Decisions

To approve the award of a Contract to Jett Distribution Ltd (the Supplier) for the Distribution of approximately 180,000 23ltr Kerbside Food Waste Caddies

To award a contract for Retrofit Delivery.

The committee considered a report which outlined the investigation to divert part of Public Footpath No. 22 Haslington (“FP22”) and part of Public Footpath 38 Haslington (“FP38”) in the interests of the public and the landowner.

The committee noted that the proposed new routes would provide a suitable alternative alignment, with improvements including a surfaced track and the replacement of a stile with a kissing gate to enhance accessibility. The diversion was assessed as being no less convenient for the public and consistent with the Rights of Way Improvement Plan and the Council’s wider policy objectives.

Consultation responses were received from user groups and statutory undertakers. The Peak & Northern Footpaths Society expressed support for the proposal with suggested refinements, while the Open Spaces Society submitted an objection on the grounds of perceived inconvenience. No objections were received from Cadent Gas or the Ward Member.

Having considered the statutory tests under Section 119, the Committee agreed that it was expedient to divert the footpaths in the interests of the landowner and the public. An assessment under the Equality Act 2010 concluded there would be no adverse impact on users, and the installation of the kissing gate would improve access.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

That the Highways and Transport committee:

1.    Approve the making of a Public Path Diversion Order under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 for the diversion of parts of Footpaths Haslington FP22 and FP38, as illustrated on the plan appended to the report.

2.    Approve that public notice of the making of the Order be given, and that, in the event no objections are received within the statutory notice period, the Order be confirmed in the exercise of the powers conferred on the Council by the said Acts.

3.    note that should any objections be received, Cheshire East Borough Council will be responsible for the conduct of any hearing or Public Inquiry relating to the Order.

The committee considered a report which outlined the investigation into a proposal to divert part of Public Footpath No.7 in the Parish of Hulme Walfield (“Hulme Walfield FP7”) under section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 following receipt of an application from Castle Green Homes Ltd.

Members were advised that the existing route of the footpath (A–B–C) would be directly obstructed by two permitted dwelling plots and their associated garden areas. A new route (A–D–E–C), 3 metres wide and surfaced in resin?bound gravel with appropriate paving at estate road crossings, was proposed through public open space to maintain public access. Land required for the diversion was owned by Torus62 Ltd (social housing provider), who had provided written agreement.

Statutory consultation had been undertaken with the ward member, the Parish Council, user groups, statutory undertakers and the Council’s Nature Conservation Officer. Four responses were received and no objections were raised.

Officers reported that the diversion was necessary to enable the approved development to proceed and that the proposed alternative route was not substantially less convenient to the public. An assessment under the Equality Act 2010 confirmed no adverse accessibility impacts.

All diversion and construction costs would be met by the developer, with future maintenance of the new surface to be undertaken by the site’s management company.

RESOLVED: (By Majority)

That the Highways and Transport committee

1. Approve that a Public Path Order is made under Section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to divert part of Public Footpath No.7 in the Parish of Hulme Walfield, as illustrated on Plan No. TCPA/085 on the grounds that the Council is satisfied that it is necessary to do so to allow development to take place.

2. Approve that Public Notice of the making of the Order be given and in the event of no objections within the statutory notice period, the Order be confirmed in the exercise of the powers conferred on the Council by the said Act.

3. Note that in the event of objections to the Order being received and not resolved, Cheshire East Borough Council will be responsible for the conduct of any hearing or Public Inquiry relating to the Order.

The committee considered a report which outlined the investigation into a an application made in May 2018 for an order to add a circular footpath to the DM linking Footpath 43 Wilmslow to Footpath 44 Alderley Edge as shown between A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-A on Plan WCA/057 (“the Plan”) at Appendix 1 to the report.

It was noted that 19 user evidence forms were submitted, covering public use between 1967 and 2018, with the relevant statutory 20?year period being 1998–2018.

