Agenda - Leigh-on-Sea Town Council

Leisure, Foreshore & Environment 16 th June 2011 

<strong>Leigh</strong>-on-Sea Town Council 

67 Elm Road, <strong>Leigh</strong>-on-Sea, Essex SS9 1SP - Tel: 01702 716288 

council@leighonseatowncouncil.gov.uk www.essexinfo.net/leigh-on-sea 

Chairman: Cllr Pat Holden 

Vice Chairman: Cllr Carole Mulroney 

Town Clerk: Paul Beckerson 

Notice is hereby given that the next meeting of the Leisure, Foreshore & Environment Committee of 

the <strong>Leigh</strong>-on-Sea Town Council will take place on Thursday 16 th June 2011 at <strong>Leigh</strong>-on-Sea Town 

Council, 67 Elm Road, <strong>Leigh</strong>-on-Sea commencing at 8.00pm. 

1. CHAIRMAN’S OPENING REMARKS 

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 

3. DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS 

AGENDA 

4. TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE 19 th May 2011 

5. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION 

a) Fishing Festival WP – 31 st May 2011 – Report 1907/FFWP (Appendix 1) 

b) To increase budget provision for Fishing Festival by £250. 

c) Olympic Trial Event – Representations to SBC Etc. 

d) Strand Wharf WP – 2 nd June 2011 – Report 1904/SWWP (Appendix 2) 

e) Old Town Community Group – 7 th June 2011 – Report 1905/OTCG (Appendix 3) 

f) First Aid Report – Report 1906/DF (Appendix 4) 

g) Community Transport – Authorisation of payment towards Medical Test to extend MIDAS 

qualification, one of the drivers having reached the age of 70 (Total cost £110). 

h) Sea Defence Vegetation Management – Information only (Appendix 4) 

i) Town Guide WP – To arrange meeting to discuss editorial content 

j) Arrangement of Flower Baskets (Previously done by former Cllr Reta Cocks) 

k) Set a date for a Good for <strong>Leigh</strong> WP meeting 

l) Items for the Protocol Meeting with SBC on the 8 th July 2011 

Paul Beckerson 

Town Clerk 

9 th June 2011 

Any member who is unable to attend the meeting should send their apologies before the 

meeting. 

1

Leisure, Foreshore & Environment 16 th June 2011 – Appendix 1 




Chairman: Cllr. Pat Holden 

Vice Chairman: Cllr. Carole Mulroney 

Town Clerk: Town Clerk: Paul Beckerson 

Fishing Festival Working Party 

Tuesday 31 st May 2011 

The meeting opened at 6.00pm 

Report 1907/FFWP 

Present 

Cllrs: Donald Fraser, Pat Holden and Paul Lawrence. 

Also in attendance: Paul Beckerson (Town Clerk), Peter Dolby, Andy Exley (Events and Planning 

Officer). 

Apologies 

Richard Eves, Andrew Rattley, and Ric Morgan 

It was agreed by the Working Party that cockles would be given to visits of the Fishing Festival for free, 

with the option of making a donation to The Fishermen’s Mission. 

Peter Dolby confirmed that Richard Eves would attempt to land the catch this year. 

The European Fishery Fund have confirmed that funding would not be available for the Fishing 

Festival, and Passionate about Fish would not be attending, therefore impacting on the budget. 

Essex County Council and/or Castle Point District Council should be contacted as regards the signage 

they intend to use for the Olympic trial event in Hadleigh on the same day. 

The boat Indiana will not be involved this year. 

The Portfolio Holder and Anita Thornberry are to be invited. 

Boats this year 

Boy Lukie/Renown/Mary Amelia 

Louis Andrew/Abbie Jayne 

Boy Michael 

Endeavour 

Possibles 

Jolia 

Anton Scott 

Wayward Lad 

Girl Pat 

Mary Amelia 

Alice and Florrie 

Emma 

Seafood 

Thameside - free <strong>Leigh</strong> cockles – donations to The Fishermen’s 

Mission. 

Osborne’s 

Simply Seafood (Kershaws) 

West Mersea Oysters 

Co-op 

Trawler catch to be brought in and blessed 

Victorian sweet barrow (Andrew Rattley’s wife) 

TBC 

2


Traditional skills 

Darryl Goddbold - net repairing 

Des Pawson - rope making 

Sarah Ford knotting and sailors’ fancy work 

Steven Hall - sail making 

David Hurrell - Artist (marine oils and water colours) 

Rod Ebdon – Photographer (Old <strong>Leigh</strong> Scenes) 

