Agenda item

Click here to view the recording of this item on YouTube

The Regeneration Programmes Officer presented an update on the Kings Lynn Master Plan to the committee, as included in the agenda, detailing the strategic vision, consultation outcomes, key themes, and next steps, with councillors raising questions about site selection, public engagement, and inclusivity.

Councillor Kemp questioned plans for the land north of Wisbech Road and Hardings Way. The Regeneration Programmes Manager explained it was a brownfield site which therefore had challenges however noted the area was underutilised.

In response to a question from Councillor Heneghan about the former Post Office site, the Regeneration Programmes Manager explained that sites with existing plans or consents are included in the overall master plan, while the six focus sites required further analysis. The plan aims to balance green space, housing, and other needs across the town.

The Chair, Councillor Everett along with Councillor Heneghan, Bone, Ware and Moore under Standing Order 34, expressed concerns about consultation fatigue, low response rates, and the need for more transparent and accessible engagement, especially for digitally excluded and older residents. The Regeneration Programmes Manager and Officer acknowledged these challenges and outlined plans for simpler, more inclusive consultation formats and targeted outreach, including paper copies and events and workshops in high-footfall locations.

Councillor Ware questions if there had been engagement with private land owners. The Regeneration Programmes Manager explained there had been engagement with private landowners regarding opportunity sites, with generally positive responses so far. If landowner cooperation becomes an issue, sites may be removed from the plan to ensure deliverability. The master plan will be embedded in the next local plan, and ongoing engagement with statutory bodies and the community will continue.

Councillor Ware commented on engaging with elderly residents that do not use technology. The Regeneration Programmes Officer confirmed paper copies of the consultations were available. Councillor Ware and Rust discussed the lack of benches within the area and commented this would be simple improvements within the Masterplan. Councillor Sayers highlighted to Members a service provided by Norfolk County Council to support residents with using technology.

In response to a question from Councillor Joyce, the Regeneration Programmes Officer confirmed the presentation did not include the percentages of consultation responses which answered not sure.

Councillor Bone expressed his concerns that outside consultants had been used however residents views and knowledge of the town needed to be included. He added plans and schemes had been seen before such as the riverfront. He commented himself and Councillor Heneghan had restarted the ward forum. Councillor Heneghan added residents needed to start seeing delivery.

The Vice – Chair, Councillor Jones suggested using ‘Churches Together’ and the pizza project as a drop in session to engage young people in the consultation. The Chair, Councillor Everett question if the same delivery of the King’s Lynn Town consultation could be done for the Masterplan where each household was written too.

The Regeneration Programmes Manager commented on budget constraints with writing to each household as part of the consultation. Officers explained details and response from previous consultations held for previous schemes had been incorporated in the Masterplan. Public consultation included drop-in sessions, online surveys, and engagement with statutory bodies and local stakeholders. While only 35 formal survey responses were received, additional feedback was gathered through workshops and correspondence.