The evidence demonstrated sufficient uninterrupted public use on foot to support the existence of public rights over:

• Route 1 (A–B–C–D–E–F–H–A)
• Route 4 (F–I)

For Route 2 (J–K–L–C) and Route 3 (B–E), the evidence was insufficient, reflecting only occasional or sporadic use, not meeting the statutory test.

Historical and documentary sources (including 19th?century maps and Definitive Map records) were reviewed but were not conclusive. Aerial imagery supported bridge and access points related to Routes 1 and 4.

Consultation was carried out with:

• Alderley Edge Community Council
• Wilmslow Town Council
• Local landowners and tenants
• User groups, including the Peaks & Northern Footpaths Society and the Open Spaces Society

The committee noted:

• Peaks & Northern Footpaths Society supported the proposed addition.
• Open Spaces Society objected to the proposal.
• Landowner and tenant objections included reports of challenging users and installing obstructions.

Officers advised that, despite these actions, no sufficient evidence was presented showing a clear intention not to dedicate the routes.

RESOLVED:-(Unanimously)

That the Highways and Transport committee:

1. Approve a Definitive Map Modification Order under Section 53(2)(b) on the basis of evidence under Section 53(3)(c)(i) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, for route 1 (A-B-C-D-E-F-H-A) and route 4 (F-I) on the Plan.
2. Agree that the application be refused in respect of Route 2 and Route 3, due to insufficient user evidence.
3. Approve that public notice of the making of the Order be given and in the event of there being no objections within the period specified, that the Order be confirmed in the exercise of the powers conferred on the Council by the said Act.

Councillors M Muldoon and M Sewart left the meeting during consideration of this item and did not return.

The committee considered a report providing an update on the operation of the Ward Member Budget Scheme and seeking approval of a proposed approach to ensure that remaining funding is utilised within the final year of the scheme.

The committee noted that the scheme was introduced in 2023/24 as a four?year programme funded through the Local Transport Plan capital allocation, with the annual allocation per ward member remaining at £4,512. At the time of reporting, approximately 46% of the overall budget remained unallocated. Officers outlined a number of factors contributing to the underspend, including proposals falling outside agreed categories, insufficient funding for some schemes, delays in scheme development, and communication challenges between members and officers.

The report proposed that ward members finalise proposed schemes with Senior Highway Officers by 1 May 2026. Where no suitable schemes were agreed by that date, remaining funds would be pooled and allocated to highway asset priorities, with works identified and communicated to ward members by 1 June 2026, in order to ensure delivery by the end of the financial year and compliance with the Council’s statutory duties as highway authority.

Visiting Members Councillors L Buchanan and M Brooks, and members of the Committee raised concerns regarding delays in progressing schemes, changes to previously agreed proposals, capacity and staffing issues within the highways service, and inconsistent communication.

Members emphasised that delays were often outside the control of ward members and sought assurances that unspent budgets would continue to benefit the relevant ward, rather than being applied elsewhere in the Borough.

In response, officers acknowledged the frustrations expressed and confirmed that:

• enhanced communication and engagement arrangements would be implemented, including workshops and direct engagement with Senior Highway Officers;
• efforts would be made to ensure that expenditure continued to benefit the ward where agreement was not reached on the allocation of funds in line with the WMBS case studies by 1 May 2026;
• members would not be penalised where agreement, in line with the WMBS case study options, had not been reached through no fault of their own i.e. delayed communications from officers; and
• any funds remaining unspent at the end of the scheme on 31 March 2027) will be made available to the council to reduce its borrowing requirement for the Highways service where expenditure meets the conditions of the Local Transport Grant.

Members also discussed future arrangements beyond the current four?year scheme, noting that any continuation would be subject to future decisions and funding availability, and would have to be considered and approved by the new Combined Authority.

RESOLVED (By Majority)

That the Highways and Transport committee

1. Note the progress made to date on the operation of the Ward Member Budget Scheme.
2. Agree the recommended approach for finalising member proposals and allocating remaining scheme funding, as set out in the report.
3. Agree to delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Environment, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member, to implement the recommended approach.

The meeting adjourned for a short break.

Item 5 - Notice of Motion – Traditional Directional Signs.