Thameside Shantymen 

Other participants 

Endeavour Trust 

Essex Police - Marine Unit 

Essex Wildlife Trust 

Jubilee Sailing Trust 

<strong>Leigh</strong> Heritage Centre 

<strong>Leigh</strong> Sailing Club - classics mtg 

London Port Health Authority 

Lower Thames Rowing Club - gig races 

Marine Management Organisation (MFA) 

Fishermen’s Mission (26ft display) 

RNLI - lifeboat and hovercraft 

RNLI - model lifeboat TBC 

RNLI - roadshow (sea safety caravan) 

RNLI – sales 

RSPB 

SBC - Southend Marine Activities Centre 

SBC - Pier and Foreshore 

Southend Natural History Museum 

Thames Estuary Partnership 

Thorpe Bay Angling Association 

National Coastwatch Institution 

Balanced Seas Project 

Coastguard Marine Rescue Unit 

Fishermen's Chapel – open for visitors 

Kent and Essex Sea Fisheries 

PLA - Display of marine health and safety issues for children 

Sea Fisheries Industry Authority TBC 

Sealife Adventure TBC 

SBC - Environmental Health 

St John Ambulance 

Zoological Society of London 

Shellfish Assn of GB TBC 

Environmental Agency No 

Update on and new issues Responsibility 

Write to all participants confirming arrangements - request 

any docs. 

AE 

Invitations to Mayor, MP, Portfolio Holder and Anita 

Thornbury 

AE 

Invitations - Mayor, MP 

AE 

Rev Keith Page 

Confirmed 

Licence/temporary event notice 

AE 


Chase participants who have not yet confirmed PD 

Positioning on wharves, marquees etc 

PD/AE 

Positioning of boats PD/P&F 

3


Keep wharves clear of other boats PD/P&F 

Power sources required - Liaise with the Den and Knapps 

PD 

Yard 


Parking passes AE 

Station car park - Olympic trial AE/Anita T 

Police - re increased patrols Saturday and Sunday PD/AE 

Equipment 

Marquees 2 @ 20'x50', tables and chairs. 

Check Time they are to be delivered 


AE 

Gazebos PH/PL 

Display boards - LTC PL/AE 

Display boards – Heritage Centre PD/CM 

Solid table from office for Sealife PL/AE 

Soundtrack with 2 speakers 

PB 


Power cables etc and battery 

AE/PB 


Ric Morgan - announcer 

Council helpers 

PD 


All cllrs. to be written to for help on the day and deliveries 

beforehand 

AE/PB 

Budget 

Publicity 

AE/PB 

Programmes & posters - design PH/PD/PR 

Programmes & posters - printing AE/PB/PD/PR 

Posters to be taken to <strong>Leigh</strong> Library for distribution to all 

libraries in the area 

AE 

Programmes & posters - dist'n - Broadway, <strong>Leigh</strong> Road etc - 

Old Town, tourist office on the pier and civic centre 

All 

Thames Drive to Elms - Hadleigh - Rayleigh - Hamlet Court - 

All 

Belfairs 

Press release AE/PB/PD/PR 

Newspapers and magazines AE 4 weeks before event 

<strong>Leigh</strong> Times-Echo-Yellow Advertiser-The Enquirer AE/PD/PR 

Fishing News-Essex Life-Evening Gazette-Essex County 

Standard 

AE/PD/PR 

East Anglian Daily Times AE/PD/PR 

Radio - Southend, Heart and BBC Essex 

AE/PD/PR 

TV - BBC Look East, BBC London and ITV Anglia 

Website - LTC AE/PD 

Website - SBC AE/PD 

Local councils PB/PD 

Banners x 3 PL 

Street direction signs 

Miscellaneous 

AE 

Bunting AE 

Ice for Sealife - Osbornes/Kershaws/Coop PD 

Nets for repair - Paul Gilson/Mike Meddle PD/DG 

SeaFish - costumes (if applicable) PD 

Lazybones Boot Fair 

PD 


Transport PL 

No parking ahead' sign - check in office upstairs AE 

Liaise with fishermen and cocklers PD 

Model boat comp - separate press release AE 

Model boat comp - schools poster AE 

4


Model boat comp - judging and prizes (Lynn Tate will do the 

judging) 

Inform Mayflower PH - 4 weeks before, also request that their 

bins can be collected on Sunday morning 

Contact Brian Baker – where does he get the signs printed 

for the Regatta, and at what cost 

Contact C2C – to place signs for the Fishing Festival inside 

<strong>Leigh</strong> Railway station 

Risk report 

Budget 

Item Income Expenditure 

Marine Fisheries Agency 0.00 

Marquees 1145.00 

#Speaker system 0.00 

**Banners 75.00 

**Car Park closure 63.00 

Display Boards 0.00 

Misc Stationery 0.00 

Temporary Event Notice 21.00 

Entertainment shanties 50.00 

Entertainment rope making 235.00 

#Programmes & Posters 100.00 

**Street signs 621.00 

Totals 0.00 2,310.00 

Budget is £2,000 - ** estimated # may not be expended 

The meeting closed at 6.47pm 

CP/PD 

AE 

PH 

AE 

Completed 

5

Strand Wharf WP – 2 nd June 2011 – Appendix 2 







STRAND WHARF WORKING PARTY – 2 nd June 2011 

Present: Cllrs Carole Mulroney (Convenor), Pat Holden, Paul Lawrence and Mr Peter Dolby 

