Active travel hub at Development Site W of Nar Ouse Way, King's Lynn

What was proposed

The application proposed a phased active travel hub with a single-storey building, 236-space car park, bus stops, access, landscaping and pedestrian infrastructure.

“Application for the phased development comprising the change of use of the land to an Active Travel Hub, alongside the construction of a single storey hub building, surface car park, pedestrian infrastructure, access, landscaping and ancillary works. Location:”

“Full planning permission is sought for the phased development involving the change of use of the land to an Active Travel Hub, including the construction of a single storey hub building, surface car park, pedestrian infrastructure, access, landscaping and ancillary works.”

Officer report

Earlier site decisions

The site forms part of the Nar Ouse Regeneration Area, with earlier reserved matters and amendment applications permitted between 2018 and 2024.

“18/01333/RMM: Application Permitted: 06/11/18 - Reserved Matters Major Application: Details of layout, scale and external appearance of buildings, means of access thereto and the landscaping of the site. Access and site infrastructure for the entire Enterprise Zone and buildings for the first phase. - The Nar Ouse Regeneration Area (NORA) - COMMITTEE DECISION”

“19/00351/NMAM_3: Application Permitted: 30/09/24 - NON-MATERIAL AMENDMENT TO PLANNING PERMISSION : RESERVED MATTERS: Erection of mixed use units - Enterprise Zone - The Nar Ouse Regeneration Area (NORA)- DELEGATED DECISION”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the development sustainable, well designed and policy-compliant, with highway, drainage, flood risk, contamination and ecology matters addressed through conditions.

“The design of the scheme reflects that of other development in the KLEP and matters including on highway safety, drainage and flood risk, contaminated land and ecology have been appropriately addressed, with conditions recommended where necessary to ensure any impacts are limited.”

“The proposed development attracts significant public benefits, including the delivery of policy compliant and accessible for all cycling facilities, modern commuter amenities, and stronger integration with sustainable transport modes. Such matters weigh heavily in favour of the proposal.”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

Three objections and cycling-user objections questioned value, demand, parking, cycle access, safety, security, transport claims and compliance with standards.

“Fail to see how proposal is a good use of money allocated for active and environmental projects – there should be evidence that people will replace car journeys with other means; • Supports matters raised by KLWNBUG with a request for KLWNBUG’s full response to be taken into account; • It seems unlikely that many people will switch from cycling to bus use at this location; • The Transport Statement says it will not generate any additional traffic as it will replace car…”

“Fundamental design flaws that make the development unsafe; • Dangerous cycle parking; • The pedestrian and cycle access to and from the new building conflicts with and gives priority to manoeuvring motor vehicles; • Accesses onto the Nar Ouse Way neighbourhood active travel route are all poorly designed, of substandard width, with unnecessary zero-radius corners; • No application form is listed among the planning consultation documents; • It is incredible that the…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A supporting speaker addressed the committee, while the applicant supplied further information about objectives, operations, finances and likely user groups.

Members’ discussion

Members debated demand, location, drainage, car park permeability, access-road safety, the crossroads layout, accessible parking and mobility-scooter provision.

“The Committee debated the safety of the access road and crossroads layout, with the local highway authority deeming the arrangement safe, although some Members remained concerned about the private road and mini roundabout preference.”

“Councillor Long queried provision for accessible parking and mobility scooters, noting the importance of location for disabled users. The case officer confirmed accessible bays and electric charge points had been provided but acknowledged locality concerns and explained the County Council policy on road adoption.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The committee approved the application as recommended, with 9 votes for, 1 against and 3 abstentions.

“The Democratic Services Officer then carried out a roll call on the recommendation to approve the application and, after having been put to the vote, was carried (9 votes for, 1 vote against and 3 abstentions)”

“RESOLVED: That the application be approved as recommended.”

Minutes