depot

The Council architect had prepared outline drawings and a meeting had been requested with Waltham Abbey Town Council to discuss the proposal.

(12)      Church Hill Former Car Park

The site had been marketed and a second round of final bids was currently underway.

(13)      Leader Lodge

This property would be re-marketed in 2014.