Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A Beales, C Crofts, N Daubney, M Tilbury and Mrs J Westrop.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

RESOLVED: The minutes from the meeting held on 30 September 2015 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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.

Those 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.

Councillor Mrs Collop declared that a relative had sent a letter in response to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Fees consultation (RD&EC76).

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 none.

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 was none.

If any.

There was none.

None.

There was none.

The Panel will receive an overview of Events held during 2015.

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager provided the Panel with an overview of the Borough Council’s involvement in Hanseatic activities. 

The Panel was provided with the history of the Hanseatic League which, during medieval times, consisted of over 200 towns and cities around the North Sea and Baltic Sea.  It was an economic and trade alliance which historically had political power. 

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager explained that in 1980 a new group of 43 former Hanseatic League members reinstated the Hanse Union.  England currently had three members; King’s Lynn, Boston and Hull.  The new Hanse League currently has members from 184 cities and 16 countries.

Business Hanse was created in 2013 and the Borough Council was one of the co-founding members.  There were over 142 members in 9 European countries and 112 businesses involved in Business Hanse.  The aim of Business Hanse was to encourage export and trading across the Hanse Economic Area.

The Panel was informed that the Borough Council’s reason for involvement in Hanse was to promote the heritage of the area and encourage tourism, assist in meeting corporate priorities within the corporate business plan and encourage trade.

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager explained that the Borough Council had been promoting King’s Lynn’s Hanseatic Heritage for several years through events celebrating international Hanse Day.  He explained that international Hanse Day was an annual event with over 100 towns and cities participating. 

2015 was the 10^th Anniversary since the King’s Lynn had joined the Hanse League so a Hanse Festival and Business Convention had been held to promote the heritage of King’s Lynn.

The Business Convention included representatives from local businesses, UK Trade and Investment, Local Enterprise Partnerships and Growth Accelerators.  Workshops, funding hubs and one to one advice was available throughout the convention.  A business reception was also hosted by the Borough Mayor.

The Hanse Festival was held over a weekend in May 2015 and included activities for children, medieval activities, musical entertainment and the chance to go on board a 14^th century replica Hanseatic Kogge which was docked at the Pontoons.

Children from local primary schools had also been engaged in a ‘Crazy Composers’ project.  Workshops had been delivered in the school and pupils then performed at the Minster and King’s Staithe Square.

King’s Lynn Civic Society also held a community breakfast which had been well attended and well received.

The Chairman thanked the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager for his report and invited questions and comments from the Panels, as summarised below.

Councillor Baron Chenery of Horsbrugh asked for clarification of who was the Lord High Admiral of the Wash.  The Chairman explained that King’s Lynn Conservancy Board would be able to advise accordingly.

Councillor Tyler informed those present that he had spent a lot of time helping to promote the connections with Hanse.  He felt that it presented an opportunity to promote the heritage and history of King’s Lynn.  Councillor Tyler explained that a book on King’s Lynn’s involvement in  ...  view the full minutes text for item RD&EC75a

The Commercial Services Business Manager provided those present with a quick review of events held in 2015.

He explained that the Borough Council had organised a detailed and elaborate events programme over the Spring and Summer.  A minimum of one major event every fortnight had been planned.  The ethos behind this was to contribute towards the Council’s Corporate Strategy by developing a vibrant town centre, stimulate business growth and interest and help people value their cultural heritage.  The Council worked with many partners and organisations to deliver the events.  Details were provided of the following events:

-       27^th March – Lumiere Festival of Light

-       3^rd May GEAR and mini-GEAR.  Highest ever entries recorded this year.

-       15^th to 17^th May – Hanse Weekend.

-       30^th May – Sports Activity Day.

-       13^th and 14^th June – Magna Carta 800^th Anniversary.

-       27^th June – Festival Too Fireworks

-       3^rd, 4^th, 10^th, 11^th July – Festival Too.

-       5^th July – Extra daytime Festival Too event.

-       18^th July – Spitfire trail Launch/RAF Cadets Freedom Parade

-       19^th July – 40’s day

-       25^th July – King’s Lynn Festival Street Entertainment

-       1^st, 15^th, 29^th August – Covent Garden Street Entertainment

-       9^th August – Mods and Rockers

-       22^nd and 23^rd August – Water Ski Racing

-       23^rd August  -Fairy Tales and Legends

-       12^th and 13^th September – Beer Barbers and Butchers

-       13^th September – Heritage Open Day organised by King’s Lynn Civic Society and Classic Car Show. 

The Panel was provided with footfall statistics which showed the difference in footfall on event days compared to the same day the previous year.  Detail of the cost of each event was also provided.

The Business Manager explained that a budget was available for 2016/2017 events, but what would be available in future years was unknown.  Work was ongoing to put together an EU funding bid for a programme of events from 2017 to 2019.  The Business Manager informed those present that the King’s Lynn Town Centre Partnership was also progressing proposals for a Business Improvement District.  If the Business Improvement District came into fruition funds would be available and those involved in the Business Improvement District would choose how they were spent.  He explained that the King’s Lynn Town Centre Partnership had acknowledged that activities drive footfall in the town centre.

