Information about the neighbourhood plan for the Marshland St James Parish
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The referendum date for the Marshall and St. James Neighbourhood Plan 2022 – 2038 has now been set. The referendum will be held on Thursday 2 October 2025, to decide on the following question:
Do you want the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Marshland St. James to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?
Information regarding the referendum is set out in the “Referendum Information Pack” and supporting appendices, available to download below:
- Referendum Information Pack
- Appendix 1: Marshland St. James Neighbourhood Plan 2022- 2038 Referendum Version
- Appendix 2: Marshland St. James NP Examiner`s Report (1 August 2025)
- Appendix 5 – Marshland St. James Decision Statement (13 August 2025)
The documents are also available for inspection at King’s Court, Chapel St, King's Lynn PE30 1EX during its regular opening hours. For more information, please refer to “referendum Information Pack” above.
Previous stages
Decision Stage
Marshland St. James Parish Council and the Borough Council accepted al the Examiner`s recommendations that represent a material change to the Plan. The modifications proposed by the Independent Examiner – Andew Ashcroft are set out in Appendix 1 of the Decision Statement, alongside the Borough Council`s decision (supported by the Parish Council) in response to each recommendation and the reason for them. The Decision Statement, issued ion 13 August 2025, can be viewed below:
Publication of Neighbourhood Plan Examiners Report
The Marshland St. James Neighbourhood Plan`s Examiners Repot was published on 1 August 2025. The examiner concluded that, subject to series of recommended modifications set out in Examiners Report, the Marshland St. James Neighbourhood Plan meets all the necessary legal requirements and should proceed to referendum. The Examiners report is available to view through eh following link:
Marshland St. James Neighbourhood Plan Examination
In June 2025, the Borough Council, in agreement with Marshland St James Parish Council (Qualifying Body) appointed Andrew Ashcroft to examine Neighbourhood Development Plan. The examination tested whether the Neighbourhood Plan fulfils the "basic conditions" and that the Plan:
- Has regard to national policies and advice contained in guidance issued by the Secretary of State;
- Contributes to the achievement of sustainable development;
- Is in general conformity with the strategic policies of the development plan in the area;
- Is compatible with European Union (EU) obligations and European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR); and
- Does not breach the requirements of Chapter 8 of Part 6 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
The examination was undertaken by way of written representations, consisting of detailed queries for the Parish Council (Qualifying body) and Borough Council which can be found in Clarification Note (20 June 2025). Additionally, the Independent Examiner produced Examination arrangements (13 June 2025) note, which sets out how the examination will be conducted.
All representations to the Regulation 16 consultation were forwarded to the examiner for consideration and available below.
Once the examination is complete, the independent examiner will issue a report and a decision statement, which will be subject to a fact-checking process before being finalised. This report will set out whether the plan should proceed to referendum, and if any modifications are required.
Submission of Regulation 15/ Regulation 16 and Consultation
Marshland St James Parish Council submitted their Neighbourhood Plan to the council on 11 March 2025 in accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, Regulation 15.
On 13 March 2025 Borough Council issued, under Regulation 15 (Legal Check Letter), allowing the Neighbourhood Plan to proceed to public consultation under Regulation 16.
The Regulation 16 Consultation was open from 24 March 2025 to 12 May 2025. All Representations in response to the Regulation 16 consultation may be viewed below:
- Environmental Agency
- Historic England
- Integrated Care Systems (Norfolk and Waveney)
- JCJ Planning
- King's Lynn Drainage Board
- Norfolk County Council
- Natural England
- National Grid Electricity Transformation
- Water Management Alliance
The Neighbourhood Plan and other documents submitted under Regulation 15/Regulation 16 can be accessed below:
- Marshland St James Neighbourhood Plan (NP)
- Marshland St James NP Consultation Statement
- Marshland St James NP Statement of Basic Conditions
- Marshland St James NP SEA & HRA preliminary screening report
- Marshland St James NP SEA & HRA screening (signed-off)
Supporting Documents
- Marshland St James NP Evidence base
- Marshland St James NP Design Guidance and Codes
- Marshland St James NP Housing Needs Assessment
Full details about the statutory consultation (including the basic conditions) are set out in the statutory Public Notice.
Regulation 14
Marshland St James Parish was designated a Neighbourhood Area in January 2020.
Since then, the Parish Council has led preparation of the Neighbourhood Plan for the Parish This included various preliminary consultations and public engagement, culminating in submission of the Plan in March 2025. The Pre-Submission/ Regulation 14 version is available to view.
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