Information about the neighbourhood plan for Walpole Parish
Latest news
The referendum for The Walpoles Neighbourhood Plan 2022-2036 will be held on Thursday 13 November 2025 which will 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:
- The Walpoles Referendum Information Pack
- Appendix 1: The Walpoles Neighbourhood Plan 2022-2036, Referendum Version
- Appendix 2: The Walpoles NP Examiner`s Report (28 Aug 2025)
- Appendix 5: The Walpoles NP Decision Statement (15 Sept 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
The Walpoles Parish Council (Qualifying Body) and the Borough Council accepted all the Examiner`s recommendations that represent a material change to the Plan. The modifications proposed by the Independent Examiner, Ann Skippers, are set out in Appendix 1 of the Decision Statement. This appendix also includes the Borough Council`s decision (supported by the Parish Council) for each recommendation and the reason behind it. The Decision Statement, issued on 4 September 2025, is available below:
Publication of The Walpole’s Neighbourhood Plan`s Examiner’s Report
The Walpole’s Neighbourhood Plan Examiner’s Report was published on 28 August 2025. The Examiner concluded that, subject to a series of recommended modifications, set out in her report, The Walpole’s Neighbourhood Plan 2022-2036 meets all the necessary legal requirements and should proceed to a referendum. The Examiners report is available to view below:
The Examiner issues Examination Note 1
Following the appointment of Ann Skippers as the independent examiner for the Neighbourhood Plan, the Borough Council received Examination Note 1, which outlines the process for the examination.
Neighbourhood Plan Examination
In June 2025, the Borough Council, in agreement with The Walpoles Parish Council (Qualifying Body) appointed Ann Skippers to examine The Walpoles Neighbourhood 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 and concluded with the receipt of the Examiner's Report on 28 August 2025.
Submission of Plan Regulation 15/Regulation 16 Consultation
Walpole Parish Council submitted The Walpoles Neighbourhood Plan to the council on 13 February 2025 in accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, Regulation 15.
On 7 March 2025 Borough Council issued, the Regulation 15 (Legal Check letter), allowing the Neighbourhood Plan to proceed to 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:
- Environment Agency
- Historic England
- Integrated Care Systems (Norfolk and Waveney)
- Water Management Alliance
- National Gas Transmission
- Norfolk County Council
- National Grid Electricity Transmission
- Norfolk Wildlife Trust
The Neighbourhood Plan and other documents submitted under Regulation 15/16 can be accessed below:
- The Walpoles Neighbourhood Plan (NP)
- The Walpoles NP Consultation Statement
- The Walpoles NP Statement of Basic Conditions
- The Walpoles NP SEA & HRA preliminary screening report
- The Walpoles NP SEA & HRA screening (signed-off)
Supporting documents
- The Walpoles NP Evidence base
- The Walpoles NP Design Guidance and Codes
- The Walpoles NP Housing Needs Assessment
- The Walpoles NP Local Green Space Assessment 2025
Full details about the statutory consultation (including the basic conditions) are set out in the statutory Public Notice.
Regulation 14
The Walpoles Neighbourhood Plan (first draft) was consulted upon by the Parish Council during October – December 2024, under the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, Regulation 14.
The Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Planning web page is available to view.
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