Agenda item

The Cabinet considered the Local Transport Plan 4. The details were set out in the report.

In the ensuing debate, the following principal points were raised:

·         The Head of Legal and Democratic Services indicated that Appendix G to the report – Health Impact Assessment was unavailable but would need to be reported to Council. He therefore suggested that the Director of Economy and Infrastructure be authorised to finalise the LTP4 Health Impact Assessment for presentation to Council

·         The Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment introduced the report and commented that the Plan gave an indication of the direction of travel for the Council and the work that the Council would wish to do. It did not mean that all the work would be undertaken or that a budget would be available. The Council received a significant response to the consultation exercise and many of the suggestions received were included in the Plan. The Plan was split into three sections, North East Worcestershire, Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire. The Plan included a Policies Document, a Network Management Plan, a Strategic Environmental Assessment, a Habitats Regulation Assessment and a Health Impact Assessment. He emphasised that that the School Crossing Patrol Policy was focussed on First and Primary school children

·         The Leader of the Council indicated that the LTP3 had been successful in attracting funds to enable the delivery of a number of projects for the Council. A number of the schemes in LTP4 were aspirational at this stage but this showed the positive approach of the Council to the improvement of the transport infrastructure of the county. He accepted that there would be disagreement over the prioritisation of schemes within the Plan

·         A good transport network was essential to economic success in a modern economy. Where investment in transport infrastructure had been inadequate, it had adversely impacted on future growth and confidence

·         A member from outside the Cabinet commented that it was vital to have the infrastructure in place to support the housing and employment growth in the county. For example the dualling of the A449 from the Mitre Oak to Ombersley would improve the competiveness of local businesses

·         The Cabinet Member for Communities indicated that the School Crossing Control Policy had been produced to update existing policies to ensure that the Council was compliant with recent legislation. The aim was to provide a high quality service that was efficient and sustainable. The Council had a duty to show that crossings were selected based on the number of pupils using it, traffic flows, sustainability and other associated factors

·         A member from outside the Cabinet welcomed the Plan but questioned whether it was flexible or ambitious enough to address the needs of the north of the County, in particular in relation to the A38. The Leader responded that it was essential to draw in extra funding for the proposed scheme for the A38

·         A member from outside the Council highlighted the congestion issues between Holt and the Ombersley Island as well as over Holt Bridge

·         The Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure recognised the congestion problems in Bromsgrove and would be meeting representatives of Bromsgrove area CALC to hear their views. In relation to the A38, additional funding was being sought. The only solution to the congestion issues at Holt Bridge would be the creation of a further bridge to the south to reduce traffic flows

·         A member from outside the Cabinet indicated that improvements to cycling and walking facilities would have no impact on the congestion issues in Bromsgrove. The Leader responded that it was important to improve all modes of travel and provide a sustainable approach to transport.   

RESOLVED: that

a)    TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL the adoption of the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) 2018-2031 for Worcestershire as part of the Council's Policy Framework;

b)    the Director of Economy and Infrastructure be authorised to finalise the LTP4 Health Impact Assessment (Appendix G to the report) for presentation to Council; and

c)    the School Crossing Control Policy for Worcestershire be endorsed and adopted.