Agenda item

The Cabinet Member for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills introduced the report and explained that it was good news that substantial resources were being used to improve the infrastructure around the A38, which was an important strategic corridor that was key for employment and housing. The A38 already had congestion and with the development in the area the route needed to be made sustainable.

Some parts of the scheme had already been completed, but a full business case needed to be completed to secure £43.17 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) for Phase 3. The scheme would see a mix of highway and active travel improvements. The County Council had forward funded some of the work but would get that money back from the DfT and Section 106 money. The benefits of Phase 3 would be delivered within the existing financial envelope, but more funding would be required to progress with Phase 4.

The scheme would deliver substantial improvements for the area. Public engagement events had taken place to listen to concerns of local residents and changes had been made to the plans as a result.

During the discussion the following points were raised:

·         The investment in the Bromsgrove area was welcomed, as although it was recognised that the economy of the area was doing well, congestion was a problem, which in turn affected air quality. However, it was asked that the CMR look again at School Lane and an assessment take place regarding a temporary closure.

·         Cabinet found it reassuring to hear the benefits around active travel and the benefits for bus transport.

·         A Member from outside the Cabinet confirmed that School Lane was a problem and believed traffic would be pushed to the Alcester Road, which would not be able to cope. It was also pointed out that Stoke Road was used as a rat run and residents did not support the walking and cycling proposals around New Road. Widening the pavement on New Road would turn the road into a single track, which was a bad idea as the area was getting more popular. He was also disappointed that the consultation took place during the school holidays so none of the three local schools were able to contribute.

·         A Cabinet Member reported that following conversations with local residents at the Bromsgrove roadshow, he realised that doing nothing was not an option and improvement work needed to go ahead, but it was not the solution to all of Bromsgrove’s traffic issues and the Council would continue to listen to residents.

·         The Cabinet Member with Responsibility replied that extensive consultation had taken place over time. They could not solve everything but the actions would help and they would listen to issues from residents. A commitment had been given that work to model the closure of school lane would take place.

The Chairman believed the work needed to take place. He paid tribute to Sajid Javid for lobbying for the funding for the work to be done.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

(a)  noted the overall concept of the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BREP) and progress made to date;

(b)  noted and endorsed the changes to the proposals during the development of the Full Business Case;

(c)  approved the further development of the Full Business Case (FBC) and submission to the Department of Transport (DfT) during 2022/23;  

(d)  delegated approval of the final wording of the FBC to the Strategic Director of Economy and Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills;

(e)  supported the ongoing stakeholder engagement and management exercises with National Highways, DfT and statutory stakeholders as required to finalise the Full Business Case.