Issue - meetings

To provide an update on the HS2 programme, including Government programmes, Covid-19 impacts, planning policy, key actions and next steps.

The Committee considered an update on the HS2 programme.

The report outlined recent structural changes to the local and national economic outlook arising from the pandemic and the impact this had had on existing plans and priorities for the HS2 programme. To reflect the changed circumstances, whilst ensuring that ambitions for Crewe continued,  it would be necessary to revoke the following linked decisions:

§  The Cabinet decision on the preferred route ‘Crewe Southern Link Road Bridge’ in November 2019; and

§  The Cabinet decision to consult on the draft Crewe Hub Area Action Plan (CHAAP) in March 2020.

Work would progress on a revised transport strategy and bids into theLevelling Up Fund and Great British Railways HQ opportunity.

Councillor S Gardiner stated for the record that he was the Vice-Chair of the Strategic Planning Board which would consider any future planning applications in relation to this matter.

In response to the report, the following comments were made by various members of the Committee:

§  There was a risk in unsafeguarding land that might be needed at a future date.

§  The Council’s partners should be made aware of the changes.

§  This could provide a less costly and time-effective way of achieving the regeneration of Crewe.

§  It would be necessary to consider the impact of any future scheme on air quality and the environment.

§  By making the changes recommended in the report, the Council would improve its chance of securing funding for future schemes.

§  The Chair as Leader undertook to work cross-party to try to secure Levelling Up funding.

At the invitation of the Chair, Councillor R Bailey spoke on this matter as a visiting member.

RESOLVED

That the Committee

1.    notes the recent structural changes to the local and national economic outlook arising from the pandemic and the impact this has had on existing plans and priorities for the HS2 programme;

2.    revokes the decision of Cabinet in March 2020 to consult on the draft Crewe Hub Area Action Plan (CHAAP);

3.    approves the formal withdrawal of the CHAAP;

4.    notes that the Environment and Communities Committee, as part of its work programme, will consider revised planning policy options for Crewe;

5.    revokes the Crewe Southern Link Road Bridge Preferred Route Decision of Cabinet in November 2019 and all associated safeguarding of land; and

6.    notes that the Highways and Transport Committee, as part of its work programme, will develop a revised Transport Strategy for Crewe to support the transport priorities for the town and enable transport orientated funding bids linked to current Government investment priorities.