Following the break, the Committee returned to considering the Notice of Motion on Traditional Direction Signs.

The Chair invited Cllr Chadwick to propose his amendment, which was seconded by Cllr Burton.

Amendment

“To note with regard to street signs, that the Head of Highways will work with the cabinet member responsible to:

(i)             Consider a 12-month programme to:

a.    Assess/identify all notable traditional heritage related signs

b.    Record locations and condition

c.     Create a comprehensive asset register

(ii)            Review and identify an annual percentage for non-adopted signage for consideration as part of the Councils maintenance programme.

In addition, the Head of Highways will write to Town & Parish Councils to encourage local adoption of signs and provide guidance on maintenance and preservation”.

The amendment was accepted by the committee as a friendly amendment and therefore became part of the substantive motion to be considered by the committee.

RESOLVED (Unanimously)

That the Highways and Transport Committee:

1.    Note the position regarding how the Council prioritises maintenance of highway infrastructure set out in paragraphs 4 to 10 of the report.

2.    Approve the response to the Notice of Motion, set out in paragraphs11 to 18 of the report: and

3.    Note with regard to street signs, that the Head of Highways will work with the cabinet member responsible to:

                        I.         Consider a 12-month programme to:

a.    Assess/identify all notable traditional heritage related signs

b.    Record locations and condition

c.     Create a comprehensive asset register

                      II.         Review and identify an annual percentage for non-adopted signage for consideration as part of the Councils maintenance programme.

In addition, agree that the Head of Highways will write to Town & Parish Councils to encourage local adoption of signs and provide guidance on maintenance and preservation.

The committee considered a report on the Local Transport Delivery Plan, arising from changes introduced by the Department for Transport (DfT) to the funding of local transport investment.

The new arrangements consolidated a number of existing transport funding streams into a single Consolidated Transport Fund, covering both revenue and capital funding. Members were advised that the funding settlement provided greater certainty through multi?year allocations (three years for revenue and four years for capital), supporting improved forward planning. It was noted that, if an elected Mayor were appointed, responsibility for the fund would transfer to the Combined Authority as the accountable body.

The committee was informed that the DfT required submission of a draft LocalTransport Delivery Plan by 20 March, with primary focus on the 2026/27 financial year. A summary of Cheshire East Council’s proposed funding profile was appended to the report. The draft plan maintained existing funding balances across transport themes, including highways maintenance, public transport, active travel and local transport grant.

Members noted that the proposed approach would enable the development and delivery of larger and longer?term transport schemes. The plan identified the Middlewich Eastern Bypass as a priority scheme in the first year, supported by its readiness for delivery, with other potential schemes identified for future years, subject to further design, consultation and engagement.

In response to questions, officers confirmed that the next stage submission of the four?year programme, due in September, would follow the Council’s established governance processes before being submitted to the Combined Authority.

The committee also received responses to questions regarding the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme, including confirmation of the appointment of a delivery partner for on?street and car park charging infrastructure, and progress towards a pilot scheme for cross?pavement charging

RESOLVED: (By Majority)

That the Highways and Transport committee

1.Authorise the Executive Director of Resources and the Section 151 officer to

a) Accept the Integrated Transport Settlement and Local Bus Fund allocations to Cheshire East Council.

b) Sign and return any Grant Acceptance Letter and/or Memorandum of Understanding for these grants by the necessary deadlines.

2. Recommend approval of Supplementary Capital and Revenue Expenditure estimates for these grants to Full Council.

3. Endorse the draft local transport delivery programme, as summarised in Appendix 4 of the report.

4. Note that the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Section 151 officer, authorised the submission of the draft transport programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30 to the Department for Transport, to meet the DfT’s deadline of 20th March 2026, to secure transport funding allocations for 2026/27.

5. Note that further discussions and agreements will be required with the Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority before a final version of the Local Transport Delivery Plan is submitted to the DfT by September 2026.

6. Agree to delegate authority for commissioning of bus services using Local Bus Grant and external funding to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport.

7. Agree that upon receipt of funding as part of the consolidated settlement to the Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority, authorise the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, to make all necessary arrangements to delivery to 2026/27 transport programmes.

