Issue - meetings

RESOLVED: Cabinet to note the content of this report and agree to implement a High Street Rental Auction Scheme subject to following the national guidance in implementing such a scheme, to initially be applied to the southern section of King's Lynn High Street.

REASON FOR DECISION: The scheme is needed to address the high concentration of long?term vacant commercial units on the southern High Street, which currently undermines the area’s economic vitality, appearance and safety. 

A High Street Rental Auction Scheme provides a practical tool to bring empty

properties back into use and supports the wider aims of revitalising King’s Lynn town centre. 

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Cabinet noted that the Regeneration and Development Panel had considered this report and supported the proposal.

Councillor Ring presented the proposal, which sought to bring vacant units at the southern end of King’s Lynn High Street back into use. He provided information on national average vacancy rates and advised that there was currently eight vacant units within the designated area, excluding larger units. Councillor Ring outlined the process to be followed and noted that the proposal crossed into Councillor Rust’s Portfolio, as delivery would be undertaken by the Empty Homes Officer.

Councillor Rust commented that the proposal was a good example of a collaborative approach and emphasised the importance of bringing vacant units back into productive use.

Councillor Beales commented that the proposal would be funded through Council Tax Second Homes funding and welcomed that the funding would be reinvested locally.

Councillor Moriarty asked whether there was discretion in relation to the type of shop operation. In response, the Assistant Director explained that there was criteria requiring the use to be of benefit to the local community and society. It was also noted that leases would be for a term of between one and five years.

Councillor Lintern asked whether the scheme could be extended to Downham Market and Hunstanton if successful. Councillor Ring responded that this could be considered if a further area was designated, noting that the initial scheme focused on a limited area due to the resource?intensive nature of the work.

RESOLVED: Cabinet to note the content of this report and agree to implement a High Street Rental Auction Scheme subject to following the national guidance in implementing such a scheme, to initially be applied to the southern section of King's Lynn High Street.

REASON FOR DECISION: The scheme is needed to address the high concentration of long?term vacant commercial units on the southern High Street, which currently undermines the area’s economic vitality, appearance and safety. 

A High Street Rental Auction Scheme provides a practical tool to bring empty

properties back into use and supports the wider aims of revitalising King’s Lynn town centre.