The Business Manager informed those present of events planned for the rest of the year which included Fawkes in the Walks on 6^th November and the Christmas Lights switch on, which this year had been changed to a Sunday to make it a more family friendly event.  The switch on event would take place on 22^nd November.

The Panel was informed that a schedule of events for 2016 was currently being planned using  ...  view the full minutes text for item RD&EC75b

The above report is on the Cabinet Forward Decision List for 3 November

2015 and has been identified by the Chairman for consideration by the Panel.

The Panel are requested to consider the report and make any appropriate recommendations to Cabinet.

The Barrister presented the Cabinet report explaining that the Deregulation Act 2015 had introduced changes to hackney carriage and private hire legislation.  Changes included the duration of hackney carriage and private hire driver’s licences to three years, the duration of private hire operator’s licences to five years and the ability for private hire operators to sub contract bookings to a private hire operator licensed by another local authority.

The Barrister explained that the introduction of the new licence durations required a fee to be set.  The last review of fees was in 2011 so the Licensing Department had reviewed all hackney carriage and private hire fees at the same time.  The proposed fees and how they had been calculated was set out in the report.

The Barrister referred to the appendices contained within the report which included objections from members of the trade in relation to the increase in fees.

The Chairman thanked the Barrister for her report and invited questions and comments from both Panels, as summarised below.

Councillor Smith commented that he had read through all of the correspondence and felt that a lot of the objections could have been avoided if information had been made available at the outset on how the figures had been calculated.

Councillor Smith referred to the legislation which allowed for operators to sub contract out to operators licensed by another local authority.  He asked if the operators would have to adhere to the Borough Council’s standards and if there was a difference in the standards set between different local authorities.  The Barrister explained that there would be variations in the requirements of different local authorities, but they should all follow the same standard requirements such as the fit and proper test and take account of the guidance available and case law. 

The Chairman commented that one of the differences could be the age and mileage of vehicles which were allowed to be licensed. 

The Barrister explained that any complaints received would be considered and action could be taken against the driver if required.

The Chairman reminded those present that this was a new piece of legislation and Members would have to monitor its impact.  If significant problems arose, Members could lobby the relevant Minister and Local MP’s.

The Chairman reminded those present that the recommendations set out within the report were to approve the new fee structures.  The ability for private hire operators to sub contract bookings to a private hire operator licensed by another local authority was set out in legislation so had been included within the report for information.

Councillor Bubb asked why the fees had increased as a longer duration licence should take no more time to administer.  The Barrister referred to the report which set out the reasons why the fees had increased.

Councillor Smith requested that the Panel be kept updated on the impact of the new fees be provided to the Panel in 12 months’ time.

Councillor Kunes suggested that the meter rates could be increased  ...  view the full minutes text for item RD&EC76

The above report is on the Cabinet Forward Decision List for 3 November

2015 and has been identified by the Chairman for consideration by the Panel.

The Panel are requested to consider the report and make any appropriate recommendations to Cabinet.

The Barrister presented the Cabinet report and explained that the Gambling Act 2005 required all local authorities to publish a Statement of Principles each three year period.  The Borough Council’s current policy was approved by Full Council on 29^th November 2012.

The report set out the organisations and individuals who had been consulted on the revised Statement of Principles and the Barrister explained that the draft Statement had been available on the website and comments had been invited.

The changes to the Policy were set out in the report and related to Local Area Profiling and Small Society Lotteries.

The Barrister explained that the consultation had ended on 9^th October 2015 and no responses had been appended to the report.

The Chairman thanked the Barrister for her report and invited questions and comments from the Panels, as summarised below.

Councillor Smith referred to Local Area Profiling and asked if the Council carried out checks to ensure that they were mitigating risks.  The Chairman explained that checks would be carried out.

RESOLVED: That the Regeneration and Development & Environment and Community Panel supported the recommendation to Cabinet as set out below:

That the Council be invited to adopt the Statement of Principles in accordance with the requirements of the Gambling Act 2005.

The above report is on the Cabinet Forward Decision List for 3 November

2015 and has been identified by the Chairman for consideration by the Panel.

The Panel are requested to consider the report and make any appropriate recommendations to Cabinet.

The Barrister presented the Cabinet report and explained that Section 5 of the Licensing Act 2003 required licensing authorities to prepare and publish a statement of licensing policy every five years.  A review of the statement had been carried out, taking into account new revised guidance issued by the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and guidance issued by Local Government Regulation.

Proposed changes to the policy were set out in the report.  The Panel was informed that before determining the policy the Act stated that the Council must consult with certain individuals and organisations.  The details of the review were also published on the Borough Council’s website.