Consideration was given to the report seeking approval of the Local Transport Plan (LTP), which set out the Council’s statutory transport policies and strategies and replaced the previous plan which had expired.

The committee was advised that the LTP was the Council’s overarching transport strategy and had been developed over a period of nearly two years. The Plan was informed by updated evidence and two rounds of stakeholder and public consultation, and was supported by an accompanying Investment Strategy, consultation outcomes report, Equalities Impact Assessment and Environmental Assessment.

It was reported that the LTP established six high-level policy objectives. Three related to outcomes: economic growth; health and wellbeing (including road safety); and environmental sustainability. The remaining three related to delivery, namely a place-based approach to transport solutions, a transport user hierarchy (prioritising walking, cycling and public transport), and a “manage, maintain and improve” approach to investment. The Plan and Investment Strategy were intended to be enabling documents to guide decision-making over the plan period.

Members asked questions and commented on:

• The inclusion of road safety within the LTP and the potential development of a separate casualty reduction or road safety strategy.
• How the LTP would align with and inform the future work of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, which would assume responsibility for producing a Local Transport Plan from 2027.
• Monitoring arrangements and value-for-money assessments for cycling infrastructure, particularly where schemes were funded through Active Travel England.
• Rural transport provision, including the challenges of connectivity in rural areas, the role of flexible bus services, and safety and accessibility considerations.
• Funding used to support preparation of the LTP.

In response, officers confirmed that:

• Road safety was embedded within the LTP’s health and wellbeing objectives, with performance indicators reported annually, and that a more detailed casualty reduction strategy would be developed as a supporting document.
• Adoption of the LTP placed the Council in a strong position ahead of the formation of the Combined Authority and would support future transport funding bids.
• Cycling schemes were subject to appraisal and post-implementation monitoring by Active Travel England, with usage data influencing future grant allocations.
• Rural connectivity was a key theme within the LTP, recognising the limitations of commercially viable rural transport and the role of flexible services.
• A government revenue grant of £380,000 had been provided to resource preparation of the Local Transport Plan.

RESOLVED: (By Majority)

That the Highways and Transport committee

1. Approve the Local Transport Plan (LTP) strategy (Appendix 2 of the report) and investment framework (Appendix 3 of the report) as a framework to prioritise transport investment in Cheshire East and support the transition to a Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority.

2. Recommend to Full Council that the LTP be formally adopted as a corporate policy document of the Council to inform and influence wider Council investment programmes, including those relating to spatial planning, public health, regeneration, carbon reduction and environmental sustainability.

The committee considered a report on the Third Financial Review (FR3) for 2025/26, based on financial information as at the end of November 2025. The report formed part of the Council’s annual financial monitoring cycle and had previously been reported to the Finance Sub-Committee on 30 January 2026.

The committee was advised that:

• The overall Council revenue position was forecasting a balanced outturn at 31 March 2026, representing an improvement of £2.3m since FR2.
• The Place Directorate was forecasting an underspend of £7.4m, an improvement of £1.9m since FR2.
• The budget areas within the remit of the Committee were forecasting an underspend of approximately £0.9m, an improvement of £0.9m since FR2.
• A further financial review (FR4) had been undertaken and improvements to the 2025/26 forecasts were anticipated.

Members noted that a significant element of the underspend was attributable to timing delays rather than service reductions, particularly a forecast £1m underspend relating to supported bus and demand-responsive transport, due to procurement and implementation delays.

The committee considered updates to the capital programme, including variations since budget approval and proposals for supplementary capital estimates. Officers reported that Table 7 in the report sought approval for an increase in the capital programme for Nantwich Town Centre Public Realm Improvements.

Officers committed to providing a written response detailing the timescales for the Nantwich Town Centre Public Realm Improvements programme, and detail around the initial project scoping work being undertaken to understand the scale, complexity, and resourcing needs associated with advertising income.

Members also considered information on earmarked reserves, capital scheme delivery timescales, Section 106 funding arrangements, and the meaning of projects described as “mothballed”, which officers confirmed referred to schemes temporarily paused pending identification of further funding.

