Agenda, decisions and minutes

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 7 March 2023 (previously circulated).

RESOLVED:  The Minutes of the Meeting held on 7 March 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

RESOLVED:  The Minutes of the Meeting held on 7 March 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider any business, which by reason of special circumstances, the Chair proposes to accept, under Section 100(b)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

None.

None.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of an interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declared, the member should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

These declarations apply to all Members present, whether the Member is part of the meeting, attending to speak as a local Member on an item or simply observing the meeting from the public seating area.

None.

None.

To receive any Chair’s correspondence.

None.

None.

To note the names of any Councillors who wish to address the meeting under Standing Order 34.

Members wishing to speak pursuant to Standing Order 34 should inform the Chair of their intention to do so and on what items they wish to be heard before a decision on that item is taken.

Councillors A Kemp and C Joyce (remotely) attended under Standing Order 34.

Councillors A Kemp and C Joyce (remotely) attended under Standing Order 34.

To report on any Cabinet Decisions called in.

The delegated decision on Shared Prosperity Funding for King's Lynn Bid Ltd 'The Place' Project" was considered by the Corporate Performance Panel on 5 April 2023.

The delegated decision on Shared Prosperity Funding for King's Lynn Bid Ltd 'The Place' Project" was considered by the Corporate Performance Panel on 5 April 2023.  The Panel upheld the call-in and resolved that the Officer Delegated Decision be re-taken with a different Portfolio Holder named as the consultee.

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The delegated decision on Shared Prosperity Funding for King's Lynn Bid Ltd 'The Place' Project" was considered by the Corporate Performance Panel on 5 April 2023.  The Panel upheld the call-in and resolved that the Officer Delegated Decision be re-taken with a different Portfolio Holder named as the consultee.

A copy of the Forward Decisions List is attached

The Forward Decisions List was noted.

The Forward Decisions List was noted.

To receive any comments and recommendations from other Council bodies which meet after the dispatch of this agenda. 

-       Environment and Community Panel – 4 April 2023 – Car Parking Operations

-       Corporate Performance Panel – 5 April 2023 – Local Government Association – Corporate Peer Challenge

-       Corporate Performance Panel – 5 April 2023 – Members’ ICT

-       Corporate Performance Panel – 5 April 2023 – Towns Fund Local Assurance Framework

-       Regeneration and Development Panel – 11 April 2023 – Southgates Area Masterplan Delivery Plan

-       Regeneration and Development Panel – 11 April 2023 – Land and Property Nar Ouse Report and NHS ICB

Cabinet considered the recommendations from the Panels during each Agenda item as appropriate.

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-        Environment and Community Panel – 4 April 2023 – Car Parking Operations

-        Corporate Performance Panel – 5 April 2023 – Local Government Association – Corporate Peer Challenge

-        Corporate Performance Panel – 5 April 2023 – Members’ ICT

-        Corporate Performance Panel – 5 April 2023 – Towns Fund Local Assurance Framework

-        Regeneration and Development Panel – 11 April 2023 – Southgates Area Masterplan Delivery Plan

-        Regeneration and Development Panel – 11 April 2023 – Land and Property Nar Ouse Report and NHS ICB

Cabinet considered the recommendations from the Panels during each Agenda item as appropriate.

Cabinet noted that the Corporate Performance Panel had considered the report and supported the recommendations.

RESOLVED:  That the updated King’s Lynn Town Deal Local Assurance Framework (appendix 1 to the report) be approved.

Reason for Decision: To ensure that the governance arrangements around the delivery of the Town Fund are fit for purpose.

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The Monitoring officer presented the report which reminded members that a government requirement of the Borough Council, in its role as Accountable Body for the King’s Lynn Town Deal, was to ensure there was an appropriate local assurance process in place to oversee the delivery of approved projects in line with the approved Business Cases. The report sought approval to update the Local Assurance Framework to reflect the latest government guidance for the implementation phase of the Town Deal for King’s Lynn.

