Agenda item

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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 added the site was a key asset to enjoying the river for King’s Lynn.

 

Councillor Bubb commented on the Ferry and the importance of this working and the river crossing needing to be accessible for residents.

 

The Regeneration Programmes Manager commented on the desire for investment in the Ferry infrastructure and explained the reasoning of it not be included in the business case and outlining that economic growth would strengthen the case.

 

Under Standing Order 34, Councillor Collingham questioned the economic benefit of an improved Ferry if the West Lynn site was restricted for development.

 

Councillor Colwell questioned if the Chapel Street car park was included in the King’s Lynn Masterplan.

 

The Regeneration Programmes Manager explained it would be featured in the plan however there had already been pre-development work carried out and it was being considered as part of the car parking strategy.

 

Vice- Chair, Councillor Osborne commented on the importance of keeping up to date on the planning and biodiversity net gain policies and the impact they were to have on the masterplan.

 

The Chair, Councillor Parish commented on the two parts of the consultation and hoped there was more responses to other consultations that had been carried out.

 

Councillor Bubb sought clarification on the benefits of this masterplan for residents in rural areas.

 

The Regeneration Programmes Manager explained King’s Lynn is the main key service centre within the Borough therefore it was important to maintain the viability of the town centre.

 

Portfolio Holder, Councillor Ring commented on the design of the riverfront and explained residents and consultation would be listened to. He expressed his agreement with the Tuesday Market Place used for other purposes and not just a car park. He commented the Port area sites were a catalyst which needed to be focused on to allow car parks to be relocated. He provided assurance previous work which had been done was useful and was to be used as part of the masterplan. 

 

The Chair, Councillor Parish asked if previous work of the Market Place Task Group had been included and used in the masterplan.

 

The Regeneration Programmes Manager confirmed this had not yet been considered but agreed to take this action on board.

 

The Chair, Councillor Parish questioned if sign post could be used instead of the term, wayfinding infrastructure.

 

Councillor Colwell sought assurance on the awaited confirmation of the Del Monte site.

 

The Regeneration Programmes Officer confirmed there had only been little engagement with the company which was ongoing.

 

Under Standing Order 34, Councillor Collingham referred to public transport and highlighted pressure needed to be put on the train service. She questioned how the masterplan consultation aligned with the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWHIP) consultation.

 

The Planning Policy Manager commented, planning had been an integral component of the masterplan and the planning team had met with BDP representatives. He added the principles were to be embedded into the next Local Plan. He highlighted the sites mentioned had been available for a long time and it was important to consider what was viable and achievable for King’s Lynn.

 

Under Standing Order 34, Councillor Lintern questioned why the Del Monte site was included in the masterplan if it was not in the control of the Borough Council.

 

Portfolio Holder, Councillor Ring highlighted the Del Monte was a critical site and outlined the similarities to the Port area site. He explained the Borough Council was attempting to engage with the owners.

 

The Chair, Councillor Parish summarised and highlighted Members want to see results and for the masterplan to be achievable by getting to the planning stage as the Panel had seen previous reports.

 

RESOLVED: The update was noted, and the comments of the Panel would be taken into consideration as appropriate