Agenda item

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The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Business introduced the item and reminded Members that it had previously considered the matter on two occasions, most recently in March 2026 when the recommendations were approved.  The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Business explained that, during its consideration of the application, the Planning Committee had raised questions relating to operational matters and requested that the item be referred back to the Panel for further scrutiny.  It was explained that this additional review had been undertaken in the interests of openness and transparency and provided the Panel with a further opportunity to examine the proposals before progressing the matter.

The Principal Project Manager presented an update on the Kings Lynn Enterprise Zone Active Travel Hub which addressed planning committee concerns about usage, design, safety, and operations.

The Principal Project Manager advised Members that the presentation being delivered was substantially the same as the version published with the agenda.  It was noted that only minor amendments had been made to the circulated presentation, and Members were informed that the final version would be included with the minutes.

The Chair thanked the Principal Project Manager and the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Business for the report and presentation and invited questions and comments from Members, as summarised below.

Councillor Heneghan asked whether it was possible to expand the site and raised concerns around antisocial behaviour and additionally asked whether CCTV would be installed.  The Principal Project Manager confirmed that the initial phase of the Active Travel Hub would provide 43 parking spaces, with capacity for additional spaces to be delivered in the future should demand increase.  Comprehensive CCTV coverage, secure access controls and automatic entry systems would be installed to deter anti-social behaviour and protect users' property.

The Assistant Director for Environment and Planning reminded those members of the Regeneration and Development Panel sitting on the Planning Committee, to remember the rules around predetermination, and to take care in any comments made.  In addition in response to a question from Councillor Blunt, he also advised that if there was a vote on the matter, his view was that they ought to err on the side of caution, and not take part in any vote.

Members raised concerns about the impact of parking charges on hub usage and the Principal Project Manager confirmed that charging and membership models, were still under development.

Councillor Heneghan expressed the need for integrated bus services.

In response to questions and comments from Members, the Principal Project Manager explained the project was designed to be well-positioned for future funding opportunities, with flexibility for expansion, coach parking, and integration with bus and cycle hire schemes.

In response to questions and comments from Councillor Bubb, the Principal Project Manager confirmed that operational details such as cleaning regimes, car park dimensions and provision for larger vehicles were still under development.

Councillor Colwell expressed support for the application.  Councillor Colwell suggested that further engagement be undertaken with bus operators to explore opportunities for accommodating standard bicycles on bus services.

Councillor Ratcliffe addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34B and expressed support for the application.  Councillor Ratcliffe suggested a review of the spacing and design of cycle parking (including two-tier racks and Sheffield stands) in the Active Travel Hub to ensure accessibility and consult with local cycling organisations for best practice advice.

Councillor Heneghan expressed support for the application and thanked the Principal Project Manager for their enthusiasm towards the scheme.

The Chair expressed support for the application but highlighted the need to consider the potential impact of parking charges on future hub usage.

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Business thanked Members for their comments.

RESOLVED: That the Regeneration and Development Panel expressed general support for the King’s Lynn Enterprise Park Active Travel Hub.