Issue - meetings

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

Consideration was given to a report updating the Committee on the HS2 programme, including Government programmes, Covid-19 impacts, planning policy, key actions and next steps.

During the debate an amendment was proposed and seconded requesting the inclusion of the following wording to be included at the end of paragraph 2.1.3 ‘and that a standing item on this matter be included on all future agendas clearly providing there was something to update on’.  Officers advised the intention was always to bring regular updates to Committee as and when necessary.

Concerns were raised that the Crewe Southern Link Road Bridge preferred route decision had been revoked.  In response the Chair confirmed that the decision to revoke did not mean it would not come back in the future in either the same form or an approved form it was no longer realistic for it to be delivered by 2025.  Disappointment was also expressed that there was a further delay to HS2 and that as much as possible should be done by the Council to encourage the government to deliver HS2 before 2030.  Furthermore a request was made that when the hub station was built it would have improved operational movements which had previously been lost.

RESOLVED

1.That the decisions of the Corporate Policy Committee on 04 November 2021 be noted.

2.That the work requirements for the refresh of the transport plans for Crewe, including:

(i)          Updating the Crewe Transport Model to provide an up-to-date baseline of the local transport network and priorities be noted;

(ii)         Developing a revised transport strategy for central Crewe area (Appendix 1) that both can capture the short-term Government investment priorities and support the long-term HS2 ambition be noted;

(iii)        Prioritising transport interventions identified in the transport strategy into short, medium and long-term priorities be noted;

(iv)       Preparing a Local Transport Authority Levelling Up Fund bid for Crewe, to seek up to £50m of funding to enable the delivery of package of short-term transport priorities in line with the revised transport strategy be noted; and

(v)        Undertaking community and stakeholder engagement and consultation, as required, to support a Local Transport Authority Levelling Up Fund bid for Crewe be noted.

3.That it be noted a further report would be presented to a future meeting of the Committee on the Transport Plan for Crewe and the Local Transport Authority Levelling Up Fund bid and that a standing item on this matter be included on all future agendas.