Agenda and draft minutes

To appoint a Chairman for the Municipal Year 2015/16.

RESOLVED:   That Councillor A Tyler be appointed as Chairman for the Municipal Year 2015/2016.

To appoint a Vice-Chairman for the Municipal Year 2015/16.

RESOLVED:   That Councillor Mrs S Collop be appointed as Vice-Chairman for the Municipal Year 2015/2016.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 10 March 2015 (previously circulated).

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 March 2015 were agreed as a correct record.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of an interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declared, the Member should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

These declarations apply to all Members present, whether the Member is part of the meeting, attending to speak as a local Member on an item or simply observing the meeting from the public seating area.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider any business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chairman proposes to accept as urgent under Section 100(b)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act, 1972.

There was no urgent business.

Members wishing to speak pursuant to Standing Order 34 should inform the Chairman of their intention to do so and on what items they wish to be heard before the meeting commences.  Any Member attending the meeting under Standing Order 34 will only be permitted to speak on those items which have been previously notified to the Chairman.

There were no Members present pursuant to Standing Order 34.

The Chairman referred to an email which had been sent by the Democratic Services Officer on 2 July 2015 from the Clerk to West Winch Parish Council regarding a Neighbourhood Plan.  The email stated that if anyone had any comments to make then these should be raised under Chairman’s Correspondence.

The Committee had no comments to make on the proposed Neighbourhood Plan.

Councillor Gourlay raised the issue of Traffic Management in King’s Lynn and asked whether this could be added to the work programme.  It was advised that the Regeneration and Development and Environment and Community Panel would be considering the issue at a future meeting.  However Members considered that this was an important issue and should be a future agenda item.

Councillor Mrs Wilkinson also raised the issue that more care should be taken with planning applications particularly developers leaving estates not completed.

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager explained that issues such as air quality and traffic management were considered at Panel Meetings.

Councillor Gourlay proposed that the issue of traffic management in King’s Lynn should be dealt with by way of a Councillor Call for Action.  The Democratic Services Officer advised that there was a process to go through and she would send Councillor Gourlay the details.

The Economic Development Officer will give a presentation on the proposed King’s Lynn Town Centre Action Plan.  The current Action Plan is attached for the Committee’s consideration.

The Economic Development Officer explained that the King’s Lynn Town Centre Action Plan was currently being updated.  A copy of the previous Action Plan had been circulated as part of the agenda, so that the Committee could see what the previous Action Plan contained.  He explained that the Action Plan had been produced to provide a response to the challenges that King’s Lynn Town Centre faced.

The Town Centre Plan drew together the priorities and plans set out in many other policy documents, the Council’s capital programme and activity of other partner organisations into one place so as to create a holistic approach to attracting more people to the town centre by facilitating amenity improvement, attracting investment in a wider range of retail, culture and leisure based economic activity, encouraging housing development and creating quality public spaces.

The Town Centre Plan also provided evidence for investment and funding opportunities.

Consultation had taken with other stakeholders for example Norfolk County Council Highways, Bus Operators, King’s Lynn Town Centre Partnership.

The Economic Development Officer explained that the document was an action plan and not a strategy.

The Economic Development Officer also explained that the Town Centre Action Plan had been summarised into 6 themes contained in the Urban Development Strategy as follows:

1.       High Quality Public Realm & Spaces:  Creating variety and enhancing the quality and distinctiveness of public realm to improve the perception of the town.

2.       Maximise Historic assets:  Utilising the town’s historic assets to improve the town’s regional position in the tourism market.

3.       Diversify the town centre offer:  Increasing activity in areas other than the retail area, particularly along the waterfront and varying town centre provision.

4.       A town centre that is easily accessible:  Creating a pedestrian and cycle friendly town centre environment and enhancing public transport and vehicular access and facilities.

5.       A place for people to live, work and socialise:  Focussing residential development appropriate to the intimate nature of King’s Lynn and in historic core and creating a lively and vibrant environment which meets the needs and aspirations of people of all ages.

6.       Events & promotion:  Marketing the town locally and regionally through a variety of small and large activities, events and promotional materials.

The Economic Development Officer explained that the 2015 Plan was being finalised and would be taken to Cabinet and the Town Centre Partnership.

Councillor Joyce stated that he could not see anything in the Action Plan which tackled the night-time economy which was putting pressure on Council’s resources.  In addition, the lighting within the town centre did not meet British Standards and restricted footfall.

Councillor Joyce also referred to the fact the previous Local Government stated that Councils should not be making any profit from car parking charges.

The Economic Development Officer explained that the purpose of the Action Plan was to record activities.  He considered that policing of the night time economy was part of the Police routine operation activities and was therefore not recorded.  He added  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

The Towns Centre Manager will give an update to the Committee on the King’s Lynn Market.

The Town Centres Manager gave a presentation to the Committee on King’s Lynn markets.

He explained that in 2013 traders were relocated to the town centre pitches ahead of the Tuesday Market Place revamp.  Some traders needed to shrink in size in order for them to be accommodated.  A few decided to relinquish as they would not be able to trade unless their van was with their pitch.  Footfall increased on Baxter’s Plain and New Conduit Street as a result/.

An Informal Working Group was set up in January 2014 where a number of stakeholders were interviewed.  The results were reported to the REC Panel in March 2014.