During discussion, members raised questions regarding:

• The treatment of underspends within the Council’s overall financial position.
• Parking income forecasts and implementation of staff and member parking charges.
• Bus service delivery, FlexiLink staffing, and procurement timescales.
• Public perceptions of underspend in relation to highway condition and maintenance.

Officers confirmed that:

• Forecast underspends contributed to the corporate MTFS and could not be retained by individual committees.
• Financial monitoring reports reflected a snapshot in time, with figures subject to change later in the year.
• “Mothballed” projects may proceed if additional funding is secured.

RESOLVED: (By Majority)

That the Highways and Transport Committee

1. Note the overall Council’s Financial position as described within the Executive Summary – Council Financial Position.

2. scrutinised the latest revenue forecast for Highways and Transport Directorate, reviewed progress on the delivery of the MTFS approved budget policy change items (Table 3), the RAG ratings and understood the actions to be taken to address any adverse variances from the approved budget.

3. Note the overall in-year forecast capital spending for Highways and Transport Directorate of £66.999m against a revised MTFS budget of £66.626m in Tables 4 and 5 of the report.

4. Note the Delegated Decisions made for Supplementary Capital estimates up to £500,000 as per Table 6 of the report.

5. Approve the Supplementary Capital Estimate above £500,000 up to and including £1,000,000 as per Table 7 of the report.

6. Note the Supplementary Capital Virements above £500,000 up to and including £5,000,000 to be approved by relevant member(s) of CLT and Chief Finance Officer in consultation with Chair of the Highways and Transport committee and the Chair of Finance Sub Committee as per Table 8 of the report.

7. Note the Supplementary Capital Estimates (SCEs) and Capital Virements above £5,000,000 approved by Full Council asper Table 9 of the report.

8. Note the Capital Budget Reductions asper Table 10 of the report.

9. Note the available reserves position as per Table 11 of the report.

The committee received a report responding to the Notice of Motion regarding Traditional Direction Signs, which was submitted to Full Council on 15 October 2025 by Councillor R Chadwick and seconded by Councillor R Bailey.

The Notice of Motion requested measures to retaining older-style, rural directional signage as part of retaining the character of rural areas.

The council’s approach to this signage focused on its statutory duties to maintain highway infrastructure in a safe condition. The report proposed an approach to addressing this without creating additional costs for the council.

Officers reported that:

• Highways services were largely statutory, with priority given to safety and availability of the highway network.
• There was no statutory duty to maintain traditional or heritage signs and no existing budget to audit or maintain such assets.
• Maintenance activity was prioritised using a risk?based approach due to significant financial constraints.
• A county?wide audit could cost in excess of £60,000, with ongoing maintenance and replacement costs also significant.
• Replacement of heritage signs was specialist work and therefore costly.
• While the cultural and local value of heritage signs was recognised, maintaining them would divert resources from core highways activity.

The Committee received a written statement from Councillor Bailey as seconder to the Notice of Motion. Councillor Bailey noted the financial pressures facing the Council but expressed concern that the officer response did not reflect the Council’s Corporate Plan 2025–2029, the rural proofing policy, or the Council’s general approach to the preservation of historic artefacts. Councillor Bailey highlighted the value of local heritage in contributing to a sense of place.

Councillor Bailey requested that the committee consider options for the transfer of historic signs to town and parish councils or community groups, explore ways to work proactively with such organisations to enable repair and retention of the signs, and give future consideration to the provision of financial support. Councillor Bailey also drew attention to the contrast between the Council’s ability to showcase historic items through the archive service and its current position on retaining historic direction signs.

Members asked questions relating to:

• The costs associated with auditing, repainting and replacing signs.
• The use of ward member budgets for refurbishment, which officers confirmed could be accommodated.
• Whether town and parish councils could carry out local audits.
• Potential heritage or local listing through the planning system.
• Health and safety and liability implications if third parties undertook works.
• The application of risk?based prioritisation to signage maintenance.

