The Economic Development Officer will give a presentation on the proposed King’s Lynn Town Centre Action Plan. The current Action Plan is attached for the Committee’s consideration.
Minutes:
The Economic Development Officer explained that the King’s Lynn Town Centre Action Plan was currently being updated. A copy of the previous Action Plan had been circulated as part of the agenda, so that the Committee could see what the previous Action Plan contained. He explained that the Action Plan had been produced to provide a response to the challenges that King’s Lynn Town Centre faced.
The Town Centre Plan drew together the priorities and plans set out in many other policy documents, the Council’s capital programme and activity of other partner organisations into one place so as to create a holistic approach to attracting more people to the town centre by facilitating amenity improvement, attracting investment in a wider range of retail, culture and leisure based economic activity, encouraging housing development and creating quality public spaces.
The Town Centre Plan also provided evidence for investment and funding opportunities.
Consultation had taken with other stakeholders for example Norfolk County Council Highways, Bus Operators, King’s Lynn Town Centre Partnership.
The Economic Development Officer explained that the document was an action plan and not a strategy.
The Economic Development Officer also explained that the Town Centre Action Plan had been summarised into 6 themes contained in the Urban Development Strategy as follows:
1. High Quality Public Realm & Spaces: Creating variety and enhancing the quality and distinctiveness of public realm to improve the perception of the town.
2. Maximise Historic assets: Utilising the town’s historic assets to improve the town’s regional position in the tourism market.
3. Diversify the town centre offer: Increasing activity in areas other than the retail area, particularly along the waterfront and varying town centre provision.
4. A town centre that is easily accessible: Creating a pedestrian and cycle friendly town centre environment and enhancing public transport and vehicular access and facilities.
5. A place for people to live, work and socialise: Focussing residential development appropriate to the intimate nature of King’s Lynn and in historic core and creating a lively and vibrant environment which meets the needs and aspirations of people of all ages.
6. Events & promotion: Marketing the town locally and regionally through a variety of small and large activities, events and promotional materials.
The Economic Development Officer explained that the 2015 Plan was being finalised and would be taken to Cabinet and the Town Centre Partnership.
Councillor Joyce stated that he could not see anything in the Action Plan which tackled the night-time economy which was putting pressure on Council’s resources. In addition, the lighting within the town centre did not meet British Standards and restricted footfall.
Councillor Joyce also referred to the fact the previous Local Government stated that Councils should not be making any profit from car parking charges.
The Economic Development Officer explained that the purpose of the Action Plan was to record activities. He considered that policing of the night time economy was part of the Police routine operation activities and was therefore not recorded. He added that activities were being undertaken by other parts of the Council. In relation to street lighting, he explained that there was a programme to upgrade street lighting within the town centre but this had not been progressed due to Norfolk County Council funding cuts.
In response to a query from Councillor Gourlay who referred to the £100,000 set aside for town centre promotions, the Town Centre Manager explained that he had a separate budget for Christmas lights, also the events programme had a separate budget line, however, he did not have the exact figures of that budget.
The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager pointed out that the events programme was due to be considered by the Committee at its next meeting.
Councillor Collop referred to the theme ‘a town centre that is easily accessible’ and expressed concern in relation to the amount of A Boards and the problems being encountered with them; together with the lack of control over them.
The Economic Development Officer explained that one action in the Plan was to reduce the amount of clutter within the town centre, which could include A Boards. He further explained that if the A Boards were sited on a highway then it was the responsibility of the County Highways. In addition, the King’s Lynn Town Centre Partnership did raise the issue of A Boards on a regular basis and a representative from County Highways was normally in attendance. It was reported that County Highways had, in the past, undertaken a ‘sweep’ of the town centre and removed illegal A Boards.
Councillor Miss Bambridge reiterated that A Board were a problem but County Highways had always been good to respond to issues. She suggested that if any Member had any concerns then they should report them to Sally Bettinson at County Highways.
Councillor Gourlay stated that Council had agreed a licensing scheme for A Boards and asked why this had not been progressed.
The Town Centres Manager explained that the proposed scheme was currently under review in relation to how consent and enforcement could be handled by the Borough.
Councillor Mrs Wilkinson expressed concern that this issue was still on-going having raised it several years ago and appeared to be no further forward.
The Chairman asked whether the traders were clear on the rules and regulations relating to A Boards.
The Economic Development Officer agreed to email County Highways to inform them of the Committee’s concerns in relation to A Boards.
The Vice-Chairman asked whether the same rules applied for table and chairs.
The Town Centres Manager explained that some tables and chairs had obtained planning consent and paid the appropriate fee. Planning Enforcement could get involved with those who were operating without consent. If any Councillors were aware of any tables and chairs without consent then please contact officers.
The Economic Development Officer stated that checks could be made with the Enforcement Team to see if there was a list of those establishments which had permission for their tables and chairs.
The Town Centres Manager advised that all tables and chairs on the Tuesday Market Place and Saturday Market Place had got consent.
Councillors Bambridge and Wing-Pentelow left the meeting at 6.50 pm
Councillor Collop referred to people who just turned up for one day’s trading and asked how these could be controlled. In response, the Town Centres Manager explained the difference between Hawker, Direct Debit Sales and General Trading with Consent.
Councillor Gourlay stated that he considered that the white pods within the town centre should have planning permission. He explained that it was envisaged that the Vancouver Quarter would be submitting a planning application for the remaining stalls.
The Chairman thanked the Economic Development Officer for attending the meeting.