Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Suite, King's Court, Chapel Street, King's Lynn. View directions

Contact: Rebecca Parker, Democratic Services, 01553 616632 

Items
No. Item

RD70:

Appointment of Vice Chairman for the Meeting

Minutes:

The Vice Chairman, Councillor Rochford was absent at the beginning of the meeting therefore a Vice Chairman was appointed for the meeting.

 

RESOLVED: That Councillor Howland be appointed Vice Chairman for the meeting.

RD71:

Apologies for absence

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Kunes.

RD72:

Minutes pdf icon PDF 108 KB

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

Minutes:

RESOLVED: The minutes from the Regeneration and Development Panel meeting held on 19th October 2016 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman, subject to the following amendments:

 

RD62: Feedback from the talk on the Essential Benefits of Trees: the word ‘poor’ be amended to ‘raised many issues’.

 

RD65: St George’s Guildhall Complex: Quality Surveyor, should read Quantity Surveyor.

RD73:

Declarations of Interest

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of 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.

Minutes:

There was none.

RD74:

Urgent Business

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.

Minutes:

There was none.

RD75:

Members Present Pursuant to Standing Order 34

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.

Minutes:

Councillor Bird – RD82

Councillor Pope – RD77 to RD83.

RD76:

Chairman's Correspondence

If any.

Minutes:

The Chairman reminded the Panel that Members of the King’s Lynn Area Advisory Committee had been invited to the meeting for the Riverfront Delivery Plan item.  The Chairman explained that he had received correspondence from a Member of the Committee, Councillor Smith, who was unable to attend the meeting.  The Chairman read out the correspondence from Councillor Smith.

RD77:

Update from NWES Director

Minutes:

The Chairman welcomed John Balch from NWES to the meeting.  John Balch explained that he was an NWES Director and the Managing Director of Property Services.  The Panel was provided with an update on the King’s Lynn Innovation Centre (KLIC).

 

John Balch reminded those present that the KLIC had been opened in June 2016 and the aim was to have the centre at 50% occupancy within 12 months of operation.  Currently the centre was 40% full.  The Panel was informed that there were approximately 19 centres across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and North East London and typically they were at 50% capacity within the first year, 75% in year two and then it usually took a few years to get to complete capacity.  John Balch felt that the KLIC was doing well in terms of occupied space.

 

John Balch explained that NWES and the Council had worked together and he thanked the officers and Members involved in the project for their co-operation.  He stated that they had a good work ethic and he was optimistic for the future.

 

The Chairman thanked John Balch for attending the meeting and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

 

Councillor Pope addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34.  He referred to the centre being at 40% capacity and asked at what point the centre would break even financially.  John Balch explained that approximately 60% occupancy and other activities would result in the facility breaking even and 65% would result in a surplus, it was hoped that this would be achieved by the end of year two. 

 

Councillor Blunt, Portfolio Holder for Development, informed the Panel that he had been appointed as the Borough Council’s representative on the KLIC Project Steering Group which would meet on a quarterly basis and Councillor Blunt commented that he would be happy to keep the Panel updated on progress as appropriate.

 

In response to a question, John Balch explained that a local IT company had been the first tenant in.  The company was local and looking to expand and the KLIC was their opportunity to do so.  He felt that by having an established tenant in, it could encourage other enterprises into the KLIC.  John Balch also explained that the KLIC did offer shared services.

 

The Panel was informed that NWES provided support to tenants such as access to clients, development support and advice on grant funding opportunities.

 

In response to questions from the Panel, John Balch confirmed that the shortest formal term of let was one month.  The KLIC also had facilities available for drop in sessions, co-working space and shared facilities.  The Panel was informed that in the future NWES would be looking at a Membership programme so users could use the facilities for meetings, conferences and drop in sessions if required.

 

RESOLVED: (i) The update was noted.

(ii) Members be kept updated on progress as required.

RD78:

St George's Guildhall Update

Minutes:

The Executive Director, Commercial Services provided the Panel with an update on the Heritage Lottery Fund Grant Application for St George’s Guildhall.  He explained that, because of the funding required for the project, the bid application would have to be submitted at national level rather than regional level.  The deadline for submission of the bid was the 8th December 2016.  The Executive Director explained that it was important to hit the 8th December funding deadline as a separate application for funding would also be made to the Arts Lottery, and if this was successful any funds awarded would have to be spent before 2019.