Officers reiterated the need to ensure all highway works complied with safety standards and confirmed a willingness to work with town and parish councils to explore feasible solutions.

During the debate, Members highlighted:

• The longevity and durability of traditional cast?iron signs compared with modern signage.
• Concerns about the removal of modern signs in rural areas without replacement.
• The importance of traditional signage to local character, countryside identity and civic pride.
• The potential long?term value of preventative maintenance.

A friendly amendment was proposed by Councillor R Chadwick which sought to introduce measures around asset identification, town and parish council engagement and a structured maintenance approach.

Officers indicated support for the intent of the amendment but advised that:

• Committing to a defined audit programme could have unquantified financial implications.
• Setting a percentage?based maintenance target could not be supported without clarity on cost and prioritisation.

Advice was sought from the Monitoring Officer who stated that amendments could not alter the content of the officer’s report other than for matters of factual accuracy.  The Chair invited Councillor Chadwick to put forward his proposed amendment as an additional recommendation and stated that the committee would move onto the next agenda item to allow him time to compose his wording.

The Economy and Growth Committee at is meeting on 11 March 2025 considered a report on the ‘Carbon Neutral Update and Mersey Forest Partnership’ and delegated authority to the of Growth and Enterprise, in consultation with the Governance, Compliance and Monitoring Officer, and the S151 Officer, to take all necessary steps to enter into legal agreements with The Mersey Forest Partnership.

To approve the continued partnership with the Mersey Forest for the period April 2025 to March 2030 including the adoption of the Mersey Forest Plan 2025-2030.

To seek approval to a virement of £25,000 from the School Condition Allocation to the capital cost code Cap – 10603 to fund additional condition works at Park Lane School.

The committee received a report outlining the scheduled 2026 review of the Corporate Tree Risk Management Strategy and the proposed adoption which refined the strategy to focus solely on managing the risk from falling trees and branches. The updated strategy incorporated new national guidance, strengthened governance arrangements, and introduced two new policies relating to replacement planting and biodiversity considerations. Members were advised that the revised approach included the formation of a corporate Tree Risk Management Board to oversee implementation, the formal adoption of the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) methodology, clearer competency and inspection standards, and a zoned, risk?based inspection regime across all Council land.

It was noted that earlier arrangements had been insufficient and that the 2021 strategy had been introduced following the council’s recognised failings during the prosecution process; version 1.1 presented to the committee significantly strengthened those measures.

Members asked for reassurance that tree inspections would be genuinely thorough, noting that species such as birch and ash often shown internal decay that was difficult to detect. Officers explained zoning arrangements, 18?month inspection cycles for high?priority areas, and a system of recording only trees showing defects, with more intrusive surveys undertaken where needed.

The committee queried enforcement powers under the Highways Act and asked whether action had been taken in practice; officers confirmed that enforcement was regularly used on highway?related issues and, more rarely, on private land where risks were identified or owners could not be traced. Officers confirmed that further consideration would be given as to how the council would improve engagement with large landowners, such as the NHS.

The committee welcomed and supported the strategy, emphasising the importance of maintaining inspection capacity and encouraging public reporting of concerns via the Council’s Highways reporting system.

The Chair thanked Mrs Hall, and her stepson Sam, for attending the meeting.

[Link to Chris’ Law Petition: Petition · Support Chris's Law: • A National Law for Tree Safety in Public Spaces - United Kingdom · Change.org]

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Environment and Communities Committee

1)    Approve the Corporate Tree Risk Management Strategy (Version 1.1, January 2026) as the Council’s framework for tree safety management.

2)    Delegate authority to the Director of Planning & Environment to:

i) Manage implementation of the Strategy, with governance through the Tree Risk Management Board as set out in Appendix 1 Tree Risk Management Strategy V1.1 2026 and

ii) Amend the terms of reference for the Tree Risk Management Board as appropriate, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.