The main points from the report included:

·       Removing the restrictive policy on the number of stalls selling the same or similar products to allow new traders if they committed to a long-term booking.

·       Setting a standard for stalls in terms of visual presentation and assist in upgrading the existing stalls.  It was proposed that the Blue and Gold be adopted as the King’s Lynn colour theme.

·       The Tuesday Market in King’s Lynn should operate on both the Tuesday Market Place (new granite area) and in the town centre.

-         Granite area allowing some space allocated for stall holders’ vehicles         if these need to be adjacent to or part of the market stall.

-         To limit the impact on parking, at least half of the 20 minute parking bays to be retained as available.

-         Increase charges for market stalls in the town centre locations only on Tuesdays by 50% which is to implemented this financial year.

A meeting was held with Market Traders earlier this month.

·     Discussion regarding the reintroduction of stalls on the Tuesday Market Granite Area.

·     Those currently trading in the town centre were being given first refusal to return, or they can remain where they are.

·     No complaints were received regarding:

-         50% rent increase being implemented this financial year for                        those that remain in the town centre

-         Or stalls selling the same or similar products.

·     Looking to implement the Tuesday Market Place granite area once all responses from current traders had been received.

Councillor Smith asked what would happen if the granite area on the Tuesday Market Place was full.  In response, the Town Centres Manager explained that an extra area could be provided on the non-car park area and if necessary some car parking spaces could be taken back for the market.

Councillor Gourlay asked whether planning permission was required for the markets within the town centre and who would need to apply.  The Town Centres Manager outlined the process that would be required.  He also outlined the fee structure which had been agreed with the Vancouver Quarter.

Councillor Kittow expressed concern that the market on the Saturday Market Place appeared to be dying off and there was currently only a fish van trading on a Saturday.  The Town Centre Manager explained that different initiatives had taken place such as giving traders 4 weeks free use  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Steven King the THI Project Officer will give an update to the Committee.

Steven King, the THI Officer gave a presentation to the Committee, and outlined the critical projects; the progress made to date and the next steps for the scheme.  He explained that:

•        The Borough Council have been successful with the Stage 2 application for funding.

•        Funding: £1m BCKLWN, £1m HLF, £800,000 (private investment)

•        3 critical, 20 priority and a further 68 reserve properties

•        Saturday Market Place - £140,000 contribution

•        Over 2,200 sqm to be brought back into use

•        285 new jobs created (125 direct and 160 in the local economy) and 250 jobs safeguarded

The next steps for the scheme were:

•        THI Project Officer in post for 7 months now

•        Saturday Market Place works now completed

•        Meetings have taken place with all owners of critical projects.  Grant application expected for Greyfriars Chambers, St James Street, imminently.

•        Contact made with all owners of Priority Projects.

•        Focus on Saturday Market Place, with applications expected for at least two properties.

•        Clusters of properties interested in applying for THI grant in both St James St and Tower St.

•        Contact made with two absentee landlords.

•        Partnership Board has met and is due to meet soon

•        Project Monitor has visited all Critical Projects and is supportive of aims.

•        Training and education programme in conjunction with CWA, culminating with our April exhibition.

•        Partnership working with Stories of Lynn HLF project.

•        Work with Discovery centre over training for NEETS.

•        Community event “Beer, Barbers and Butchers" to take place on 12 and 13 September.

•        Autumn programme of talks

The next steps for the scheme were:

•        Continue to work with owner of 9 – 11 St James Street in preparing grant application.

•        Encourage owner of Wenn’s Hotel to apply for grant funding. Liaise with other interested council departments.

•        Keep on pushing forward for priority projects uptake.

•        Partnership working, i.e. Freebridge

•        Continue to promote THI to dwindling number of landowners who to date have not shown interest.

•        Work with enforcement colleagues to develop carrot and stick approach. Liaise with DLB

The Chairman made reference to 9-11 Tower Street.  The THI Project Officer stated that it was owned privately and he was in regular contact with the owner.  There was a planning consent in place for residential accommodation.

Councillor Kittow stated that the corners were of particular interest and explained that the newsagent on the corner opposite the Wenns was looking to move, therefore there may be an empty unit.

The Chairman thanked the THI Project Officer for the update.

To appoint Members to the Planning Sub-Group.

The Chairman explained that the Committee was looking for Members to join the Committee’s Planning Sub-Group.

AGREED:     (1)      That Councillors Mrs S Collop and C Kittow be appointed to the Committee’s Planning Sub-Group.

(2)      That the Democratic Services Officer arranges induction training for Councillor Mrs S Collop and C Kittow.

(3)      That the Democratic Services Officer emails the rest of the Committee to see if any other member would like to be appointed to the Committee’s Planning Sub-Group.

The Chairman left the meeting at 7.45 pm.  The Vice-Chairman took the Chair for the remainder of the meeting.

The Committee is asked to consider items for a future Work Programme for 2015/2016.

The Committee noted the Work Programme.  In addition to those items already programmed in, the following items were raised for inclusion:

·       Open Space byelaws

·       King’s Lynn Traffic Plan

·       Visit to Old Pilot Cinema Site.

The Committee also considered that it would be useful to have a regular update from the Town Centres Manager.

To note the following dates for future meetings:

·        28 September 2015

·        7 January 2016

·        14 March 2016

The next meeting would be held on Monday, 28 September 2015 at 6.00pm in the Committee Suite, King’s Court.