Supporters Group News Meeting 20th February 2023 - Zoom video

[hlane17]

I asked Trevor clarify this as I thought I had seen the plans too, but he was firm in what he had been told - that they haven't received them. Suggests there is a 3rd amended application going in which, if so, opens up a whole other can of worms.

From my brief experience working in local gov (2 years) changing plans from a short-term stay commercial hotel to permanent homes would in all likelihood warrant a new amended application.

It would qualify as a substantial change to the plans and as such require new consent.

The only good part (and I think this was mentioned in the meeting) is that if these are the only amendments, then it should be close to a formality. Well, as long as there are no new issues caused by the addition of residential units to the stadium build.

 

[Holy Joe]

From my brief experience working in local gov (2 years) changing plans from a short-term stay commercial hotel to permanent homes would in all likelihood warrant a new amended application.

It would qualify as a substantial change to the plans and as such require new consent.

The only good part (and I think this was mentioned in the meeting) is that if these are the only amendments, then it should be close to a formality. Well, as long as there are no new issues caused by the addition of residential units to the stadium build.

The application has been given delegated decision - I think that means it won't be voted on by councillors and get just be approved (or rejected) by planning staff

 

[hlane17]

The application has been given delegated decision - I think that means it won't be voted on by councillors and get just be approved (or rejected) by planning staff

Yes, that does definitely help. You're correct in saying that delegated authority would put it in the hands of Planning management or a senior director in SCC.

I'm just not sure how a fairly major change would be able to have approval without going through the chamber though.

 

[kentblues]

Thats what I thought, but go to 1:05:30. Bombshell dropped at 1:06:56. James follows up that he thought it had been submitted. Trevor is a former councillor and clearly has contacts at the council

The are on the council website, the council even issued a statement confirming the they are waiting for additional information in relation to those very same plans that have been received and verified in Sept 22? They even had an agreed determination date in Dec 22. So I think a miss- speak or Misinterpretation

 

[Holy Joe]

Yes, that does definitely help. You're correct in saying that delegated authority would put it in the hands of Planning management or a senior director in SCC.

I'm just not sure how a fairly major change would be able to have approval without going through the chamber though.

It's not that major a change. 40 more flats instead of hotel rooms and less seats in one side of the stadium isn't it?

 

[kentblues]

Yes, that does definitely help. You're correct in saying that delegated authority would put it in the hands of Planning management or a senior director in SCC.

I'm just not sure how a fairly major change would be able to have approval without going through the chamber though.

It’s not a major change- to put into perspective is adding 48 residential units to a 1200 unit development!!!!

 

[hlane17]

It’s not a major change- to put into perspective is adding 48 residential units to a 1200 unit development!!!!

Commercial to residential for any part of a plan is usually classed as a notable change, even if the rest of the development is residential.

At the very least it will warrant a new amended set of plans to be put forward, which nullifies the previous planning consent given. Just trying to add from my personal experience, that is all.

 

[kentblues]

Commercial to residential for any part of a plan is usually classed as a notable change, even if the rest of the development is residential.

At the very least it will warrant a new amended set of plans to be put forward, which nullifies the previous planning consent given. Just trying to add from my personal experience, that is all.

Anyway all irrelevant as it is decided that it’s a delegated decision

 

[hlane17]

Anyway all irrelevant as it is decided that it’s a delegated decision

Yes which I did acknowledge earlier.

 

[Holy Joe]

Commercial to residential for any part of a plan is usually classed as a notable change, even if the rest of the development is residential.

At the very least it will warrant a new amended set of plans to be put forward, which nullifies the previous planning consent given. Just trying to add from my personal experience, that is all.

We have submitted new plans, months ago

 

[Holy Joe]

We have submitted new plans, months ago

And presumably previous plans remaim approved until this application is satisfied?

 

[hlane17]

We have submitted new plans, months ago

The Council's response suggests that something is up with the application, relating to missing info. If only the club could enlighten us on this issue.

 

[Medway Blue]

@Cockle43 can you clarify again what you were told? That the council is awaiting a revised planning application? If so then, since there is already one registered on the planning portal, there must be a third revised application on the way?

 

[Kat_r]

I asked Trevor clarify this as I thought I had seen the plans too, but he was firm in what he had been told - that they haven't received them. Suggests there is a 3rd amended application going in which, if so, opens up a whole other can of worms.

I thought the approved plans last year were for just houses and stadium.

 

[kentblues]

I don't now how much clearer it can be that the revised plan (delegated decision/reserved matters) is in and validated than the SCC statement

There is also a standalone application seeking full planning permission for a smaller new stadium. However, we don’t yet have all the information required from the applicant to determine either application. The applicant is aware of what is required and discussions are ongoing.

Whilst target determination dates are set at validation, it is normal practice for these to be extended where this is mutually agreed between the applicant and the local planning authority.

The site makes clear the application has been validated

 

[C'mon you Shrimpers]

Apart from Paul Harris's cautious optimism that we would probably be all right because Ron won't want to lose the scheme which was potentially so lucrative, there were 2 comments that really stuck in my brain. The first was Paul Harris saying Ron was a maverick. I think I'd been looking for the right word for years. I've met Ron a few times over the years and I've never understood how he could deal with the level of anxiety and uncertainty that the whole project imposed. Anyway the other thing was Kevin saying the Trust did not have to do anything at this time regarding any hardship the players might be under. This did suggest to me that there must be some deal/agreement going on. The other thing was the Trust had been approached by 2 groups interested in the club
If and it's still if we get through this the club will have a training ground of championship standard, a new ground for at least 2/3 tier standard with multiple possible income streams, a football department that needs no tinkering, and a fan base that is as strong as at any time in my 60 years supporting this club. There will be multiple bidders when Ron decides to step aside. Maybe not so much maverick as Machiavellian.
I really hope so.

 

[Medway Blue]

I don't now how much clearer it can be that the revised plan (delegated decision/reserved matters) is in and validated than the SCC statement

There is also a standalone application seeking full planning permission for a smaller new stadium. However, we don’t yet have all the information required from the applicant to determine either application. The applicant is aware of what is required and discussions are ongoing.

Whilst target determination dates are set at validation, it is normal practice for these to be extended where this is mutually agreed between the applicant and the local planning authority.

The site makes clear the application has been validated

And that would be taken as gospel......if a former councillor (@Cockle43) had not been told first-hand by a current councillor that the council is still awaiting the submission of a planning application.

It didn't make sense to me either, because what you've stated in your post was also my understanding but what @Cockle43 has been told throws a little doubt on that.

It could well be a crossing of wires/misunderstanding but I think it's fair to try to find out for sure.

 

[Jai]

I don't now how much clearer it can be that the revised plan (delegated decision/reserved matters) is in and validated than the SCC statement

There is also a standalone application seeking full planning permission for a smaller new stadium. However, we don’t yet have all the information required from the applicant to determine either application. The applicant is aware of what is required and discussions are ongoing.

Whilst target determination dates are set at validation, it is normal practice for these to be extended where this is mutually agreed between the applicant and the local planning authority.

The site makes clear the application has been validated

It's not the only application that is delayed. The temporary buildings at the training centre still don't have permission from Rochford Council.

Makes you wonder what's going on.

 

[hlane17]

It's not the only application that is delayed. The temporary buildings at the training centre still don't have permission from Rochford Council.

Makes you wonder what's going on.

Forgot about that one. I'm guessing it hasn't moved any further?

 

[TJC]

Forgot about that one. I'm guessing it hasn't moved any further?

Blimey. Players will have to get changed in the back of their cars at this rate.