In Attendance: Paul Beckerson (Town Clerk) 

The meeting opened at 10.05am 

1. STRAND WHARF LICENCE / LEASE 

Report 1904/SWWP 

Members noted the current situation as regards granting a lease on the site and the fact that 

SBC had suggested a licence as a way of moving the scheme forward. The reason for the 

meeting was to confirm or amend the proposed layout of the scheme in order that SBC could 

draw up draft proposals for consideration by the Council and its legal advisors. 

2. PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE 

The meeting agreed to RECOMMEND that Peter Dolby should approach Richard King who was 

involved in the recent ‘charette’ to see if he would be willing to become involved in the project. 

3. LAYOUT OF WHARF 

Members considered the aspects of the scheme and agreed to RECOMMEND a layout as 

indicated on the attached plan. 

4. OLD TOWN SIGNAGE 

It was noted that signage had been the subject of previous discussions with the Borough 

Council and it was agreed to pursue this at the next Protocol Meeting. 

5. PUBLIC HIGHWAY 

It was agreed to find out out what kind of Traffic Orders were in use on roads such as the High 

Street in Southend with mainly pedestrian use but allows for occaisional vehicle use and to see 

if this could be applied to the highway area of Strand Wharf. 

The meeting closed at 11.10am 

6

Strand Wharf WP – 2 nd June 2011 – Appendix 2 

7

Old Town Community Group 7 th June 2011 – Appendix 3 







OLD TOWN COMMUNITY GROUP Meeting 7 th June 2011 

Report 1905/OTCG 

Present: Cllrs Carole Mulroney (Chairman), Donald Fraser, Pat Holden, Paul Lawrence, Paul Gilson 

(Fisherman), Nick James (The Customs House), Colin Sedgwick (Mike’s Boatyard) (From min 5) and 

PCSOs, Linda Werrett and Angela Westall 

In attendance: Cllr Cliff Passmore, Paul Beckerson (Town Clerk) 

The meeting opened at 7.33pm 

1. CHAIRMAN’S OPENING REMARKS 

The Chairman welcomed members to the meeting and introduced new Council members. 

2. TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS ELECTED TO THE GROUP 

Cllrs Donald Fraser, Pat Holden, Paul Lawrence, Carole Mulroney and Caroline Parker. The 

group noted the appointments. 

3. NEW RESIDENT MEMBERS 

It was AGREED that one new resident representative should be appointed. Anyone who wished 

to apply should contact Nick James at old.customhouse@btinternet.com or telephone 01702 

471222 or 07710 998705. 

4. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 

Cllr Caroline Parker, Chris Abbott (Police), Margaret Buckey (<strong>Leigh</strong> Society), Julie McCartney 

(Resident), Lynn Jones (SBC Foreshore Officer) and Kevin Roberts (Crooked Billet). 

5. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 6 th April 2011 

The minutes of the 6 th April 2011 were signed as a correct record. 

6. FORTHCOMING TOWN COUNCIL EVENTS 

Fishing Festival – 31 st July 2011 The group expressed some concern regarding the clash of the 

event with the Olympic Trial taking place on the same day although it started earlier in the day. 

Peter Dolby was in the process of contacting SBC and c2c re the management of parking in the 

Railway Station car park. The group AGREED to write to SBC to request that Traffic 

Enforcement Officers were on duty on the day within the Old Town. It was also AGREED that 

Ian Johnson should be made aware of the Fishing Festival as the scouts were returning their 

equipment that day and access may be more difficult than usual. 

7. REVIEW OF ACTIONS OR PROGRESS SINCE THE LAST MEETING 

a) Crime and Disorder 

There were currently some vagrants using the Gypsy Bridge Shelter as a base, the police 

are monitoring the situation. 

8


b) Glasses and Bottles 

This was a continuing problem and had been raised at previous meetings. The creation of 

an alchohol restriction area was discussed forthe High Street and this should be raised at 

the Protocol meeting. Pub licences would be checked to confirm the position regarding the 

use of plastic glasses and depending on the result pubs should be approached to ask them 

to assist in controlling the problem. 

