Agenda item

The Cabinet considered the A38 Bromsgrove Major Scheme.

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

·         The Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure introduced the report and commented that the purpose of the scheme was to reduce congestion in Bromsgrove. The concept was to improve junction design. The progress depended on the planning strategy. Bromsgrove District Local Plan had a number of housing developments to the west of Bromsgrove totalling approximately 4090 homes. £7.5m had been allocated from the Local Growth Fund with further applications for funding submitted totalling £21.3m. The aim was to fund the work from other sources than Council Tax. The A38 would substantially remain on its present route. There would be a certain amount of land acquisition so provision had been made for compulsory purchase orders where required

·         This was an essential piece of infrastructure improvement for the present and future of Bromsgrove

·         A member from outside the Cabinet welcomed the proposals but asked that a study be considered for the introduction of yellow box junctions on the Oakalls Roundabout (set out in Package 2) as early as possible. The Leader responded that this was a matter that the Director of Economy and Infrastructure could take into consideration and provide written feedback

·         The Leader commented that given the size of the investment, the scheme would need to be delivered in a number of packages to ensure that the Council carried out its duties effectively and efficiently. Midlands Connect were putting this scheme forward for funding as part of the major road network albeit subject to Government approval therefore it was vital that accurate data was made available. The scheme was one of the very few high priority schemes in the county due to the importance of addressing congestion issues in Bromsgrove, particularly given the proposed housing growth in the future

·         The scheme was welcomed as congestion had been a long term issue that had affected Bromsgrove financially and in terms of air quality

·         A member from outside the Cabinet raised local requests for the building of a 3 pronged roundabout at the junction of the A38 and the A4104 in Upton. The Leader acknowledged that this was a key corridor for the county.

RESOLVED: that

a)    the overall concept of the A38 Bromsgrove Scheme and progress made to date be noted;

b)    the continued progress of the scheme be supported and the further work required to finalise the project deliverables, especially in terms of planning strategy, securing funding and land acquisitions be noted;

c)    the importance of improvements to the A38 in advance of proposed developments, with particular reference to Whitford Road, Perryfields and Foxlydiate applications be noted;

d)    the need for some flexibility within and between the packages of work within the overall scheme be noted;

e)    the Director of Economy and Infrastructure be requested to bring a detailed report on Package 1 of the A38 improvements to Cabinet in Autumn 2018; and

f)     the taking preparatory steps in the interim towards the commencing of Package 1 of the scheme without prejudice to that later decision be supported.