Councillor Blunt asked how the Member Major Projects Board fitted into the programme.  The Monitoring officer explained that Scrutiny Panels could call anything into their agendas, but the Board received the project highlight delivery reports.  Councillor Blunt also asked if the government requirements for reporting were now covered in the new arrangements.  The Monitoring Officer confirmed that in accordance with current guidelines it was covered.

Councillor Dark in summing up drew attention to the fact that the Corporate Performance Panel was content with the arrangements.

RESOLVED:   That the updated King’s Lynn Town Deal Local Assurance Framework (appendix 1 to the report) be approved.

Reason for Decision: To ensure that the governance arrangements around the delivery of the Town Fund are fit for purpose.

Cabinet noted that the Corporate Performance Panel had considered the report and supported the recommendations.

RESOLVED:  1)         That each Elected Member be provided with either an iPad tablet or laptop after the 2023 elections

2)         That a 4G sim card can be provided in cases of poor connectivity, access to Microsoft Portal and where required a sim card to replace the current Council supplied mobile phone

3)         That if a 4G iPad or laptop sim card is provided the cost of this will be deducted from the Members ICT allowance

Reason for Decision

To ensure that Members have access to ICT with a secure and efficient solution that reflects up to date technical advancements and good practice

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The Assistant Director Resources presented the report which outlined a proposal to provide Members with an ICT solution following the 2023 Elections. It examined the pros and cons of the Ipad and laptops.

It set out the current provision of Members ICT equipment and presented the results of a questionnaire that was sent to all Elected Members during February 2023.   A slight majority of members indicated that they preferred a laptop over ipad.  The report also showed that the majority of members did not use the council issued mobile phone.  The report proposed that members be given the option of an ipad or laptop post election.  It was also suggested that a data sim card could be issued if broadband availability was an issue.

Cabinet noted that the Corporate Performance Panel had considered the report and supported the recommendations.

Councillor Blunt sought clarification if the sim card could be used for the laptop.  It was confirmed this could work in the same way as a sim card on a phone.  He also asked if remoting in by IT could be carried out for laptops when there were problems.  This was confirmed.

Councillor Middleton commented that with ongoing member support if training sessions would have to be doubled up, he referred to the Thinkpad solution used by County Council members.  It was confirmed that Ipad training would be carried out first, followed by laptop training for those that chose that option.

RESOLVED:   1)         That each Elected Member be provided with either an iPad tablet or laptop after the 2023 elections

2)         That a 4G sim card can be provided in cases of poor connectivity, access to Microsoft Portal and where required a sim card to replace the current Council supplied mobile phone

3)         That if a 4G iPad or laptop sim card is provided the cost of this will be deducted from the Members ICT allowance

Reason for Decision

To ensure that Members have access to ICT with a secure and efficient solution that reflects up to date technical advancements and good practice

Cabinet noted that the Corporate Performance Panel had considered the report and supported the recommendations.

RESOLVED:  1)         That a Corporate Peer Challenge be undertaken as set out in the report and the LGA scoping document.

2)         That the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader be delegated to agree the final details with the LGA to facilitate the delivery of the Corporate Peer Challenge

Reason for Decision

To respond to the Motion to Council on 1 December 2022

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The Chief Executive presented a report in accordance with Notice of Motion (16/22) presented to Council on 1 December 2022.  It was resolved that the Motion be referred to Cabinet for consideration and decision. 

Under standing order 34 Councillor Joyce referred to the previous Peer Review which drew attention to the Cabinet Scrutiny’s role and Terms of Reference. He felt a Peer Review had some positives.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Kemp felt it was needed to review where there was capacity for improvement and where more resources were required and how partner working was working.

Councillor Blunt asked what would come from the Review post the process.  The Chief Executive reported that there would be feedback and a report from them.  An action plan would be prepared.

The Chair commented that the scrutiny of decisions was currently undertaken by the Corporate Performance Panel and Audit reviewed financial decisions.

Cabinet noted that the Corporate Performance Panel had considered the report and supported the recommendations.

RESOLVED:   1)         That a Corporate Peer Challenge be undertaken as set out in the report and the LGA scoping document.