The Group RECOMMENDED that the issue of an alcohol restriction area be raised at the 

forthcoming Protocol Meeting and that all the Licensees be written to, to draw attention to 

the problem. 

c) Litter Bins 

The bin that the group had requested to be located by the steps at Sara’s Tea Room was 

being installed this week. 

d) Old Town Charrette 

Members noted the report and awaited the next stage of the process in due course. 

(Appendix 1 to the agenda) 

e) ‘Turning the Tide’ 

The outcome of the bid was still awaited. 

f) Possible Olympic Event in the Old Town 

This had been considered by Leisure, Foreshore and Environment Committee. As 2012 

was also the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee the Committee had decided that this was an event 

which would involve more people than would the Olympics and therefore the Council would 

investigate holding a Jubilee event. 

g) Planning Application 

The only recent planning application was the ‘Bell Hotel’ and the Group noted that this had 

been wihdrawn. . 

10. DOG FOULING ON THE CINDER PATH 

This was becoming a problem. It was agreed that those members of the Group who used 

the Cinder Path should report any incidents where it was possible to identify the dog 

owners and dogs concerned. It was AGREED that the Council would place a notice on its 

website reminding dog owners of their responsibilities 

11. CYCLE THEFTS 

These were continuing and it was AGREED that the Council would put details of the next 

‘tagging’ event on its website. 

The meeting closed at 8.25pm 

9


South Essex Chapter 

R.S. Coombs RIBA 

53, West Rd, 

Westcliff-On-Sea, 

Essex 

SS0 9AY 

01702347619 

20 May 2011 

Dear Sir/Madam, 

Old <strong>Leigh</strong> Charrette 

First we would like to thank you for your contribution to the charrette and we hope that ways can be 

found to change the words into actions. 

Whilst a bit later than we had hoped please find attached to this e mail the report following the 

charrette. We are in the process of obtaining comments from SSBC and trying to arrange a meeting 

with <strong>Leigh</strong> Town Council to discuss where next. 

If you have any comments that you would like to make please do not hesitate to send them to me at the 

above address. 

Yours sincerely 

Roger Coombs, 

Chairman Elect 

South Essex Chapter 

10


Old <strong>Leigh</strong> Charrette Follow up Report 

Royal Institute of British Architects South Essex Chapter 

supported by <strong>Leigh</strong> Port Partnership 

11

What is a charrette? 


"A charrette is an intensive planning session where citizens, designers and others collaborate on a vision. It 

provides a forum for ideas and offers the unique advantage of giving immediate feedback. More importantly, it 

allows everyone who participates to be a mutual author of any outcomes. 

Through brainstorming and design activity, many goals are accomplished during the charrette. First, everyone 

who has a stake in the area develops a vested interest in the ultimate vision. Second since the input of all the 

players is gathered at one event, it is possible to avoid prolonged discussions. Charrettes are organized to 

encourage the participation of all. That includes everyone who is interested in the making of a development: 

the developer, business interests, local government officials, interested residents and others. 

Ultimately the purpose of the charrette is to give all the participants enough information to make good 

discussions during the planning process." 

Contents 

12

1.0 Introduction 

2.0 Executive Summary 

3.0 Methodology 

4.0 Key Issues 

5.0 Draft vision 

6.0 Opportunities 

7.0 Appendices 

1.0 Introduction 

7.1 Notes of tables 

7.2 List of attendee 


13


As part of their Local Initiative Programme the Royal Institute of British Architects supported and funded the South Essex Chapter of Architects in 

collaboration with the <strong>Leigh</strong> Port Partnership in holding a charrette to look at <strong>Leigh</strong> Old Town. This was only the second such event nationally in this 

programme after one in Cambridge. 

The charrette was held at <strong>Leigh</strong> Adult Education Centre on 15 th March 2011 and was attended by some 35people. 

This report sets out the overview record of these discussions in an effort to draw out common strands and points of disagreement. The outcomes form the 

basis of a future programme of what might be the next steps on the journey towards a Neighbourhood Plan for <strong>Leigh</strong> as required as part of the Localism 

agenda being promoted by the government. The report is to be distributed to all participants and attendees. 

The objectives of the charrette were as follows: 

To review and seek a measure of agreement to where the Old Town stands now and the potential common objectives for the future. 

14


To consider as a basis of discussion an initial urban design study for the area as a whole and set out the key issues. 

To provide the opportunity to engage with the Local Planning Officers and elected Members with an aim to influence and produce a planning policy 

document for the area that has a wide range of acceptance. 

To demonstrate that a structured approach to design can give confidence to decision making in terms of development options, integration of an 

overall plan and the creation of longevity. Good design is not expensive-bad design often is as it is inefficient in terms of time and money. 

At this first stage of engagement there was insufficient time and opportunity to respond to the fourth objective. 

