Agenda and minutes

Councillor Johnson was substitute member for Councillor Haines.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 30 July 2024, be approved as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the Work Programme be noted.

The Committee received a presentation which covered the following topics:-

·       An overview of the Local Transport Plan (LTP)

·       Long-term strategy document (2025 – 2050)

·       Short-term implementation plan (2025 – 2030)

·       Vision

·       Guiding Principles (deter, switch and improve)

·       Contents of the LTP

·       District/Borough Transport Data Reports

·       Capability to Achieve Sustainable Travel (CAST)

·       Key Milestones

A transport data pack had been produced for the District, the County Council was currently evidence-gathering and had engaged with residents and business groups. Further consultation was planned with County Councillors and Officers were keen to receive ideas from members.

Two pieces of information were outstanding around LTP guidance and confirmation of potential funding streams. Key points included the requirement for the LTP to be carbon neutral by 2050 and that cars were the predominant  form of transport in Staffordshire.

In preparation for the meeting, members had been asked for their comments in terms of transport improvements to enable people to access their jobs/workplaces and suggestions to make the District a more attractive location for business investment.

Detailed discussion took place around sustainable modes of transportation, re-opening of disused railway lines, improved sequencing of traffic lights, major improvements to the road infrastructure, cycleways, access to colleges, improved bus services, tourism and the review of the Local Plan.

RESOLVED:

That consideration be given by the County Council and Cabinet to the following recommendations:

1)    Improved railways for transportation of freight to reduce the wear and tear of roads by heavy goods vehicles;

2)    Highway improvements to A523, A520, A527 & A521/roads linked to areas of employment and greater connectivity to the A50;

3)    An improved road network/by-pass at Cheadle, given the amount of new housing in the area;

4)    Conversion of the old Leek to Stoke railway line as a leisure/work cycleway;

5)    Better links to current cycleways to increase tourism;

6)    A review of the Bus Strategy to link Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek;

7)    Collaborative work with Stoke City Council to ensure that bus services operated efficiently;

8)    Improve links to the train stations in Buxton, Blythe Bridge, Congleton, Derby, Macclesfield, Stafford and Stoke and enhanced connectivity between bus and rail systems;

9)    A review of the SCC Vacant Seat Policy to allow 16-18 year old  students access to the school bus service and further education;

10)A shuttle bus service to transport tourists from the major settlements to places of interest in the area.

The Chair moved:

That pursuant to Section 100A (2) and (4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or nature of the proceedings whereby it is likely that exempt information as defined in Section 100A (3) of the Act would be disclosed to the public in breach of the obligation of confidence or exempt information as defined in Section 100I (1) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act would be disclosed to the public by virtue of the paragraphs indicated.

The Committee gave consideration to a presentation on housing delivery to meet local needs.