FUTURE decision-making around the development of the Harlow and Gilston Garden suburb will be made in public described as a “massively welcomed step” reports the Local Democracy Reporter.

A cross-boundary joint committee (JC) between Essex County Council, Hertfordshire County Council and well as the three districts of Epping Forest, East Herts and Harlow is being formed to lead and coordinate the 16,000-home project.

The committee will provide programme oversight and formalise effective audit functions and risk-sharing equally between all the partners, whilst at the same time ensuring all decisions are democratically accountable and transparent, Harlow Council said at a meeting agreeing to enter a joint committee.

Up to now meetings between the five partners have been being closed doors but that is set to change as the delivery phase of the project begins.

The establishment of a joint committee does not include decision-making related to either planning or statutory highway authority functions, which will remain with these authorities.

Harlow and Gilston Garden Town includes a series of new communities around Harlow it encompasses all of existing Harlow with its green wedges and fingers, along with new strategic sites to the north (Gilston villages), east (known as East Harlow), south (known as Latton Priory) and west (known as the Water Lane area) of Harlow, along with new open spaces and green wedges linking to those that already exist in Harlow. Around 16,000 new homes are set to be delivered by 2033, with a further 7,000 planned afterwards.

Leader of Harlow Council, Councillor Dan Swords said at cabinet on Thursday, September 8: “This is a massively welcomed step and one that anyone can recognise it will move the partnership forward.

The public accountability thing is enormous. To date, all the board meetings have been private behind closed doors. And that is not the way to run future developments for the growth of the town. And that is why these steps are being taken.

“Harlow is in the driving seat. This is about the growth of Harlow. While not the geographical area of Harlow it is generally about the growth of Harlow and increase the economy of Harlow – with increased footfall, increase revenue.”

A statement as part of the decision papers said: “It is considered that the establishment of a cross-boundary Joint Committee (JC) for the HGGT will help deliver locally led leadership and coordination of the project to provide programme oversight and to formalise effective audit functions and risk-sharing equally between all the partners, whilst at the same time ensuring all decisions are democratically accountable and transparent.

“These arrangements will not, however, extend to decision-making related to either Planning Authority development management determinations or to statutory Highway Authority functions, which will remain with the respective district and county councils.”

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