2.0 Summary and Where next? 

Whilst the charrette was conducted in a friendly and constructive fashion we will all be judged on how we put forward ways in which the Old Town can continue to 

evolve within an agreed approach as part of an integral vision for the whole of <strong>Leigh</strong> and in turn Southend. 

Many of the issues have often been discussed but we are seeking with the charrette to begin to establish a baseline plan and rationale against which evolution and 

changes can be assessed in context. This would also provide a more robust understanding for the variety of local businesses to develop. 

The key issues that emerged included the following: 

The Old Town should retain its character and attraction as the nearest historic and active fishing village to London together with its importance to others in 

Eastern England. 

15

Traffic issues with parking and deliveries. 


Can there be limited development within the eastern part from the flyover and more development to the west in particular associated with marine activities? 

As the opportunities present themselves seek to improve the quality of the public realm particularly in the conservation area. 

Manage the impact of situations such as the proposed cycle route. 

How can the needs of the fishing industry be met without over restricting public access and impacting on the visual environment? 

Should the area around the cockle sheds be removed from the conservation areas? Can there be instead development and design guidelines to influence 

development? 

Can we mitigate some of the eyesores such as the flyover and bridges to improve the environment? 

Can we improve the links the station and the rest of <strong>Leigh</strong>? 

16


The Localism agenda may well bring new responsibilities for <strong>Leigh</strong> Town Council including the preparation of a neighbourhood plan for the whole of the <strong>Leigh</strong>. 

Southend on Sea Borough Council (SSBC) believe that this exercise can provide the first important step in this process. 

This latter objective may well drive the question where next? 

In the short term following distribution of this report to all present we suggest the following actions: 

A meeting with <strong>Leigh</strong> Town Council (LTC) and SSBC to discuss the way forward in preparation of a plan for Old <strong>Leigh</strong> to potentially sit within the overall 

Neighbourhood/Local Plan for <strong>Leigh</strong>. 

South Essex Chapter to offer to arrange a small seminar for representatives of LTC and SSBC To show that a structured approach to design will can give 

confidence to decision making in terms of development options, integration and longevity. Good design is not expensive-bad design often is as it is 

inefficient in terms of time and money. 

South Essex Chapter to discuss with LTC the preparation of a draft urban design strategy for Old <strong>Leigh</strong> for further discussion which would seek to put 

forward options for looking at issues such as those set out above. Appendix 2 sets out an exemplar of how one such issue Transport and movement might 

be looked at. An integral part of this would be an action plan which whilst not setting specific time frames would identify priorities. Anglia Ruskin University 

has expressed some interest in including work on the Old Town in next year's academic curriculum as a studio project, and this should be pursued. 

17


Discuss with LTC the ways forward for further engagement with all of the parities present at the charrette. Which might include 

the preparation of a development framework for Old <strong>Leigh</strong> looking at how specific sites might sit within this. 

and a public exhibition. 

18

3.0 Methodology 


Steve Walker of Urban Practitioners an experienced facilitator in holding similar events both in Southend and nationally was employed to lead the charrette. 

Attendees were arranged into five tables each with mixed interests and the agenda was as follows: 

1. Introductions 2. Ice Breaker 

3. Presentation "Urban design walk through" 4. Workshop review 

5. Consolidation of comments 6. Presentation "What is happening elsewhere in coastal towns?" 

7. Presentation: What might constitute a vision? 8. Workshop Review 

9. Consolidation of comments 10. Where next? 

19

4.0 Key issues 

These notes are a consolidation of the comments recorded in Appendix 1 

Why does Old <strong>Leigh</strong> matter? 


There was a unanimous view that <strong>Leigh</strong> matters as a thriving historic working fishing village forming the heart of our community . Nothing must be allowed to 

jeopardise this and everything should serve to enhance the importance of the Old Town. This is one of the main reasons why a plan for Old <strong>Leigh</strong> is essential. 

Change. 

Some may not see the need for or want change. Historically Old <strong>Leigh</strong> has changed and thrived as a result embracing change. Change is unlikely to stop whether it 

be in the evolution of the fishing industry, continuing development of the leisure industry or the introduction of cycle routes. The aim should be to ensure that the 

impact of change is understood and managed whilst delivering not jeopardising the aspirations of the community. 

Transport and movement issues . This is one of the longest running issues where a one answer fits all may not exist. 

The issues of service traffic will not go away. Consideration might be given to the development of traffic management plans for different times of the year or week 

and consideration given to the benefits of making Cockle Row one way. Parking for business premises rarely has to be outside the premises served other than for 

loading and unloading. Mechanical controls such as barriers may be difficult to introduce and manage with other parking restrictions requiring "policing" to be 

effective. 

