Three cycle charging boxes at Approach To Carpark Off Fen Lane, Beccles

The site

The pods would occupy a small grassed area at The Quay car park, beside the River Waveney and near the Beccles Conservation Area.

“Description of site and proposals 1.1. The application has been submitted by the Town Council. The site lies at The Quay car park, in Beccles, east of the River Waveney. The Quay forms part of the established riverside area at the northern edge of the town, characterised by a mix of recreational, leisure and mooring-related uses, including private moorings, boat hire facilities, and riverside parking. 1.2.”

“North of the car park is the A146, which is a busy road, providing access to the town of Beccles. To the east of the site are further marshes, and the Morrisons supermarket off George Westwood Way which runs to the south. The site lies within Flood Zone 3, as defined by the Environment Agency’s flood mapping, and is also adjacent to the Beccles Conservation Area. Site history 2.1. No relevant history for this site. Consultations received Environment Agency 3.1.”

Officer report

Officer assessment

Officers considered the proposal acceptable because its small scale and location support sustainable travel while limiting landscape, amenity and heritage impacts.

“Planning Committee, 13 February 2026, agenda item number 7.2 4 • DM29 – Sustainable tourism and recreation development • DM43 – Design • SP5 – Historic Environment 6. Assessment 6.1. The main issues to be considered include the principle of the development, the impacts on neighbouring amenity, the landscape and the design of the proposed development.”

“The manufacturer, Intelligen, and other partners, have outlined plans to expand this network, installing additional charging pods in sites across the Broads network and beyond, which would enhance accessibility for cyclists and encourage a shift toward greener forms of transport in the area. The installation of these pods in the current location is a forward-thinking measure that aligns with the Authority's sustainable tourism objectives and broader environmental goals. 7.”

Officer report

Committee presentation

The Assistant Planning Officer presented the proposal, its site context, the pod design and the main planning issues.

Members’ discussion

A member asked about battery fire risks, and the officer explained that the pod material was chosen to withstand an electric battery fire.

“A Member was concerned about the fire risk associated with batteries used for electric bikes and the potential damage to the local environment resulting from a battery fire. The APO confirmed that the material used in the fabrication of the charging pods was chosen for its ability to withstand an electric battery fire.”

Minutes

The vote

James Harvey proposed approval, Stephen Bolt seconded it, and members voted unanimously in favour.

“Members supported the improvement to sustainable travel associated with this development. James Harvey proposed, Stephen Bolt seconded It was resolved unanimously to approve the application subject to the following conditions: • Three Year timeframe for commencement • In accordance with the approved plans and material details. (3)”

Minutes