Agenda item

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Norfolk County Council officers gave a presentation to the Panel on the King’s Lynn Transport Strategy as included in the agenda highlighting the public consultation process, key priorities identified by residents, funding and business case development for major projects and the integration of feedback into ongoing and future transport initiatives.

The Chair, Councillor Parish thanked Norfolk County Council officers for the presentation and invited questions and comments as summarised below.

In response to questions from Councillor Blunt, Norfolk County Council officers explained that all proposed transport projects were subject to securing funding.  They reported the Sustainable Transport and Regeneration Scheme (STARS) Gyratory Plus scheme had secured just under £19 million from the government.  Whilst the A17 Pullover Flyover had undergone significant business case work, they were still awaiting further funding opportunities.  Norfolk County Council officers confirmed they were preparing business cases to ensure projects were ready for future funding rounds.

Councillor Colwell asked when the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP) would be updated and additionally asked whether a park and ride scheme be incorporated in the strategy.  Norfolk County Council officers advised that an informal park and ride was being established in the Enterprise Zone.  It was explained the LCWIP was a living document and could respond to changes.

Norfolk County Council officers reported there were two key LCWIP schemes which they were currently focusing on which was the level crossing on Tennyson Road and the West Winch Growth Area, specifically looking at solutions on how to cross the A149.  With regards to the level crossing on Tennyson Road, Norfolk County Council officers explained they were looking to have a combined pedestrian cycle crossing which worked in tandem with the level crossing but Network Rail were objecting to this.

Councillor Ryves commented that it was disappointing that a park and ride scheme was not featured in any of the paperwork which was presented to them.  Additionally Councillor Ryves asked if there was any consideration of a new railhead south of King’s Lynn.  Norfolk County Council officers reported a study into the demand for a second rail station was currently underway, with results expected by the end of March 2025.

In response to a further question from Councillor Ryves, Norfolk County Council officers explained after the passenger demand work had complete, they would  inform Borough Council officers and Members and decide a way forward.  If there was a case for it, more detailed work would be undertaken to feed into a business case and have discussions with Network Rail.  They advised rail projects can be a long process.

Councillor Bubb asked whether the level crossing on Tennyson Road could be level.  Norfolk County Council officers noted Councillor Bubb’s comment.

The Chair, Councillor Parish referred to 1.10 and 2.3 within the report regarding the A149 improvements and asked where the improvements would be made.  Norfolk County Council officers advised they were looking at what improvements could be made to the A149 from Knights Hill down to the Jubilee roundabout and work was underway.

In response to further questions from the Chair, Councillor Parish, Norfolk County Council officers clarified a micro-mobility scheme referred to bike hire and scooter hire and explained that a wheeling strategy referred to a pushchair or a wheelchair and this was a Government term.

Councillor Colwell proposed an additional recommendation which was the park and ride scheme should be a more formal consideration and taken forward within the KLTS and the King’s Lynn Parking Strategy.  Councillor Ryves seconded the proposed additional recommendation and the Panel agreed with one Member abstaining.

Councillor Parish proposed an additional recommendation that the Regeneration and Development Panel be kept well informed of the progress of the feasibility study for an additional railhead and receive updates.  Councillor Colwell seconded the proposed additional recommendation and the Panel agreed with one Member abstaining.

Councillor Colwell proposed additional recommendations to investigate and report back on interim enhancements to existing crossings at Tennyson Road, particularly to improve safety for children and football supporters and report on the feasibility of creating a safe active travel route along the Gaywood River to link Reffley and Knights Hill development to the existing network and Lynnsport, avoiding Edward Benefer Way.  Councillor Ryves seconded the proposed additional recommendations and the Panel agreed with one Member abstaining.

RESOLVED: The Panel supported the following recommendation to Cabinet:

That Cabinet adopt the King’s Lynn Transport Strategy (KLTS) as outlined in Appendix A.

The Panel made additional recommendations which were:

1)    The park and ride scheme should be a more formal consideration and taken forward within the KLTS and the King’s Lynn Parking Strategy.

2)    The Regeneration and Development Panel be kept well informed of the progress of the feasibility study for an additional railhead and receive updates.

3)    Investigate and report back on interim enhancements to existing crossings at Tennyson Road, particularly to improve safety for children and football supporters and report on the feasibility of creating a safe active travel route along the Gaywood River to link Reffley and Knights Hill development to the existing network and Lynnsport, avoiding Edward Benefer Way.

Councillors Bone and Devulapalli left the meeting.