Resident traffic and parking. Look at keeping the legitimate parking for existing residents and the disabled . Consider whether parking should be displaced for any 

new development. 

Visitor traffic and parking should ideally be dealt with at the perimeter of Old Town. Some 70 spaces have been provided along the road to Two Tree Island and 

the weekends see railway station car park underutilised. Could additional parking be provided within development to the west of the Old Town? Would simple 

solutions such as signposting put people off driving into the Old Town and highlighting the parking limitations make simple improvements? 

Development-can we have it and where and how? 

20

5.0 Draft vision 


At first consideration the answer seemed to be no but as discussion continued the mood changed slightly with recognition that there are development sites in the 

eastern end in places where buildings have been demolished in the past. Should development be considered it is essential that the context is reflected particularly 

in scale and grain. To the west beyond the flyover there seemed to be some acknowledgement that waterfront development might take place within controlled 

conditions. Initial studies of how such development might sit within the Old Town vision would allow a broader discussion and evaluation of their acceptability. 

Managing the interaction between industry and leisure. This is one of the major challenges since in parts both inextricably depend upon each other. The big issue 

is public access behind the cockle sheds. Such conflicts do not seem to be a problem in many active fishing ports in both Europe and UK. This suggests that there 

must be a potential solution here. 

Links between the Old Town, <strong>Leigh</strong> Station and <strong>Leigh</strong> Town Centre. These have been interrupted first by the railway and more recently by the upgrading of <strong>Leigh</strong> 

Hill and New Road. Are there mitigation measures that can be introduced such as a land train, changing pedestrian priorities on New Road at the bottom of 

Hadleigh Road? 

Requirements of the fishing industry. Any solution to managing the interaction must recognise of the needs of the industry and provision within a structured 

approach to allow them to be met. First there is the need to examine whether the existing needs are being met in the most effective way and whether 

improvements such as screening can be made without impeding operational requirements. Then there may be a need to consider future change and expansion 

and to set guidelines within which this could be allowed. 

Requirements of the leisure activities. Here the issue is to encourage investment that contributes to and if possible enhances the attraction of the Old Town. 

Respecting and enhancing the heritage. Whilst there is a need to respect the history this does not mean that the Old Town should be treated as an item frozen for 

ever in time. More likely there may be a need for evolution to continue in the context of drawing upon and respecting the history whilst accepting some high 

quality contemporary design that is derived from this approach. A study should seek to identity the keystones of the village and how they might influence 

changes. Of particular importance might be the need for a cohesive approach to public realm which serves to enhance the heritage. Such as strategy would not be 

implemented in one go but serve as a reference for a series of initiatives as funding becomes available. 

Points of disagreement: Traffic versus the pedestrian and in particular servicing 

Public access to the rear of cockle sheds The degree to which there should be development. 

Key components that came out these discussions were: 

21

6.0 Opportunities 

An evolutionary not revolutionary vision. 

Old historic fishing village. 


Working fishing port with modern fleet and up to date techniques and investment. 

Leisure attraction for residents and visitors. 

Present balance between tourism and fishing should be maintained. 

Mixed uses. 

Changes already in train. 

So a vision for the basis of future discussion might be summarised as : 

"To retain, and enhance the character of Old <strong>Leigh</strong> as a historic working fishing village and seaside attraction with thriving industries in leisure and fishing, 

In doing so to seek to enable them to develop where possible in harmony and without detriment to the attractiveness of Old <strong>Leigh</strong> for residents and visitors 

including artists and nature lovers.” 

Possible retail/ leisure related development under flyover (street markets, "regatta" type activities, music, studios etc.) 

22


Use station parking at weekends with a "road train" to carry visitors from station through old <strong>Leigh</strong> to beach-could it link up to Broadway. Potential to reduce 

traffic and parking. 

Improve and encourage more waterborne activities e.g. trips off the beach, visiting yachtsmen, sea scouts 

Improve and extend pedestrian footpath along Fisherman's Wharf at rear of Cockle shed and exploit this space. 

Increase use and public access to Bell Wharf. 

Encourage more diversity and intensity of use of existing scout building that used to be a Fisherman's Chapel. 

Encourage high quality residential development to reinstate the visual separation of the railway line 

7.0 Appendices 

23

Why does Old <strong>Leigh</strong> 

matter? 

Change 

-do we want it and if 

so how? 

Transport and 

movement issues? 

Service traffic 

Cars 

Appendix 1 Comments by table 

Appendix 2 Exemplar for next stage 

Appendix 3 List of Attendees 


Appendix 1 : The following table shows the comments by each Table under various categories Need to add Table delineation at the top of each sheet 

DC and SK are you sure that this prints ok –if not Gayno agreed to re format it when I did it? 

