Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Crofts.  

To approve the minutes of the previous meetings held on the 1^st July 2025 (additional meeting) and 9^th September 2025.

RESOLVED: The minutes from the meetings held on the 1^st July and 9^th September 2025 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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.

There was none.

To consider any business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chair 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 Chair of their intention to do so and what items they wish to be heard before a decision on that item is taken.  

Councillor Lintern and de Whalley were present under Standing Order 34.

Councillor Anota, Blunt, Collingham and Ratcliffe were present Under Standing Order 34 on Teams.

If any.

There was none.

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Representatives from BDP and the Regeneration Programmes Manager gave a presentation to the Panel.

The Chair invited questions and comments from the Panel.

The Chair, Councillor Parish questioned the costings of the four consultants used.

The Regeneration Programmes Manager explained due to the different elements and details of the scope of work for the riverfront, the cost was between £250,000 to £300,000 for the use of consultants.

The Chair, Councillor Parish commented on the phrase used, ‘investable opportunities’ and sought confirmation it related to devolution and local government reorganisation and future spend and strategy.

Under Standing Order 34, Councillor Collingham commented previous money had been spent on consultants however there was no progress. She expressed her concern that previous work had not been learnt from and sought clarification if the previous work which had been carried out was still relevant or useful. She highlighted the amount of money being spent further on consultancy was concerning with no outcome.

Portfolio Holder, Councillor Ring advised work previously had been learnt from and private investment was not going to be received until planning was approved for the Masterplan.

Representatives from BDP provided assurance, previous work was being considered and useful. He explained evidence was being reviewed as the first phase of the project. 

The Chair, Councillor Parish sought clarification on consideration of other proposals such as Southgates and STARS Projects.

The Regeneration Programmes Manager referred to the previous panel meeting in which Norfolk County Council provided an update on STARS to include Baxters plain and the plans are due to be submitted before Christmas to the Department of Transport. She highlighted to the panel, Southgates was to be included in the Masterplan as already an extensive piece of work had been carried out to plan for the development,

Councillor Bone sought assurance on the plans for South Quay, Boal Quay and Devils Alley as he had concerns heritage and culture were not restored.

Representative from BDP explained the riverfront scheme was to be reviewed to establish what already exists. He added there was an extensive consultation and engagement process to include co-design workshops.

Councillor Colwell referred to the Port area and Common Staithe Quay and questioned if these could be used for car parking so the Tuesday Market Place could be used and appreciated for alternative uses.

Representative from BDP explained the car parking strategy was also being developed and it was being considered what  was most appropriate.

The Regeneration Programmes Manager provided further detail on the masterplan identifying future developments to open spaces such as the Tuesday Market Place.

Councillor Bone referred to zone six which was West Lynn and commented the significance of this area for residents to view the quay and the expressed his concern this would be used for a car park.  

Representative from BDP explained due to the bio diversity aspect from planning this area was restricted for development however park and ride could be explored. He  ...  view the full minutes text for item RD51:

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A Representative from Anglian Water gave a presentation to the Panel. A copy which is attached.

The Chair invited question and comments from the Panel.

Under Standing Order 34, Councillor de Whalley expressed his concern with planning consent and questioned the situation with Anglian Water objecting to planning applications.

Representative from Anglian Water explained Anglian Water work with Officers at the Borough Council. She added Anglian Water were lobbying for change and highlighted working together to overcome barriers.

Councillor Bone commented if the population were to continue to increase and questioned if there was under investment and if Anglian Water should have better planned.

Representative from Anglian Water commented lessons were to be learnt from the past and growth had been restricted due to how Anglian Water are regulated and invested. She explained the Local Plan did not tie in with Anglian Water’s current short term investment plan. She highlighted they were lobbying to tie in with the Local Plan timescales and there needed a fundamental change with how Anglian Water was regulated.

Under Standing Order 34, Councillor Blunt thanked the representative from Anglian Water on the clarification as a strategic response was not received to the Local Plan. He commented on the West Winch development and hoped there was a strategy being put in place from Anglian Water. He commented that often comments on planning applications did not take account of the cumulative effect of other planning applications within the area.

The Representative from Anglian Water explained they were currently working on a drainage and wastewater management plan which was a statutory requirement. She explained this plan considered networks and wastewater recycling centres were currently in place and how they could manage growth in the future. She added Council Officers were engaging in this but acknowledged there were challenges. She referred to the cumulative impact and explained planning responses looked at known growth and infrastructure was considered as part of the response.

The Assistant Director for Environment and Planning commented on the Local Plan and hoped Anglian Water investment would align with the plan. He reminded Members Anglian Water were not a statutory consultee to applications, but their comments were considered.

Portfolio Holder, Councillor Moriarty welcomed proactive engagement and commented Central Government encouraged developments to be built but needed to be reminded of the other aspects such as Anglian Water infrastructure need to be considered.

The Chair, Councillor Parish highlighted the issues with wastewater disposal at Heacham meaning no further development in that area.

Councillor Bubb referred to the Internal Drainage Board (IDB) and the money being spent pumping water into the wash. He questioned why Anglian Water did not receive any of this water.

The Representative from Anglian Water explained they were working with, and discussions with the IDB were ongoing. She added other innovative works were ongoing including a new reservoir and new strategic pipelines to help with demand.

In response to a question from Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item RD52:

RESOLVED: The Panel’s Work Programme was noted.

Councillor Blunt commented the Panel should not only work with reports on the Forward Plan but also scrutinise and challenge external impacts. He suggested a challenging progress update on the West Winch development.

It was confirmed to the Panel that short term improvements to Southgates was added to the Work Programme.

It was agreed the Democratic Services Officer would arrange a workshop prior to the next Regeneration and Development Panel meeting to discuss and organise the work programme.

To note that the next meeting of the Regeneration & Development Panel is scheduled to take place on 13^th January 2026 at 6:00pm in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Saturday Market Place.

The next meeting of the Regeneration and Development Panel would be held on 13^th January at 6.00pm in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Saturday Market Place.