Minutes:
Officers outlined the commissioning and progress of key evidence base studies, including housing needs assessment, strategic flood risk assessment, landscape character assessment, renewable energy capacity, and green infrastructure.
The housing needs assessment was at the draft stage, aiming to identify the types and numbers of homes required for the Borough, including specialist housing, with consultation involving the strategic housing team and external consultants.
A new strategic flood risk assessment and water cycle study had been commissioned, including engagement with Anglian Water, internal drainage boards, and Norfolk County Council, to address flood zones, water efficiency, and sewage capacity, ensuring development was safe and sustainable.
It was explained that the landscape character assessment was being updated for the first time since 2007, focusing on baseline character and the impact of growth. The renewable energy study was refined to assess smaller-scale opportunities and barriers, including district heating and community schemes. It would focus upon locations with the greatest potential to accommodate renewable energy schemes.
The green infrastructure assessment would build on previous work (2010 study), aiming to enhance connectivity and opportunities for development-led improvements. The open space audit, with 11 bids received, would map and assess all open spaces, play areas, cemeteries, and allotments, setting local standards and informing planning policy.
Additional studies, such as local plan viability and transport assessment, were planned to ensure development proposals were feasible and address infrastructure needs, with timing dependent upon site selection and growth modelling.
Open Space Audit
Officers outlined the open space audit process, mapping over 650 sites, engaging Parish Councils and members, and setting local standards for play areas, cemeteries, and allotments, with input from Councillors on maintenance, viability, and community benefit.
The Task Group was advised that the audit covered all open spaces maintained by the Borough, Parish Councils, charities, and community groups, assessing quality, accessibility, and quantity against national standards, with an online map and forum for community verification. It was explained that the mapped open spaces data would be sent to Parish councils and members in non-Parish areas for verification and feedback,
Findings from the audit would inform local planning policy, setting standards tailored to the Borough's rural context, ensuring new developments provided appropriate open space and addressing gaps in provision.
The audit would review management agreements and explore options for developers to contribute financially to existing spaces, improving quality and maintenance, and supporting Parish Councils in securing investment.
Privately owned spaces used for public events and large rural allotments would be included in the audit, with consultants determining their suitability for inclusion in planning policy, and engagement with landowners to address potential concerns.
The audit would identify spaces eligible for local green space designation, providing planning protection equivalent to green belt, and ensuring community assets were safeguarded for future generations.
Next Local Plan Notice of Intention (NoI) & Local Plan Timetable
It was advised at the meeting that the Notice of Intention & Timetable had been published and was available to view on-line.
Next Local Plan 2026-2044 | Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk
The NoI and Local Plan Timetable were issued on 15 June 2026.