Table A Table B Table C Table D Table E 

Enhancement and change Considered evolution of 

Too much traffic too poorly 

organised 

Service traffic to have 

priority of ingress and 

egress to the west 

Cars to be restricted from 

old town 

the status quo 

Improve management of 

HGV/servicing access 

Use operational bollards 

to deny visitor parking 

east of flyover 

Improve parking 

provision nearby 

Vehicular access 

and car parks 

important for 

business and 

residential. 

Signage from 

<strong>Leigh</strong> station 

Evolution not 

revolution 

Problems of trade 

access for larger 

vehicles and servicing 

It is part of our 

history and 

heritage 

An asset of 

economic 

value. 

Without this it 

will die. 

Evolving 

change helped 

by structured 

thinking 

The big issue 

An issue bout 

how big? Issue 

to west with 

cockle sheds 

different to 

east? 

24

Pedestrians 

Parking 

Shared space 

Development 

can we have it and 

where and how? 

Timed hours of use for cars 

outside peak times 

To have priority in Old 

Town 

New pedestrian access from 

station separate from 

vehicle routes 

Utilise march area to the 

west and station parking 

To be controlled to avoid 

car intrusion, public spaces 

to be pedestrian only 

Station area for parking and 

entrance to the town 

Maintain the eclectic mix of 

uses 

Limit any potential 

residential development to 

units over traditional uses 

Existing open spaces 

development as areas of 

public shared space 


needs resolving. 

Generally 

signage to be 

improved 

sympathetically. 

Stop illegal 

parking. 

Haphazard 

public parking 

an issue behind 

cockle sheds 

especially on 

Sundays. 

Make Victoria 

Wharf visually 

accessible. 

Strand Wharf 

should be 

available to 

pedestrians. 

Limited 

development 

opportunities. 

Opportunities 

for new or 

existing 

property as 

B&B‟s. 

Define the scale – 

nothing over 2 storeys 

<strong>Leigh</strong> Marina 

needs 

addressing to 

Strengthen pedestrian 

link Hadleigh Road to 

Peter Boat 

Parking problems 

High class residential 

to sites backing 

railway 

Better 

connection 

between 

station and Old 

Town 

More info near 

flyover. More 

parking near 

flyover? 

Integrate 

station parking 

Currently too 

delineated. 

More shared 

surfaces 

needed. 

Yes but may in 

places be 

change and 

replacement 

East self 

generating. 

West a larger 

opportunity- 

waterfront 

generated 

25

Managing the 

interaction 

between industry and 

leisure 

Links between the Old 

Town and <strong>Leigh</strong> Town 

Centre 

Requirements of the 

fishing Industry 

Requirements of the 

leisure activities 

Extend the beach area uses 

Infill the existing open 

areas in front of the 

Boatyard and around the 

bridges 

Separate the actual uses but 

enhance the experience of 

both 

Access to the public a 

hindrance 

Servicing 

storage 

Access 

Improvement of the cockle 

shed area and marina 

Improved pedestrian access 

and a more attractive and 

informative approach from 

Survival depends upon 

creek being dredged 

properly to improve its 

operational and 

servicing context 

Consider measures to 

rectify areas of 

detrimental impact 

-west of Crooked Billet 

Development 

under/adjacent to 

flyover 

Redevelop cockle sheds 


provide an 

improved visual 

aspect as the 

gateway to Old 

<strong>Leigh</strong> from the 

station. 

Health & Safety raised as 

main issue that stops 

interaction. 

Links to station 

discussed. Good 

signage needed. 

Provide a „cycle 

hire point‟ at the 

station. 

Concerns over 

increase in trade 

storage and 

“containers” 

used by the 

fishermen. 

Creek should be 

dredged. 

Some visitor 

residential as 

B&B. 

Beach very 

important for 

schools and 

public. 

Events on Victoria 

Public access and H & 

S issues 

Restricted land for 

activities-inability to 

expand 

Restricted access to 

Bell Wharf removed 

Inevitable. 

Needs refining 

to the east of 

flyover and 

developing to 

the west 

A mechanical 

link would be 

desirable 

Needs some 

control without 

impeding 

viability 

At the heart of 

the area. 

Better links 

and parking 

More 

waterfront 

facilities 

26

Protecting and 

enhancing the heritage. 

Environment of Old 

<strong>Leigh</strong> 

Public Realm 

the west and environs 

Introducing arts areas 

under the flyover 

Introducing traditional 

trades and use to the 

available areas 

Improve appearance 

Utilise open areas 

Maintain the eclectic nature 

and diversity of use to 

retain interest and avoid 

becoming a stale over 

designed museum or a 

stereotyped “Fishing village” 

Develop parking 

facilities 

Blight of crane park 

East of flyover 

Enhance wharves and 

visitor attraction 

Infill sites previously 

demolished 


Wharf or in car park – 

village band 

stand/stage. Provide 

pleasure boat trips 

out of <strong>Leigh</strong> 

Conservation 

area character 

must be 

retained. 