Mrs Fiona Hall attended the meeting with her stepson Sam and explained that her late husband, Chris, had been killed on 28 August 2020 when a decayed tree fell, an incident for which Cheshire East Council was later prosecuted and fined £500,000 for systemic failings. Mrs Hall stated that since the incident she had campaigned for “Chris’s Law,” formally launched in September last year, aiming to make it a legal requirement for councils to maintain trees in public spaces. Mrs Hall reported significant public and media support, with 38,000 signatures gathered, and noted that despite the usual 100,000 signature threshold, a parliamentary debate had already taken place in November, followed by a meeting with the Minister for Nature on 8 December. Mrs Hall emphasised that she would continue campaigning until the law was passed and highlighted the wider issue of unreported tree?related deaths. Mrs Hall noted her January meeting with senior council officers, who expressed support for the proposal, and encouraged Cheshire East Council to act as a leading example in driving change. Finally, Mrs Hall referred to the recent Defra letter issued by Mary Creagh MP to all UK Local Authorities and highlighted that this had been one of the key actions agreed during her meeting with the Defra Minister.

The committee considered the report on the final draft of the Heritage and Local List Supplementary Planning Document, which had completed public consultation and had been updated accordingly. Members were advised that the SPD provided clearer guidance on identifying and managing locally significant heritage assets, supporting planning decision?making and strengthening the council’s approach to heritage conservation.

The committee noted the purpose and scope of the document, the consultation feedback received, and the amendments incorporated into the final draft.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Environment and Communities Committee

1.    Authorise the second round of public consultation on the revised Local List SPD (appendix 1).

2.    Authorise the publication of the associated Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening Report (“SEA”) (appendix 2).

3.    Agree to publish the associated Equalities Impact Assessment Screening Report (“EQIA”) (appendix 3).

The committee received an update on the council’s Carbon Neutral Programme and the refreshed Action Plan for 2045. Members were advised on progress toward the Council’s 2030 carbon?neutral target, including reductions achieved to date, ongoing challenges, and areas where further action was required.

The refreshed plan set out updated priorities, revised timelines and key projects to support both organisational and borough?wide emissions reduction. The Committee noted the continued work with partners, the need for sustained investment to meet statutory and strategic climate objectives, and the importance of integrating carbon considerations into service planning and decision?making.

Clarification was sought on the Goostrey tree?planting scheme, including its exact location and whether planting on Cheshire East owned farms could affect farm viability. It was explained that all council land had been surveyed to identify the most suitable areas for trees based on ecological value and land quality, ensuring that only land better suited to woodland was allocated.

Officers committed to providing a written response to the exact location within Goostrey but confirmed this was Goostrey Hall Farm.

The committee requested percentage gas reduction figures for Macclesfield Town Hall and the leisure centre and asked whether the leisure centre savings accounted for the three-month pool closure. It was also queried whether staff travel reporting included elected member travel and suggested exploring a shared minibus for visits. Officers agreed to supply the percentage reductions, confirmed that the reported savings reflected a fully?operational year, and undertook to investigate minibus options.

The committee queried if the council would support residents with plug?in solar schemes and whether the council remained open to tree?planting projects with partners, delivered at no cost. Officers confirmed both options were being explored, particularly across the sub?region, and that tree?planting partnerships would be welcomed where fully funded by external organisations.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Environment and Communities Committee

1.    Note the progress made against the council’s carbon neutral target.

2.    Approve and adopt the refreshed Carbon Action plan 2026-2030.

The committee considered the updated Animal Welfare Licensing Policy 2026–2029, which had been reviewed to reflect new legislation and current regulatory requirements. Members were advised that the revised policy incorporated updates arising from national changes to animal welfare standards and provided clearer guidance for applicants, licence holders, and enforcement officers. The policy set out the council’s approach to licensing activities involving animals, including inspection processes, compliance expectations, and enforcement arrangements.

