Agenda item

RESOLVED: 1. Cabinet noted the report and endorsed the work on Hunstanton Prosperity.

2. Cabinet endorsed the update to the Hunstanton Town Centre & Southern Seafront Masterplan in the Hunstanton Prospectus.

Reason for Decision:  To continue the Council’s support to the economic development and regeneration of Hunstanton.

The Chief Executive presented the report which outlined the work carried out by the Coastal Community Team to prepare the Hunstanton Economic Plan and update the Hunstanton Town Centre and Southern Seafront Masterplan, which had last been updated in 2008.  The Chief Executive explained that the Hunstanton Economic Plan could prove useful in the future to support bids for funding or grant applications.

Councillor Bird addressed the Cabinet under Standing Order 34.  He felt that the work carried out was comprehensive and he reminded those present that he had submitted a notice of motion to conduct a comprehensive study of Hunstanton and the adjacent area.

Councillor Bird informed Cabinet that Norfolk County Council was carrying out a piece of work on Market Towns.  Hunstanton had been included and could benefit from funding.  Councillor Bird explained that he would encourage Norfolk County Council to prioritise Hunstanton in this piece of work.

Councillor Bird explained that the Prosperity plan referred to Hunstanton’s dual role as a local service centre and a seaside resort; however he felt that there was more to add to the offering including leisure and tourism, being a service centre for North West Norfolk, a growth industry for retirement and care and a dormitory town for King’s Lynn.

Councillor Bird referred to the closure of the sixth form at Smithdon and that second homes money was being spent at the College of West Anglia.  He asked if funds would be available to assist at Smithdon.

Councillor Bird also referred to the following:

·         Improving connectivity and coastal paths.

·         Improving other business opportunities.

·         Increasing boundaries for growth.

·         Promotion of retirement and care facilities.

Councillor Long explained that the sixth form at Smithdon would be a decision for Trustees of the Academy and there could be various reasons why the sixth form closed.  Councillor Long agreed that any improvement in connectivity would be beneficial and he was pleased that Hunstanton had been recognised as a Market Town through the Norfolk County Council project and could potentially benefit from funding.  Councillor Long commented that the Council did work with businesses in West Norfolk and encouraged start-up businesses.

The Chief Executive explained that the One Public Estate work would look at sites available and development within existing boundaries.  He also explained that the Council was working with Adult Social Services to bring forward a site for housing with care and the different levels of need were being looked at.  The Borough Council and Norfolk County Council would work together to bring forward proposals.

Councillor Mrs Nockolds referred to the Coastal Treasure Programme and explained that the coast was promoted through the West Norfolk Tourism Forum Destination Management Plan.  Work was ongoing to try and get visitors to stay in West Norfolk for longer.

RESOLVED: 1. Cabinet noted the report and endorsed the work on Hunstanton Prosperity.

2. Cabinet endorsed the update to the Hunstanton Town Centre & Southern Seafront Masterplan in the Hunstanton Prospectus.

Reason for Decision:  To continue the Council’s support to the economic development and regeneration of Hunstanton.