 

The Panel was informed that a decision on the Guildhall from the Heritage Lottery Fund was expected in March/April 2017.

 

Councillor Mrs Nockolds, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Health explained that meetings with user groups had been held and they were generally supportive of the proposals and the user groups had agreed to come together to write a formal letter of support.  She explained that the seating proposed for the Guildhall would provide the flexibility for numerous layouts, which should hopefully cater for most of the user groups and a flat floor layout would also be available.  The Portfolio Holder also explained that meetings had been held with Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company who could potentially use the spaces available for workshops etc. and they had been consulted on accessibility.

 

The Chairman thanked the Executive Director and Portfolio Holder for the update and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

 

In response to a question, the Portfolio Holder explained that consultation with the user groups had had a positive outcome as now a solution, which was suitable for all, had been proposed.  She explained that the Heritage Lottery Fund would want the Council to work with the local community and user groups and take their views into consideration.

 

The Executive Director explained that as part of the project work to the Fermoy Gallery would be carried out to bring it up to standard to accommodate National Exhibitions.

 

In response to a question, the Executive Director explained that the Council leased the Guildhall from the National Trust and the Council had been in regular contact with the National Trust regarding the proposals.  The Executive Director explained that repair work to the Guildhall would be required in the future and the Heritage Lottery Fund application would assist in taking the cost of the works away from the Council.  Councillor Howland asked if there was the option to purchase the Guildhall from the National Trust and the Executive Director agreed to investigate if this was a possibility.

 

The Executive Director explained that if the Stage one bid was successful, a Stage two submission would follow, however, if the Arts Lottery bid application was successful, the Council may have to do some work in advance, as the Arts Lottery money would have to be spent within a certain timescale.

 

RESOLVED: The update was noted.  ...  view the full minutes text for item RD78:

RD79:

Exclusion of Press and Public

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 paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act”.

Minutes:

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 items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

RD80:

EXEMPT - Riverfront Delivery Plan

Minutes:

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager and the Regeneration Programmes Manager provided the Panel with an update on the Riverfront Delivery Plan.

 

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager informed the Panel that a tender exercise had been carried out and consultants had been appointed to review the existing studies of the area, meet with key stakeholders and carry out a public consultation before presenting their findings.

 

The Panel was reminded that the baseline report which was part of the Urban Design Analysis had been circulated with the Agenda for the meeting. 

 

The Chairman welcomed Simon Davis and Niall McNevin to the meeting, who provided the Panel with information on the area and suggested options.  The Panel was also provided with the results of the public consultation exercise.  The Panel was informed that over 200 people had responded to the public consultation exercise. 

 

The Regeneration Programmes Manager explained that the next step was for the all data and information to be reviewed and fedback to the Council.  Then a final options report would be created and consideration would need to be given to the preferred option.  The Regeneration and Development Panel would be kept updated on progress at the relevant time and it was possible that another public consultation exercise would be carried out on the final options report.

 

The Chairman thanked Simon Davis and Niall McNevin for attending the meeting and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

 

Councillor Crofts stated that the area in question was unique and contained lots of Listed Buildings.  He felt that more needed to be done to promote the area to tourists, especially those who came in on bus trips.  He commented that not many bus trips came to King’s Lynn and more should be done to encourage this.  He suggested that provision for a bus park be included in the area.

 

Councillor Mrs Watson suggested that installing additional pontoons would be good for the area, however they would need to be publicised and there would need to be more activity in the area to draw people in.