The committee noted that the updated document aimed to strengthen consistency, transparency, and public assurance in the licensing regime. It was highlighted that the policy did not cover dog walkers, groomers, charities, animal sanctuaries, rescue centres, or similar businesses, and Members asked whether any plans existed to regulate or monitor these groups in the future. It was explained that DEFRA had intended to review the animal?related licensing regime sooner, but the review had been postponed for approximately 12-18 months.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Environment and Communities Committee

1.    Approve the updated Animal Welfare licensing Policy contained as Appendix 1 of the report.

The committee received the Third Financial Review for 2025/26, which reported a balanced overall council outturn, reflecting a £2.345m improvement since FR2 after the planned application of Exceptional Financial Support. Within the Committee’s remit, the Environment and Communities Directorate forecasted an underspend of £3.941m, largely driven by one?off Extended Producer Responsibility grant income, delayed food?waste rollout costs, company reserve returns, and vacancy?related savings. Leisure Commissioning reported a notable overspend due to income shortfalls and pressures on MTFS savings delivery.

The committee noted progress against approved budget change items, the forecasted capital spend of £12.147m, several supplementary capital estimates, and the directorate’s reserves position. Members were advised that financial risks remained and that continued close monitoring was required to ensure the council remained continued to improve its financial stability.

Members queried the financing of food waste collections, specifically asking whether the capital outlay for new vehicles would fall within the next financial year or the current programme, and whether the Government had fully funded the new burdens associated with food waste collection, noting reports that funding had been incomplete. It was explained that the council was working with accountants to profile expenditure across years, confirming that capital funding allocated for the current year would in practice be spent in the following year, with a request already made to bring this funding forward accordingly. It was clarified that the Government grant covered vehicle-related capital costs but did not fund the required depot extension; despite the Council petitioning Government, the extension remained excluded from national capital grant criteria, meaning the Council would fund the depot works itself to provide additional parking, staff facilities, and operational space for the expanded service.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Environment and Communities Committee 

1. Note the overall Council’s Financial position as described within the Executive Summary – Council Financial Position. 

2. Note the latest revenue forecast for Environment and Communities Directorate, reviewed progress on the delivery of the MTFS approved budget policy change items (Table 3 of the report), the RAG ratings and to understood the actions to be taken to address any adverse variances from the approved budget. 

3. Note the overall in-year forecast capital spending for Environment and Communities Directorate of £12.147m against a revised MTFS budget of £18.606m in Tables 4 and 5 of the report.

4. Note the Delegated Decisions made for Supplementary Capital estimates up to £500,000 as per Table 6 of the report.

5. Approve the Supplementary Capital Estimate above £500,000 up to and including £1,000,000 as per Table 7 of the report.

6. Note the Capital Budget Reductions as per Table 8 of the report.

7. Note the available reserves position as per Table 9 of the report.

This ODR is to record entering into the contract to construct the Middlewich Eastern Bypass following the decision of the Highways and Transport Committee at their meeting on 22 Jan 2026

This ODR is to record entering into the contract to construct the Middlewich Eastern Bypass following the decision of the Highways and Transport Committee at their meeting on 22 Jan 2026.

The Council currently owns or controls a significant estate relating to parks, green spaces, public open space and also across the adopted highway network.  At present the inspection and maintenance of these areas including the assets which are present are substantially delivered between two contractors: - Cheshire East Council Environmental Services – maintaining parks, green and public open spaces - Cheshire East Highways (Ringway Jacobs) – maintaining grass verges across the adopted highway network in Cheshire East.  The proposal will bring together the ground’s maintenance activities under one party, Cheshire East Council, thus offering the opportunity to maximise on efficiencies.  

To Generate operational efficiencies by moving to a single contractor to maintain all Council owned green spaces, within parks, public open spaces and across the highway network. This will minimise the impact of reduction in scope of similar services currently provided, including those out-sourced.

The Environment and Communities Committee, at its meeting on 29 January 2026, considered a report on the Household Waste Recycling Centre Booking System Changes and resolved to ‘delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Environment to make alterations to the HWRC booking system to account for health and safety and traffic congestion issues at HWRCs in consultation with Chair, Vice Chair and Opposition Spokesman of Committee.’

To make changes to the following changes to the HWRC booking system on a trial basis:

Revert the Crewe HWRC booking system from a weekend only booking system to a 7-day-a-week booking system.

Remove the booking system at the Alsager and Knutsford HWRC sites and monitor usage of the sites operating without a booking system