Guidance that will shape the development of a new, sustainable neighbourhood at Chelmer Waterside has been approved by Lib Dem-led Chelmsford City Council's Cabinet.

A document called the "Chelmer Waterside Development Framework" was discussed and approved at the Council's Cabinet meeting (Item7) on 12 October.

Plans for an ambitious project that will pedestrianise and reshape Tindal Square (at the top of the High Street) were signed off by Chelmsford City Councillors at the recent Cabinet meeting.

The redesign, proposed jointly by the Chelmsford City and Essex County Councils, will see the pedestrianised High Street extended all the way to the doors of Shire Hall, restoring the Georgian-era layout of the city centre. The historic square will feature seating, new trees and be available as a space for public performances.

Extra funds for climate action in Essex, pavements, mental health + young people were proposed today by Essex Liberal Democrats. The proposals were tabled at the Essex County Council budget meeting on 23 February.

The Lib Dem proposals:-

Climate Change action

• Promote a sustainable approach to growth, development and a low carbon future.
• Implement measures to improve the green infrastructure of Essex and increase biodiversity.
• Improve the environmental quality, attractiveness and recreational potential of public spaces in ECC ownership.
• Implement measures to reduce waste, lower energy consumption and improve air quality in identified hot spots and introduce Clean Air Zones.

Essex Conservatives have dropped 'sound finance' from their 2021/22 budget and kicked the financial can down the road, according to the Liberal Democrats.

Essex County Council is proposing a budget that depends on £46 million of un-named cuts that even their own finance officer says have a "risk of not being delivered". Essex CC has also delayed a 3.5% rise in Council Tax to next year (2% general fund and 1.5% social care).

A wide range of community improvements costing £10.2 million can now go ahead, following a vote of the Lib Dem led Chelmsford City Council's Cabinet on 8 September 2020.

The following projects will benefit from the funding:

• Affordable housing initiatives, including the infrastructure at Chelmer Waterside to maximise housing delivery
• 28 projects for improvements and investments across the city's parks, green spaces and strategic sports facilities
• Tindal Square pedestrianisation
• Beaulieu Secondary School
• A range of GP surgery improvements

Chelmsford City Council is enabling local food delivery businesses by providing extra free parking, helping them to provide services to residents during the coronavirus crisis.

The new measure means that any companies delivering food, whether as an established or new part of their business, can apply online for two dispensations to park within the city. These permits will apply to the company rather than individual vehicles, giving businesses more flexibility for their deliveries.

The Lib Dems took control of Chelmsford Council on 22nd May. Stephen Robinson was elected Leader of the Council and Marie Goldman Deputy Leader. The Lib Dem Group made proposals to reform the Cabinet structure to reflect Lib Dem priorities, as set out in the election manifesto.

The new Cabinet posts are: