Councillor A Burton arrived during consideration of this item.
The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the progress of a new LTP (Local Transport Plan) for Cheshire East, which would provide a policy framework for transport across the borough and guide investment in the local transport network.
The report outlined the work undertaken to date and sought approval to undertake public consultation on the draft LTP vision and objectives included in Appendix 1 of the report.
The report also sought to establish a Member Reference Group to support the preparation of the LTP.
The Committee were informed that work over 2024 had focused on defining problems and objectives, including production of a draft evidence base and draft vision and objectives for the next LTP.
An 8-week consultation process in respect of priorities and strategic objectives would commence following the February half-term with the outcomes coming back to committee. Officers were mindful of engaging residents and stakeholders to inform key strategic choices but emphasised that it would not be a ‘one size fits all’ approach and the plan had to be capable of striking a balance between job creation and homes and the environmental impact.
Officers acknowledged that it had been a struggle to engage with the younger demographic previously so all options for consultation would be considered such as engaging with the Youth Council, colleges and creating a video for social media.
It was acknowledged that there would be challenges in encouraging those people who did not currently use public transport to do so, and officers welcomed engagement with local town and parish councils and community led groups to use their knowledge and experience to help develop the LTP.
The Committee welcomed the proposal to establish a Member Reference Group to support the preparation of the Local Transport Plan. A friendly amendment was supported by the Committee that the proposed Member Reference Group membership (Appendix 5) be expanded to include Councillor R Chadwick as a member of the Highways and Transport Committee from a rural ward, and the Chair of the Children and Families Committee due to the connection with home to school transport.
Members welcomed the draft plan and thanked the team for the hard work that had gone into the plan so far.
RESOLVED: (Unanimously)
That the Highways and Transport Committee
1. Note the updated Evidence Base for the next Local Transport Plan.
2. Approve the draft vision, aims and objectives set out at Appendix 1 as a basis for public consultation.
3. Approve the proposed approach to public consultation in line with the Consultation and Engagement Plan at Appendix 3 and Communications Plan at Appendix 4.
4. Delegate authority to the Director of Transport and Infrastructure to finalise the consultation material and undertake the public consultation.
5. Approve that a Member Reference Group is established to support the preparation of the Local Transport Plan with the proposed membership and Terms of Reference as set out in Appendix 5 subject to the membership being extended to include Councillor R Chadwick as a member of the Highways and Transport Committee from a rural ward, and the Chair of the Children and Families Committee due to the connection with home to school transport.