OldBlueLady
Junior Blues Coordinator⭐⭐
Ron's address on "Developments with the Council" from programme v Bristol Rovers
As this had been requested by others on the match report thread, I thought I would post this so it's a bit more easily found for those interested...
Includes Capital Letters where originally written! :winking:
As this had been requested by others on the match report thread, I thought I would post this so it's a bit more easily found for those interested...
Ron Martin said:...Of course many of those that attended (Wembley) are not regular supporters but the fact that the Town of Southend came to support the Club was tremendous and made me and my family very proud...that level of support must be something of a record for a League 2 Club and demonstrates the potential.
This leads me onto an update upon the New Stadium Plans. I previously advised that Wednesday 10th April was a key date in the Club's calendar as this was the scheduled planning meeting when Members of the Borough Council were to determine the Club's Renewal Application.
I have gone on ad nauseam at all the circumstances surrounding the retail development and whether there was truly any adverse effect upon the High Street. Both our consultants, Savills, and the Council's, GL Hearn, both came to the conclusion that there was no "significant adverse impact" which is the test as set out by the Government Office. This therefore must be the starring (sic) point as to whether the Club's proposal should contribute to the High Street's regeneration. With the Law having changed since the original application in 2010 the unequivocal advice was the the Club has received was that no payment should be made; we also recognise the merits of what has been said by the Council and having originally offered £6m toward the High Street's regeneration, in an entirely different financial climate (2007) to that which exists today, it is right in my view that both the Club and Council came to a balanced judgement to recognsie each other's position.
At Wednesday's meeting of the Planning Committee Members debated for over two hours the merits of the Application and the Chief Planning Officer provided a very detailed assessment of the work that had gone on behind the scenes and the rationale that guided the Officers' Planning Report.
There were many questions asked by Councillors and it was good to see everybody taking time to ensure that all the benefits, together with any reservations, were weighed in the balance.
A football club does a great deal for its Town by raising its profile naturally, contributing to the social infrastructure bringing as it did last Sunday enormous pride to its residents.
This fact was absolutely recognised by Members of the Council and as I say after some two hours the Chairman put forward a proposal in favour albeit with a changed emphasis on when the funds are received by the council which is something that we will be discussing with Officers over the next few days.
The Chairman's proposal was voted on 11/4 in favour and therefore carried with a strong majority.
I do not anticipate the Conditions attached to the Council's decision to be a serious impediment and therefore anticipate that we can now tie up all the loose ends very swiftly.
I will keep supporters advised as to the progress through the Club's website during the close season which will include, all being well, the Construction Programme.....
Includes Capital Letters where originally written! :winking: