To receive petitions and public questions in accordance with Standing Order 9.
Minutes:
Under Standing Order 9, the Mayor invited the following public questioners:
1 Mr Robert Raab
When is the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Planning Department ever going to Stop Rubber Stamping Council’s Planning Permission to Build More Housing on Council Land without Frist looking at the Increase of the Infrastructure that would be Needed ?
Councillor Blunt gave the following response:
“Good Evening Mr Raab, thank you for your question.
Firstly, I am very concerned you believe that the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Planning Department, rubber stamp any planning application. We have a planning department that is highly professional and every recommendation made by it is carefully considered and justified.
Secondly as regards planning applications made by the Borough on Council land are not decided by officers but by the Planning Committee. The officers will make recommendations but the final decision is made by the members of the Planning Committee.
Lastly, with consultation of portfolio holder for Regeneration, I would like to draw your attention to the infrastructure changes introduced to support development of new homes in the Borough on Council land in the recent years:
· A new access road, roundabout and signal controlled junction from Edward Benefer Way to Lynnsport
· A new pumping station and improved surface water drainage which reduces flood risk to Lynnsport and wider area of The Walks etc.
· Improved power supply to homes and businesses in Lynnsport area
· Doubling of car parking capacity at Lynnsport Leisure facility which serves residents of the entire Borough and beyond and was much needed due to customer demand.
· Habitat management on 12 acres of land that was previously inaccessible scrub and is now a managed wildlife habitat and nature reserve
· A new hockey pitch and a new 4G football/hockey pitch
· 4 new outdoor hard tennis courts
· New cycle paths at Lynnsport and Nar Ouse Regeneration Area (NORA)
· New playground area at Lynnsport.
· Tree planting, habitat creation and the installing of hard paths for access by all including less abled.
· Creation of managed new park at NORA
· New footbridge across the River Nar to access new park.
Need I go on.”
By way of supplementary Mr Raab asked how come Fairstead needed a new surgery as it would get more housing in the future, and the NHS had no money for new surgeries.
Councillor Long responded that the Council was not the body responsible for the provision of healthcare facilities, but he drew attention to the discussions which were being held with the senior Partner at Fairstead Surgery.
2 Mrs Jo Rust
The night shelter based at the Purfleet Trust supported 43 people and provided a warm and secure bed for two nights a week. Does the council know where these people will be sleeping now?
Councillor Lawrence gave the following response:
“As I have previously mentioned the Council has jointly commissioned a number of new services that are now in operation. One of these delivered by Genesis is a rough sleeper outreach service – a team that actively seeks to engage people, clearly something that can be challenging for those who for a variety of reasons don’t appear to want to engage . This new team is now actively working with identified rough sleepers. For some people the solution will not be permanent self-contained housing. Referrals to other services including drug and alcohol recovery services; or health services; and/or access to temporary housing may be the first priority. Efforts are being made to engage with other organisations in the area particularly the Purfleet Trust to ensure those in greatest need are approached and offered appropriate assistance by the new team.
As I have previously acknowledged we all need to be better prepared in relation to the provision of severe weather emergency provision. Officers are in contact with the Churches together group, and plan to meet to discuss future arrangements with other key stakeholders.
I reiterate that we are focussed on addressing the issue of rough sleeping, and will continue efforts in relation to new approaches and developing new plans over the warmer months ahead.”
By way of supplementary Mrs Rust asked how many people had to die on the streets before the council accepted that proper funding should be in place for a night shelter, rather than relying on charity and volunteers.
Councillor Lawrence responded that there was a team of officers in place working to eradicate rough sleeping.
The Mayor drew attention to the reception she had recently hosted to thank those volunteers assisting at the night shelter including Mrs Rust and Councillor Bambridge.