You may remember that Southend United Football Club were given planning permission in 2008 for their proposed new stadium complex at Fossetts Farm. In fact they were given planning permission by two councils – Southend and Rochford, because although most of the site is in Southend Borough, 3 training pitches, 1 allweather floodlit training pitch , a flood attenuation pond and a 454 space car park were ‘over the border’ in Rochford.
Nearly 3 years has passed and the complex hasn’t been started yet, so Southend United had to apply again to extend the time limit for building.
Ron Martin, who came to speak in favour of his application, said hye could confidently predict they could start work in the autumn.
Councillors views were on this mixed.
The ward councillor , Cllr Michael Steptoe, wasn’t a district councillor when the original application was passed. Although in the end he voted for the application, he had some concerns, notably on flooding and the impact of surface water run-off on ditches downstream. Hopefully this will be looked at by Southend Council.
Councillor Colin Seagers said he had supported the original application but would vote against this time. opposed the original application and would still vote against this time.
Councillor Chris Lumley made the point that refusing to extend the time limit would only lead to an appeal, and probably heavy costs awarded against the council. He was immediately backe up on this by the committee chairma, Phil Capon.
In the end, the application was passed
Fossetts Way – Land adjoining Access Road now seems to have visitors. See photos.
Is that Rochford or Southend ?
Well, I am not sure; it is very,very close to the part of the site in Rochford we looked at in planning. I have alerted RDC.
Well done
Must be Millwall supporters as the SUFC crowd always used to sing to them “The wheels on your house go round and round”
Once the evictions at Dale Farm go ahead this scene will be repeated across the county.
RR, yes you are right and the concrete blocks shown in John Masons photo’s were no deterrent to them.
Your comment regarding my views expressed and actions at the recent RDC Development Committee is not correct.
I supported the Officers’ recommendation for REFUSAL of the SUFC application for car parking in RDC Green Belt the first time!
So I remained consistent and did NOT support the officers’ recommendation for APPROVAL this time, because Officers were unable to explain any of the alleged benefits to Rochford residents of their recommendation at the meeting. I also believe it is utterly pointless to approve a development on condition it is begun within three years, only to prolong the planning blight on neighbours for another three years on its expiry when the development remains unstarted.
regards
Cllr Colin Seagers
Apologies Colin, I thought I heard you say that you had voted in favour last time, and that your speech was the more noteworthy for that reason.
I can see from our report of that original meeting that you did indeed speak against:
https://www.onlinefocus.org/?p=488
I will amend what we’ve written.