2)         That the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader be delegated to agree the final details with the LGA to facilitate the delivery of the Corporate Peer Challenge

Reason for Decision

To respond to the Motion to Council on 1 December 2022

Cabinet considered the amended recommendations put forward by the Regeneration and Development Panel.

Cabinet amended recommendation 5 as set out in bold below.

RECOMMENDED:  1)         Approve the final Southgates Masterplan Development Brief Document and the preferred option as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

2)            That further feasibility and options testing for the development and delivery of the sites in the Southgates area be approved.

3)            That delegated authority be granted to Assistant Director for Property and Projects in consultation with Portfolio Holder for Property, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration & Portfolio for Finance, to agree BCKLWN land contribution to Norfolk County Council’s King’s Lynn – Sustainable Transport and Regeneration Scheme (STARS) project. 

4)          That Regeneration and Economic Development officers be instructed to progress with seeking further external funding that may be required to deliver the scheme.

5)          That a further report be brought back to Cabinet and Panels as appropriate, to update on the outcome of the next steps detailed in sections 4 & 5 of the report and to consider the final arrangements for overall scheme delivery in early 2024.

Reason for Decision

To guide the future regeneration of this gateway site to King’s Lynn’s town centre in line with the aims and objectives of the Heritage Action Zone, the Town Investment Plan and the corporate business plan objective to ‘promote the borough as a vibrant place in which to live, to do business and as a leading visitor and cultural destination.

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Assistant Director D Hall presented the report which proposed the next stages of the Southgates Area Masterplan Development Brief which had been prepared following extensive site analysis and public consultation, for the historic King’s Lynn Southgates area. The masterplan set out the vision and design principles for the development of this strategic regeneration area. The Development Brief was accompanied by a financial viability and Delivery Strategy.

The report recommended next steps to develop and progress the project with key partner Norfolk County Council, to enable to the future regeneration and development of the area.

Cabinet considered the amended recommendations put forward by the Regeneration and Development Panel.

Cabinet amended recommendation 5 as set out in bold below.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Joyce commented that the South Gates should be avoided for heavy traffic and potentially cars, but he had difficulty with the fact that a public subsidy was required for houses to be built for sale.  The bus route to Harding Way could be solved.  He wasn’t sure about the reason to move the Nar Ouse Way.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Kemp expressed concern about the level of funding being added to the schemes which was not enough, she questioned the moving of Nar Ouse Way, she drew attention to the traffic delays and questioned how the traffic could be moved from the Southgates before the work was done as it would cause chaos.  She felt that more traffic lights would add to congestion.  She drew attention to the fact that West Lynn pathway and Ferry were not included in the proposals.  

Councillor Blunt considered it was not a supplementary planning document, but the masterplan for the scheme.  He considered that there was much more work to do before it reached that stage.  This was confirmed and explained that it would be a material planning consideration to be taken into account.

Councillor Middleton referred to the comments made by members but reminded members that proposals were brought forward by professionals for Councillors to consider.  He drew attention to the objections to connectivity plan to encourage better flow of traffic, walking and cycling and improving air quality.  He encouraged that the entrance to the town be improved for King’s Lynn

Councillor Blunt also drew attention to the consultation carried out on the proposed project and the fact that there were challenging issues for this, but the most challenging situation was taken as it would have the biggest impact.

Councillor Dark drew attention to the long term work which had been ongoing on the proposals and land acquisitions in the area which had been taking place for a long period of time.  He concurred with the points raised about the South Gates and the danger of damage.  He drew attention to the public consultation responses which tied in with the proposals being put forward.

In discussing the recommendations from the Regeneration and Development Panel it was noted  ...  view the full minutes text for item CAB159

The Cabinet is asked to consider excluding the public from the meeting under section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 for consideration of the items below and section 7 and Appendix 2 of the Southgates Area Master Plan report on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined by paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

PRIVATE ITEM

Details of any representations received about why the following reports should be considered in public will be reported at the meeting.

RESOLVED: That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

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RESOLVED: That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

Cabinet noted that the Regeneration and Development Panel had considered the report and supported the recommendations.

RESOLVED:  1)         That the proposed disposal of land, for the proposed use, on the outline terms set out within the report be approved.

