Agenda item

The Senior Planning Officer presented a report which gave an outline of the communications and engagement approach and the draft Vision for the North Walsham Western Extension.  He explained that all options for HGV access were being explored, with access over the railway line via a northern or eastern route, and he anticipated that the best option would be determined on the basis of feasibility, viability and the cost of infrastructure provision.  The results of the evidence study were likely to be delayed until August as gas works were being undertaken in the town and it was necessary to conduct the survey in normal traffic conditions.  Work on the Brief would be progressed as quickly as possible and the Delivery Group would meet again once the first phase of the highway evidence work had been completed and discussions could begin to take place on emerging issues.

Councillor Ms V Gay requested that the Vision be strengthened to refer to highest design quality (core theme 5), highest environmental standards (core theme 1) and social, community and green infrastructure (core theme 4).  She considered that a dedicated webpage would be a good idea.

Councillor P Heinrich endorsed Councillor Gay’s suggestions.  He stated that he was very pleased with the Vision and supported the idea of three village-style developments which would allow for green corridors.  He requested more detail regarding an eastern link from Yarmouth Road.

The Senior Planning Officer explained that an eastern route had been considered in the past and there was a question of feasibility and the need to explore all options.  HGV movements in the town were impacted by three low bridges, the highest being on Aylsham Road which forced HGV traffic in that direction.  Initially it was necessary to understand the number and nature of HGV movements, the impact on the town and where they went, and then to consider how any significant issues could be addressed.  The northern route would require consideration of the suitability of the existing bridge for the volume of traffic and the measures that could be put in place to address any issues, including widening, raising or replacing the bridge.  There was a prospect of a possible eastern route from Norwich Road round to Yarmouth Road over the railway, which would require a large amount of land and infrastructure.  The consultants would carry out high level feasibility work on the costings of these options and other mitigation measures in the town.

Councillor Heinrich supported Mr Marfleet’s comment that Skeyton New Road should be included as it tended to be a rat run, with HGVs using very narrow lanes.

Councillor Mrs P Grove-Jones asked if the Highway Authority supported the vision.

The Senior Planning Officer explained that Highway Authority representatives were included in the discussions as they could provide expert technical advice.  The Highway Authority had issued a holding objection regarding the feasibility of delivery from a highway point of view and the vision statement would go some way to resolving that objection.

Regarding design and green infrastructure issues, the Senior Planning Officer stated that there would be a section in the development brief to deal with design, and a green infrastructure strategy would be considered in the coming months.

Councillor Mrs Grove-Jones stated that people who did not live in North Walsham  had the impression that the town was split by the railway line and she considered that small community buses could be run regularly from the new estates into the shopping area.

The Chairman asked when the communications and engagement statement would be available and when local Members would be involved.

The Senior Planning Officer explained that the basic principles would be considered at officer level, and would then be brought to the delivery group and local Members to decide who and how to consult before bringing the statement to the Working Party for approval.  It was necessary to communicate to people as soon as possible as to how the Council would engage with them.

Councillor Heinrich asked if businesses were being consulted on the industrial estate and elsewhere in the town.  He stated that Drury’s in particular had a major interest in transport issues.

The Senior Planning Officer stated that an economic study had been commissioned specifically to consider the issues with the industrial estate and how to bring forward new industrial land.  The need to speak to people with a stake in the link road was recognised.

It was proposed by Councillor A Brown, seconded by Councillor P Heinrich and

RESOLVED unanimously

1.          That the Draft Vision for the Western Extension be approved subject to amendments to strengthen the Vision in terms of design, environmental standards and green infrastructure and inclusion of Skeyton New Road.

2.          That the update on the approach to communications and engagement be noted.