The Chairman thanked the Barrister for her report and invited questions and comments from the Panels.  There were no questions from the Panel.

RESOLVED: That the Regeneration and Development & Environment and Community Panel support the recommendations to Cabinet as set out below:

That the Council be invited to adopt the revised Statement of Licensing Policy in accordance with the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003.

The Panel will receive an update on the Riverfront Delivery Plan.

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager presented the report which outlined the rationale and process for preparing a Delivery Plan for the regeneration of King’s Lynn riverfront, its key components, expected outcomes and timetable.

Those present were provided with a map of the area that the Delivery Plan would cover, which had been broken down into three areas.  The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager informed those present that most of the site was within the St Margaret’s and St Nicholas Conservation Area.  He explained that the report outlined the potential development issues and constraints such as flood risk and ground conditions. 

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager explained that the largest land owner within the study area was the Borough Council, however several sites were in third party ownership and the preparation of the Delivery Plan would engage with land owners to identify development opportunities.

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager highlighted the recommendations as set out in the report and explained that the procurement of an architect-led professional team would help to deliver a comprehensive scheme for the long term economic sustainability of the town centre.

The Panel was referred to part two of the report which looked at the options which had been considered and the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager reminded those present that at this stage no solutions had been drawn up.  The report was to engage with the organisations as appropriate to develop proposals and solutions to achieve something transformational which would benefit the town centre.

The Panel’s attention was drawn to part 4 of the report which set out the next steps and indicative timetable to complete the Delivery Plan.  It was hoped that the Delivery Plan would be completed by September/October 2016.

The Chairman thanked the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager for his report and invited questions and comments from the Panels, as summarised below.

Councillor Tyler commented that he could not see any problems with the idea philosophy but the ‘devil would be in the detail’.  He referred to the members of the public who were present at the meeting and their concerns.  He asked if the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager could provide information on what sort of projects would be included in the Delivery Plan.  The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager explained that no projects had been agreed as yet; this would form part of the Delivery Plan.  He acknowledged that there were several key stakeholders in the area and they would all be considered in the consultation process.  The Panel was informed that a Project Board would be established to oversee the preparation of the Delivery Plan.  It had also been proposed that a key stakeholder forum would also be considered to ensure that key stakeholders were kept informed of progress and had the opportunity to provide input into the process at key stages.

The Chairman reminded those present that they were considering the endorsement of developing a Delivery Plan and no plans or projects had been agreed as  ...  view the full minutes text for item RD&EC79

To consider passing the following resolution:

“That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 or 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act”.

RESOLVED: That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 or 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

The Panel will receive an update on the work of the Derelict Land and Buildings Group and the Townscape Heritage Initiative.

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager and the Regeneration Project Officer provided the Panel with an update on the work of the Derelict land and Buildings Group.  The Terms of Reference of the Group was provided to the Panel.  The purpose of the Group was to co-ordinate a corporate proactive approach to tackling borough-wide issues with regard to derelict land and buildings including bringing empty sites and buildings back into use and improving the overall appearance of properties, land and public areas in the borough.  The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager clarified that the Group did not deal with empty homes unless they were derelict.

The Regeneration Project Officer provided detail on the current status of derelict land and buildings in the borough which had been included in the Groups Action Plan.

The Townscape Heritage Initiative Project Officer provided an update on the Townscape Heritage Initiative.  He reminded those present that the project was funded by the Borough Council, Heritage Lottery Fund and private investment.  Three critical, 20 priority and a further 68 reserve properties within the St Margarets and St Nicholas Conservation Area were included in the project.  The Townscape Heritage Initiative also contributed towards the Saturday Market Place enhancements.  As part of the project complementary activities were being carried out including training, education and events.

The Townscape Heritage Initiative Officer provided those present with details of the critical and priority projects.

The Chairman thanked the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager, the Regeneration Project Officer and the Townscape Heritage Initiative Project Officer for their presentation and invited questions and comments from the Panel.

In response to a question from Councillor Howland, it was confirmed that empty Listed Buildings were exempt from Council Tax and Business rates.  Other empty properties, after a grace period, were subject to Council Tax and Business rates.

RESOLVED: The Panel noted the update.

To consider the attached Work Programme for 2015/2016.

In considering the draft Work Programme Members’ attention is drawn to the Cabinet Forward Decisions List.

The Chairman informed those present that if they had any suggestions for items to be added to the Work Programme they could email him or the Chairman of the Regeneration and Development Panel at any time.

RESOLVED: The work programme and forward decision list was noted.

To note that the next Joint meeting of the Regeneration & Development and Environment & Community Panel is scheduled to take place on 25^th November 2015 at 6.00pm in the Committee Suite, King’s Court, Chapel Street, King’s Lynn.

The next meeting of the Regeneration and Development & Environment and Community Panel was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 25 November 2015 at 4.00pm in the Wembley Room, Lynnsport.