2)            That delegated authority be granted to the Council’s Assistant Director Property & Projects, in consultation with the Executive Director – Place, and the Portfolio Holder for Property, to finalise the detailed disposal terms.

Reason for Decision

The Nar Ouse Business Park will contribute significantly to the Council’s regeneration ambitions for King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.  The proposed disposal of land for the purposes of a new health facility will not only provide a capital receipt for the Council, but will help facilitate the improvement and enhancement of the wider social infrastructure for King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.

Assistant Director, M Henry presented the report which reminded members that the Nar Ouse Regeneration Area had been a long-standing policy initiative of the Borough Council.  Most recent Cabinet Reports had sought approvals for the delivery of Phase 1 of speculative commercial premises and the construction of the secondary road infrastructure required to service the overall development site.

The report set out the proposed terms for a disposal of land at the Nar Ouse Business Park, now that the secondary road infrastructure works were underway.  The disposal was for the purposes of a new health facility.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Joyce spoke in support of the proposals and encouraged some wording in the agreement to ensure it was returned at the current selling price if a Doctors surgery was not build. The Assistant Director confirmed a provision was in the contract.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Kemp addressed Cabinet welcoming the progress made on this which she and Councillor Joyce had been campaigning for  with the NHS for some years.  She expressed the hope that a diabetic clinic could also be held in the building.

Cabinet welcomed the recommendations which was planned to start building soon. The Chair thanked Officers for their work to bring this sale to fruition, and Councillors Joyce and Kemp alongside others for their work on lobbying for this development.

Cabinet noted that the Regeneration and Development Panel had considered the report and supported the recommendations.

RESOLVED:1)         That the proposed disposal of land, for the proposed use, on the outline terms set out within the report be approved.

2)            That delegated authority be granted to the Council’s Assistant Director Property & Projects, in consultation with the Executive Director – Place, and the Portfolio Holder for Property, to finalise the detailed disposal terms.

Reason for Decision

The Nar Ouse Business Park will contribute significantly to the Council’s regeneration ambitions for King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.  The proposed disposal of land for the purposes of a new health facility will not only provide a capital receipt for the Council, but will help facilitate the improvement and enhancement of the wider social infrastructure for King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.

Cabinet considered and agreed with the amendment to the recommendation as put forward by the Environment and Community Panel, as highlighted in bold below.

RESOLVED:  1)         That the extension of the delegation of civil parking enforcement functions from Norfolk County Council in relation to on-street car parking as set out in the report, subject to paragraph 2 below be accepted.

2)            That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, Executive Director – Development Services and Assistant Director – Operations and Commercial in consultation with [section 151 Officer and Portfolio Holder for Finance where finance issues to resolve] and the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services to agree the terms of the extension of the Delegation Agreement originally entered with Norfolk County Council dated 9^th January 2012, as amended.

Reason for Decision

To enable Officers to conclude discussions with NCC relating to the provision of parking services, specifically the ‘back-office notice processing’ and resident permit administration elements of those services.

Assistant Director – M Chisholm presented a report seeking authorisation to accept a variation to the existing Delegation Agreement between Norfolk County Council (NCC) and the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk (BCKLWN) in respect of additional works the Council would undertake under those delegated powers

Cabinet discussed the service generally and the staffing requirements to deliver the level of service.  The proposals were supported.  

Cabinet considered and agreed with the amendment to the recommendation as put forward by the Environment and Community Panel, as highlighted in bold below.

RESOLVED:  1)         That the extension of the delegation of civil parking enforcement functions from Norfolk County Council in relation to on-street car parking as set out in the report, subject to paragraph 2 below be accepted.

2)            That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, Executive Director – Development Services and Assistant Director – Operations and Commercial in consultation with [section 151 Officer and Portfolio Holder for Finance where finance issues to resolve] and the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services to agree the terms of the extension of the Delegation Agreement originally entered with Norfolk County Council dated 9^th January 2012, as amended.

Reason for Decision

To enable Officers to conclude discussions with NCC relating to the provision of parking services, specifically the ‘back-office notice processing’ and resident permit administration elements of those services.