POSSIBLY URGENT
I made a mistake about the intentions of McDonalds. I was convinced that their proposed site, at the lavender lights’ junction, was marketing hype so that their real intentions, to build further along the A149, beyond Lidl’s, would seem a good idea.
However, after meeting with a handful of their representatives it is clear that their daft idea is real. Thay likely intend to submit a planning application for the lavender junction site before the end of July so it could be live now. If you have comments to make, get them on the planning portal asap. And look out for a public meeting. It’s all a bit chicken and egg as any necessary arrangements can’t be made until an application is put in and once it is done the time for response is limited. Though, having said that, it is normal for public comments to be accepted up until a few days before the application appears at planning committee. That might be several months down the line.
Most of the presentation was telling us how wonderful they are. Facts gleaned: The public consultation that McDonald’s underwent had 1478 responses. 46% supported the proposal, including those with unspecified reservations (I guess location), which means 54% opposed the proposal outright. It is their intention to employ ‘local’ staff but they do have a travel plan for employees to reduce car journeys for those from further afield. Their traffic survey around the potential site was done in March before the tourist season began. Litter is only picked up within 150m of the site.
Borough Council by elections in Heacham and Snettisham have been thrust upon us due to the resignations of the incumbents. It may surprise Heacham residents that you had two Borough Cllrs but two were elected three years ago. I am one of them and will remain as a Borough Cllr after this election.
Next May 2027, my four-year term is up and there may be elections for the two Borough Councillor posts or they will likely be extended for one year because, in May 2028, the plan is for the new West Norfolk Unitary authority to take over. To that end, next May 2027, there should be elections for the shadow unitary councillors. These have to shadow existing Borough and County Cllrs for one year. My intention is to stand so, if elected, I can shadow myself.
There is a fly in the ointment called the Reform group at County who are challenging the move to unitary. The expectation is that the challenge will fail. I maintain that the best opportunity for local representation on all matters dealt with both by Borough and County is the three unitary model that has been accepted by government. Our unitary will be called West Norfolk and will include Breckland and a portion of South Norfolk.
The Borough Council’s proposed sale of the land the beach huts sit on at North Beach caused some furore last year. In the end, it wasn’t sold and new financial arrangements saved the hut owners some money. At a recent meeting with the portfolio holder, I was surprised to be offered the land as a gift to Heacham Parish Council if they were prepared to take it on. This is in the very early stages of negotiation as all the paperwork has yet to be seen. It would guarantee that the land would not be sold whatever council rules in the future and should provide an income, not a large one, to the Parish.
Another piece of Borough Council land has rattled cages recently. This is the piece of greenery just off the High St accessed from a track close to its junction with Lynn Road. A former bowling green and, before that, the garden to a pub long gone. Property services put it up for sale with prior approval for two houses. An interested party enquired and was told they could build 4 houses. I took umbrage at this and enquired of someone with sense how it jumped from 2 to 4. I also asked the Borough expert on Neighbourhood plans what the status of a designated green space, in a plan, was should it be sold. The upshot is, that green space cannot be developed and any owner can only do work to enhance its green features. In consequence, the Borough now appears willing to give it to the Parish Council together with a pointer to grants which will enable appropriate work to be done. Again, this is in very early stages and discussions have to be held.
The government has caused a new, Borough wide, Local Plan to be developed. A notice of intention was published on the 30th June and it will have to be adopted in May 2029. During September there will be what is called a Scoping Consultation which is meant to inform planners what people think should be included within the Plan and how they would like to be engaged and kept up to date with its progress.
Details will be on line and in the press. Local meetings for the public will also be arranged. Our nearest is likely to be in Hunstanton. Parish Councils will be provided with all details. At the same time, details of the call for sites will be released. This is all of the 750 sites that land owners, across the Borough, have, so far, offered for development. There will be an opportunity to comment on them. I have not seen the list yet but there will be sites in Heacham and in Sedgeford. There will be an interactive map showing all sites.
It is very important that everyone takes an interest in the development of this Local Plan and the sites that could come forward for development as, together, they will influence your lives, and those of your children and grandchildren. Look out for details, come September ask the Parish Council and I will give further information as soon as it becomes available to me.
The fields off Cheney Hill, have been and may still be, Heacham’s wild flower meadow. Soil disturbance and the sun have brought out a wealth of species of many colours either flowering within the tall grasses or as separate blocks. Many species of butterflies are feeding there while swifts have soared overhead and barn owls hunt in the early evening, Skylarks added their song to that of their lower flying brethren, the finches and tits. The odd rabbit and deer are seen moving between the swaying grasses and along hedgerows. 134 houses are due to be built on two thirds of the land. Progress.
The public consultation on the principal of King’s Lynn having a Town Council resulted in 86% in favour. The Electoral Arrangements Committee recommended that the second consultation, which will contain more detail, is now prepared. Full Council will have the final decision. I have always been in favour of a Town Council for Lynn and put it into the Corporate Plan 3 years ago. Local Government Reorganisation has given the process impetus.
