Agenda and draft minutes

RESOLVED: That Councillor Osborne be appointed as Vice Chair of the Panel for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year.

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were none.

To approve the minutes from the Regeneration and Development Panel held on 31^st March 2026.

RESOLVED: The minutes from the previous meeting 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 were no declarations of interest.

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 Kemp.

There was none.

For the Chair to sign the Scrutiny and Executive Protocol.

The Chair signed the Scrutiny and Executive Protocol.

Click here to view the recording of this item on YouTube

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Licensing presented the report, advising that at the recent Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Spending Panel meeting, the Panel had identified and prioritised projects in accordance with CIL regulations. Five applications, due to the level of funding requested, required consideration by Cabinet. These applications were detailed within the report, together with options to address the identified overspend. The options included either reducing the funding allocated to the Hunstanton Sea Wall defences project or applying a proportional reduction (top-slicing) across all five projects.

The Chair thanked the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Licensing and officers for the report and invited questions and comments from Members, as summarised below.

In response to a question from Councillor Crofts, it was confirmed that the next CIL Spending Panel meeting was scheduled for 22 June, at which time applications relating to local projects would be considered.

The Portfolio Holder further clarified that at the recent CIL meeting, the Panel had not reached a view on how the shortfall in funding for strategic projects should be addressed, and that this matter would therefore be determined by Cabinet.

The Planning Control Manager drew attention to the detailed information included within the agenda regarding the potential impact of any reduction in funding for the Hunstanton Sea Wall project. Given that detailed design was yet to take place, it was noted that there would be further opportunities for the project to seek additional funding through future CIL allocation rounds.

Councillor Collingham referred to the Guildhall application. It was explained that discussions had taken place with the lead officer for the project and that there would be an opportunity for the project to submit a bid for future rounds of CIL funding.

Councillor Bubb referred to the Fire Station project, and it was confirmed that the project met the eligibility criteria for CIL funding.

The Portfolio Holder provided an overview of the CIL application process, explaining that both strategic and local projects procedures. It was noted that funding was released only upon completion of the project and submission of appropriate evidence of expenditure. Lead Officers were also invited to present supporting information to the CIL Spending Panel where appropriate.

Councillor Heneghan requested that, in future, more detailed information be provided to the Regeneration and Development Panel, including the potential impact on projects should the level of requested funding be reduced. The Portfolio Holder agreed to liaise with officers to ensure that sufficient information was made available to Members going forward.

Councillor Bone commented on the importance of the Fire Station project, noting that the proposed training centre would deliver significant benefits for public safety in the town.

Councillor Colwell advised that the hyperlinks included within the report were not functioning and requested that more detailed information on individual projects be made available in advance of future meetings.

The Deputy Chief Executive provided clarification in relation to the option of top-slicing funding across all projects,  ...  view the full minutes text for item RD9:

Click here to view the recording of this item on YouTube

The Portfolio Holder for Business and Deputy Leader presented the report, reminding Members that the West Norfolk Economic Strategy had previously been agreed and that the document before them set out the associated two-year delivery plan.

The Economic Growth Officer explained that the plan would operate as a “live” document, subject to annual review and monitored against a series of key performance indicators.

The Chair thanked the Portfolio Holder for Business and Deputy Leader and officers for the report and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

In response to a question from the Chair, it was explained that the plan had been developed on the assumption that Devolution would progress, and that it was important to ensure projects were sufficiently developed to take advantage of future opportunities.

In response to a question from Councillor Collingham, it was confirmed that detailed information regarding delivery was included within the report, including work relating to the new hospital.

Councillor Blunt requested clarification on how performance would be measured. It was explained that the Council’s progress would be monitored corporately, supported by data analysis and the use of technology. It was also noted that available resources needed to be considered.

Councillor Ratcliffe welcomed the inclusion of Downham Market and expressed the hope that the Panel would have the opportunity to provide input into individual projects as they progressed.

The Vice Chair, Councillor Osborne, commented positively on the partnership working demonstrated within the plan.

In response to a question regarding Youth Hubs, it was confirmed that three hubs were planned across Norfolk, including one in King’s Lynn.

Councillor Colwell welcomed the inclusion of the A17 flyover and the emphasis on BOOST projects. He queried whether Hunstanton Library should be included and it was explained that this was being considered separately.

Councillor Bubb asked how the benefits of the proposed projects could be reflected within the planning application process. It was explained that, where appropriate, strategic context could be provided to support applications.

Councillor Kemp addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34, expressing support for initiatives aimed at helping young people into employment. She also asked whether ward-level data would be made available to Members and commended efforts to attract GPs to King’s Lynn.

The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Ring, thanked officers for their work in preparing the plan, noting the significant amount of work involved. He commented that the plan provided a strong overview of potential achievements and would be kept under regular review.

The Chair noted the Panel’s comments, particularly in relation to performance monitoring, and requested that the Panel be kept informed of progress as appropriate.

RESOLVED: That the Regeneration and Development Panel support the recommendation to Cabinet, as set out below.

Recommendation to Cabinet:

That Cabinet approve the West Norfolk Economic Strategy Action Plan 2026 - 2028.

The Panel identified the following items for potential addition to the Work Programme:

-        Active Travel Hub – 15^th July meeting

-        Hunstanton Library Update – Councillor Colwell

-        Impact on litter on the Highways in relation to Fast Food outlets.

-        Update on Overnight Camping on Hunstanton

-        Section 106 Update

-        Review of the ‘To Be Scheduled’ list on the Work Programme at the next Sifting Meeting.

RESOLVED: The Panel’s Work Programme and the Forward Decisions List was noted.

To note that the next meeting of the Regeneration and Development Panel is scheduled to take place on 15^th July 2026 at 6.00pm in the Council Chamber, Town Hall.

The next meeting of the Regeneration and Development Panel was scheduled to take place on 15^th July 2026 at 6.00pm in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn.