Agenda item

(Members are reminded this is a debate, not a question and answer session)

To consider the following recommendations to Council:

Click here to view the recording of this item on You Tube.

(i)            Electoral Arrangements Committee – 29^th June 2026

The Leader, seconded by Councillor Everett, proposed the recommendation from the Electoral Arrangements Committee on 29^th June 2026.

The Leader, Councillor Beales presented the recommendations from the Committee which were to proceed to second round of public consultation.  Councillor Beales noted that the Electoral Arrangements Committee had asked for information on the precept to be included in the second consultation round and as a result of the additional information that was required, Councillor Beales proposed an amendment to the recommendation, in that the final consultation document, including the precept information, be presented to the Electoral Arrangements Committee for final sign off.

Councillor Long agreed that the final consultation document should be considered by the Electoral Arrangements Committee and supported the amendment put forward by Councillor Beales.

Councillor Joyce agreed that information on precepts was important, but noted that it would be up to the Town Council to set the precept.

Councillor Kemp spoke in support of the recommendations and the importance of keeping residents informed on the detail.

Councillor Ratcliffe spoke in support of the proposals and hoped that good local people would stand to represent the Town Council once formed.

Councillor Fry supported the proposals and stressed the importance of transparency throughout the process.

Councillor Ryves spoke in support of the proposals and noted that transfer of assets and ownership of assets would need to be considered.

Councillor Everett, as seconder, thanked the officers involved in analysing the first round consultation responses and supported the recommendations, as amended by Councillor Beales.

In summing up, Councillor Beales informed Members that they would be kept up to date on progress and could attend the Electoral Arrangements Committee meetings under Standing Order 34 as required.  He also explained that the Section 151 officer would be engaged in the financial aspects.

RESOLVED: The recommendations from the Electoral Arrangements Committee meeting held on 29^th June 2026 were approved by Full Council, as set out below:

1. Recommend to Full Council that Officers should proceed to the next stage of the review, including undertaking a second phase of public consultation, including potential precept for 2027/2028.
2. Delegate Authority to the Interim Corporate Governance Manager to make the required arrangements for the second consultation phase, including finalising the draft recommendations, communication and engagement activity, subject to final approval from the Electoral Arrangements Committee.

(ii)          Cabinet – 23^rd July 2026

Councillor Ring proposed the recommendations from Cabinet relating to the West Norfolk Racket and Community Sports Hub. He explained that funding had already been allocated through the Capital Programme and that the recommendation before Council was to increase the allocation in order to secure additional external funding and deliver a project that would provide significant benefits to the residents of King's Lynn.

Councillor Ring outlined the facilities that would be provided as part of the development and explained how the proposals responded to identified local demand. He also highlighted the wider community benefits of the scheme, including improved inclusivity, accessibility and social value. In addition, he reminded Members that a planning application for an Adapted Sports Hub on the adjacent site had been submitted, which would further enhance the benefits available to local communities once the developments were completed.

Councillor Ring spoke about the Council's ambition in bringing forward what he described as a unique and ambitious project, which had received support from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

Referring to the financial modelling, Councillor Ring stated that it was prudent and robust. However, he emphasised that the project's value extended beyond financial returns, highlighting the significant social benefits it would deliver, particularly for residents living in areas of deprivation.

Councillor Beales seconded the proposals and reserved his right to speak.

Councillor Kunes requested that consideration be given to the installation of solar panels on the proposed canopies.

Councillor Ratcliffe spoke in support of the proposals and expressed confidence in the financial management of the project. She also requested that consideration be given to future investment in Alive facilities at Downham Market.

Councillor Sayers supported the proposals but raised concerns regarding traffic and parking implications and light pollution. He also expressed concern about the potential for contamination of nearby rivers from pitch crumb materials.

Councillor Rust spoke in support of the proposals, highlighting their contribution towards improving health and wellbeing, reducing social isolation and encouraging participation in sport. She commended the ambition of the project and noted that it would provide opportunities for a wide range of sporting and recreational activities. Councillor Rust also commented that the proposals aligned with the objectives of the Marmot initiative.

Councillor Long advised that the Environment and Community Panel had been afforded the opportunity to scrutinise the proposals in detail and confirmed his support for the scheme. He noted that the development would remain subject to the granting of planning permission and expressed the hope that the project would be delivered on time and within budget.

Councillor Ryves thanked officers for taking the time to explain both the proposals and the financing arrangements and confirmed that he would support the recommendations.

Councillor Morley commented that the proposal represented more than just a commercial opportunity, highlighting its social value and the need for such a facility within the town.

Councillor Joyce stated that, having listened to the debate, he was supportive of the proposals.

In summing up, Councillor Ring advised that he did not believe solar panels would be a viable option for the canopies. He also responded to Councillor Sayers' concerns regarding contamination, explaining that the courts would be constructed as hard courts. Councillor Ring further advised that the canopies would help to reduce light pollution and reiterated that the proposals remained subject to the planning process. He noted that an appropriate contingency had been built into the project budget.

Councillor Ring thanked the officers involved for their work in developing the proposals and reiterated the significant community benefits the project would deliver.

In response to comments made by Councillor Ratcliffe, Councillor Ring advised that a new court facility was expected to open in Downham Market in the near future.

RESOLVED: The recommendations from the Cabinet meeting held on 23^rd July 2026 were approved by Full Council, as set out below:

1. Approve an increase to the councils contribution from £866,000 to £1,200,000 to fund the scheme, an increase of £334,000.

2. Delegate authority to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to determine the most appropriate financing mix for the councils £1,200,000 funding of the project.