 

Councillor Pope addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34.  He stated that there was a problem with siltation at the Nar Loop and Niall McNevin commented that any options for this area would look at issues such as this.  He explained that barriers could be put in place so that water could flow out to the River Nar, but the Nar couldn’t flow into the Loop, which could reduce siltation.  He explained that river flows, drainage and siltation would be looked at with regards to the body of water and possible future uses.  Councillor Pope referred to the Marina proposals and commented that he hoped that the same mistakes were not made this time.  The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Councillor Beales explained that the Council had moved on from the Marina.  He explained that assets acquired during the Marina proposals were still owned by the Council and would assist in the delivery of  ...  view the full minutes text for item RD80:

RD81:

EXEMPT - Cabinet Report - Nar Ouse Business Park Enterprise Zone Implementation

Minutes:

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager and Regeneration Programmes Manager presented the Cabinet report which outlined the arrangements and approvals required for delivery of the Enterprise Zone to facilitate development of the employment land at the Nar Ouse Business Park.

 

The Panel received a presentation from the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager and Regeneration Programmes Manager which included detail of the actions required in order to implement the Enterprise Zone, planning and permissions required and associated costs and returns.  The Panel was informed that planning options would require Cabinet approval and would be presented to the Regeneration and Development Panel for consideration.

 

The Chairman thanked the Regeneration and Economic Development Manager and the Regeneration Programmes Manager for the report and invited questions and comments from the Panel.

 

Councillor Pope addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34.  He made reference to the finance arrangements and the Business rates thresholds.  The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager explained the thresholds for the rates of discounts and explained that the Cabinet report set out the amendments to the Treasury Management Strategy.

 

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager and Regeneration Programmes Manager responded to questions regarding finance, business rates discounts and infrastructure work required.

 

RESOLVED: That the Regeneration and Development Panel support the recommendations to Cabinet as set out in the report.

RD82:

EXEMPT - One Public Estate

Minutes:

The Executive Director, Commercial Services presented the report which provided the Panel with an update on progress with the three schemes to be implemented as part of One Public Estate in the Borough.

 

The Executive Director provided information on the funding awarded as part of the One Public Estate bid and the feasibility studies which would be carried out.  The Executive Director explained that in the future it may be possible to obtain further funding, so if Members were aware of assets which had potential and were owned by other public bodies they were encouraged to pass on details to the Executive Director.

 

The Chairman thanked the Executive Director for his report and invited questions and comments from the Panel.

 

Councillor Bird addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34.  He made reference to the Hunstanton assets which had been included in the proposals, which included Valentine Road, the Library, the School and Seafront Areas.  He also asked if Hunstanton Community Centre had been included and the Executive Director confirmed that it had not.  The Executive Director responded to the points made by Councillor Bird.  He explained that plans were available for the Valentine Road proposals and these had been agreed in principle by the Library Service.  Meetings had also been carried out with Norfolk County Council and the Bus Operators and transit times and drop off points were being considered.  The Executive Director explained that the Seafront had been included in the original bid, but funding for this area had been unsuccessful, however there would be the opportunity to apply again in the future.  The Executive Director reminded the Panel that the Oasis was heavily subsidised and a feasibility study could look at options for the site and alternative leisure provisions.

 

RESOLVED: (i) The update was noted.

(ii) The Panel to forward details of any other opportunities within the Borough which could be considered for inclusion in the One Public Estate programme in the future.

RD83:

Work Programme and Structure of the Panel pdf icon PDF 50 KB

Minutes:

The Chairman reminded the Panel that at their previous meeting it had been agreed to discuss the structure of the Panel and how items were considered for inclusion on the Work Programme.  Councillor Mrs Collingham suggested that this be discussed in detail at the next meeting and in the meantime she would seek views from Members of the Panel and present a short report to the next meeting.

 

Members of the Panel were reminded that there was an eform available on the intranet which could be completed and submitted if Members had items which they would like to be considered for addition to the Work Programme.

 

RESOLVED: (i) The Panel’s Work Programme was noted.

(ii) An item on Structure of the Panel be added to the agenda for the next meeting.

(iii) Monitoring of the Five Year Land Supply be added to the Work Programme.

(iv) Updates to be received from the Custom and Self Build Policy Task Group as appropriate.

RD84:

Date of the next meeting

To note that the next meeting of the Regeneration & Development Panel is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 11th January 2017 at 6.00pm in the Committee Suite, King’s Court, Chapel Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1EX.

Minutes:

The next meeting of the Regeneration and Development Panel was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 11th January 2017 at 6.00pm in the Committee Suite, King’s Court, Chapel Street, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1EX.