Agenda item

Representatives from Norfolk County Council will be attending the meeting for this item.

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Representatives from Norfolk County Council provided the Panel with an update on the Countywide Scheme as attached.  It was explained that the next stage was a six week engagement and consultation period.

The Chair thanked the officers for their presentation and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

In response to a question from Councillor Crofts it was explained that the engagement process would include an online survey, advertising on social media and would be as wide spread as possible using the resources available.

In response to questions from Councillor de Whalley it was explained that the Greenways Feasibility Study had been considered and incorporated where possible and there would be future opportunities to bid for further funding.  Schemes to link King’s Lynn and Fakenham were also being considered.  Councillor de Whalley commented that improvements to South Lynn were desperately needed and officers from Norfolk County Council explained that not all schemes could be funded initially, and this scheme would look at short, medium and long term priorities using views gathered during the consultation period.

The funding available was highlighted including Town Deal funding and it was explained that other sources of funding would be looked at so that additional schemes could be considered in the future.

Officers responded to queries from Councillor de Whalley relating to compliance to LTN120 and Gear Change Policies and explained that they were committed to ensuring compliance. 

Councillor Moriarty asked if routes linking King’s Lynn to Swaffham were being considered and it was explained that if there was demand for this, it could be.

The Vice Chair, Councillor Gidney noted that not many East to West routes had been included for example Hunstanton to Thornham and he also asked if safety and storage of cycles had been a consideration for this scheme.  Officers explained that general spaces and parking for cycles had been included and it was important that these were position in the right places.

Councillor Ryves addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34 and raised concern that this strategy did not consider people who had no choice but to use cars.  It was explained that during the consultation period views would be known and then priorities could be looked at, acknowledging that some car journeys were essential.  The purpose of this scheme was to give more options for travel which would free up the road network. 

Councillor Nockolds addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34 and welcomed the extension of routes through King’s Lynn.  She asked for information on the Jubilee Trail and the extension to the Norfolk Coastal Path.  She also asked if Edward Benefer Way was included in the scheme.  Officers explained that the Jubilee Trail would hopefully be launched in the spring and was a new trail from Heacham to Sandringham.  The extension to the Norfolk Coastal Path would mean that it continued from Hunstanton to Sutton Bridge and was still subject to Secretary of State sign off.  With regard to Edward Benefer Way it was explained that this area was currently being reviewed as the parcel of land was not part of Highways.

RESOLVED: That the update be noted.