Important 

fishing/working 

village. 

Chandlers Cottage could 

be Maritime Museum 

Belton flyover use and 

appearance 

Design 

Design and 

environment 

of cockle 

sheds 

General 

appearance & 

visual image 

of parts of 

Conservation 

Area 

Appearance & 

character of 

existing 

townscape/ 

streetscape at 

eastern end. 

Potential 

impact of 

cycle route 

Needs LA and 

TC action 

possibly with a 

Design Panel 

Points of disagreement Minimise change Open spaces (car On development Possibly with 

27

Demolish fly over/revert 

to level crossing 


parks) could be 

used for 

retail/residential 

– 1 view. 

Gates required 

to wharf for 

Health & Safety 

and to stop 

vandalism – 1 

view. 

No more land to 

be lost to pubs. 

No car parks to 

be lost. 

DC and SK please check this carefully including was abby greenwoods father there? 

Appendix 2: List of Attendees and those to whom copies are being sent 

NP = not believed to be present 

Chris Arget <strong>Leigh</strong> Motor Boat Club 

David Andrews ECC-Conservation 

Gary Attenborough Estuary Shellfish 

the views of 

the fishermen 

28

Richard Baxter <strong>Leigh</strong> Studios 

Margaret Buckie <strong>Leigh</strong> Society 

Mike Bushell Belton Smallcraft 

John Cross Boatyard -NP 

Alan Crystall SSBC 

Elaine Crystall <strong>Leigh</strong> Society 

Steve Dell F A Emery 

Graham Dent <strong>Leigh</strong> Sailing Club 

Peter Dolby 

Ron Fraser <strong>Leigh</strong> Marina-NP 

Abbie Greenwood SSBC 

Philip Greenwood <strong>Leigh</strong> Sailing Club 

Michael Guy <strong>Leigh</strong> Times 

Pat Holden LTC 

Lynn Jones SSBC 

Mike King <strong>Leigh</strong> Port Partnership 

John Lamb SSBC NP 

Robin Levy Mayflower NP 

John Lidster Belton Smallcraft 


Jane Lovell <strong>Leigh</strong> Seafront Action Group (Part Time) 

Andrew Meddle SSBC -NP 

Carole Mulroney LTC 

David Norman SSBC NP 

Sally Osborne Osbornes 

Graham Osborne Osbornes 

Trevor Osborne 

John Pitt Stanley 4/6 <strong>Leigh</strong> Scouts 

Andy Rattley Simply Seafood 

David Rawlings Estuary Fish 

29

Amy Roberts SSBC 

Colin Sedgewick Mikes Boatyard 

Andy Taite Lynn Taite Galleries 

Steve Walker Urban Practitioners 

Peter Wexham SSBC 

South Essex Chapter of RIBA. 

David Charles Roger Coombs 

Steve Gratrex John James 

Steve Kearney Richard King 

Harry Prime Tim Knight 


30

BELL WHARF FIRST AID POST 








Report - 1906/DF 

For twelve years the <strong>Leigh</strong>-on-Sea Combined Cadet Division St. John Ambulance, under the 

command of Miss Joy Watson, has very successfully operated a First Aid Post, on the first 

floor of the Foreshore Office at Bell Wharf. This facility, which is mainly financially supported 

by the Town Council, is open during the day on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer 

school holidays and on Bank Holidays from Good Friday to August. (It is also open on the 

Sunday of the <strong>Leigh</strong> Folk Festival and during the weekend of the Old <strong>Leigh</strong> Hegatta, with 

financial support being provided by the two organisations.) The dates for this year’s regular 

Saturday and Sunday operation are from 23rd July to 4th September inclusive. 

At the meeting of the Leisure, Foreshore & Environment Committee on 19th May I was 

appointed as the First Aid Provision liaison councillor, in place of the former councillor Mrs. 

Reta Cocks. I have advised Joy of the change. Like Mrs. Cocks, I have been a great supporter 

of our local St. John’s Ambulance branch from the time that Joy and her team began to 

operate the First Aid Post. 

Joy will continue to leave small bills, for bandages and cleaning materials, at the Council office 

for subsequent reimbursement. If any major items are required at the First Aid Post Joy will 

contact me. 

All councillors will be invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the <strong>Leigh</strong>-on-Sea 

Combined Cadets Division St. John Ambulance on a date in November to be announced. 

DONALD N. FRASER 

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Agenda - Leigh-on-Sea Town Council

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