Decision details

The Committee considered a report which provided an overview of work to date on updating the Cheshire East Active Travel Strategy and progress in developing Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) across the borough.

The report sought approval to launch a public consultation over the summer to enable local communities to comment and shape the emerging strategy and infrastructure proposals.

It was noted that those authorities performing at a higher level would have greater access to funding so developing a new strategy and infrastructure plans was a key part of demonstrating the Councils ambition and commitment.

Officers agreed to consider the suggestion of making a video or film to market the strategy as it was a powerful medium which would help get the message across quickly and would engage a wider audience.

Officers explained the difference between capital and expenditure so that it was clearer for people to see what money was available to spend and on what.

In response to a question in respect of the committee having sight of the consultation before it went live officers agreed to provide members with a briefing.

In response to a question about what the terminology ‘wheeling’ meant officers clarified that it did not refer to electric scooters. Instead, it encompassed the use of wheelchairs, prams, push chairs and non-motorised scooters, aligning with terminology recommended in national active travel guidance.

There was a request that it was made clear the nature of active travel funding when doing the publicity around the public consultation, specifically that funding for active travel was competitive, discretionary and ring fenced therefore the council would have to comply with the terms of any grant or the funding would be returned.  

Councillor Hilliard’s contribution to the Manchester road through Wilmslow scheme was acknowledged, and it was hoped that the project would be seen as a lasting part of their legacy.

The committee expressed their support for the integration of plans across towns and the political leadership being shown in this area and members were encouraged to engage with developers to advocate for the allocation of S106 contributions towards active travel infrastructure.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

The Highways & Transport Committee:

1. Approve the draft Active Travel Strategy at Appendix 1 and the LCWIPs summarised in Appendix 2 as a basis for public consultation, taking into account the desire to improve the Councils performance rating in future ATE assessments.

2. Approve the proposed approach to consultation in line with the Consultation & Engagement Plan at Appendix 3 and Communications Plan at Appendix 4.

3. Delegate authority to the Director of Transport and Infrastructure to finalise the consultation material and undertake the public consultation.

4. Approve the fully funded Supplementary Revenue and Capital Estimates for the value of revenue funding £248,273 and capital funding £565,019.

5. Delegate authority to the Director of Transport and Infrastructure to spend the Council’s Consolidated Active Travel Fund (CATF) allocation of £813,292 (£565,019 capital and £248,273 revenue) in line with our strategy and infrastructure delivery plans.