WALPOLE CROSS KEYS

Neighbourhood Plan Referendum

I can see that there is some confusion regarding the upcoming Neighbourhood Plan
referendum, so here is a brief overview of the steps taken to get us to this point.
Our existing plan was created back in 2017 and expires this year. I think I am correct in saying that our parish was only the second in Norfolk to have such a plan. It is an excellent document that has served us well, but much has been learned about neighbourhood planning since then.

Back in March 2023, all households in our parish, received a hand delivered invitation from me to help us create the new plan by completing an online survey. I delivered copies, and collected the responses from anyone that preferred a paper version. The survey asked for opinions on 22 subjects and 83 people completed it. The results of the survey were analysed and presented in detail at an open meeting at the Jephson Hall in May 2023.

The long process of creating a new plan was started ensuring that the views of our village residents were taken into account. Of course, all Neighbourhood Plans must adhere to “National Guidelines” but we managed to cover all of the points highlighted in the survey.

In February 2024, the proposed plan was presented and discussed at a second open meeting in the Jephson Hall, and it was delivered to the Borough Council for review and forwarded into the long and laborious stages of approval. After months of answering questions and minor amendments the plan reached the desk of an independent examiner. He also asked for minor amendments which were duly done.
The final approval is down to Walpole Cross Keys residents in the form of a referendum on the 24th of September.

There are two big advantages from having an approved Neighbourhood Plan: Firstly, it allows our Parish Council to challenge planning applications where they breach the policies in the plan. The borough council planning officers have often quoted policies from it when they reject an application. Secondly, parishes with a plan are entitled to a much bigger share of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which helps us fund new projects or equipment in the village.

More information and a copy of the proposed plan is available on the Walpole Cross Keys parish council website home page. Also, there is a very good overview of the whole process on the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk website (just type “Walpole Cross Keys” in the homepage search box).

Should you require any further info, please do contact me.

Nick Dyble,
Parish Council Chair,
cllrndyblewckpc@gmail.com
07769 186929