Council leader Daniel Cowan described the announcement as a “major step forward”, arguing that councils have lacked the powers needed to influence how town and city centres evolve. These are powers councils have been crying out for for decades,” he said. Southend Council believes the additional planning controls will support its long-term vision for a city centre focused more heavily on leisure, culture and visitor experiences. “What draws people into the city centre are unique activities and attractions. “Our vision has always been to support those kinds of businesses, and I think these powers will help us do exactly that.”