URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2017

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Transport and Highways concerning the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) Core Strategy, a key policy document which set out the long-term vision for transport across the borough to 2045.  It will guide how transport investment and planning would support wider strategic goals, including tackling the climate emergency, reducing poverty, improving public health and enabling inclusive economic growth.   Members noted that the Core Strategy had been developed following extensive public and stakeholder engagement and consultation which had enabled the development of a vision which would deliver a fair and sustainable transport system that supported a stronger, thriving future, aligned to the priorities of the Borough Plan.  Members also noted the cross-party input into the development of the Core Strategy via a Scrutiny Task Group and the Transport Board.   Members were informed that, subject to adoption of the Core Strategy by Full Council, a medium-term Implementation Plan would then be developed, focused on translating strategy into delivery. This would be updated on a rolling basis to be responsive to ever-changing and future transport needs within communities, as well as the adaptation of government priorities to meet those changing community needs, including rural transport and bus franchising. Members recognised that the Strategy required a flexible approach to accommodate changes. Developing technology would also need to be recognised within the framework, such as meeting the demand for EV vehicles, environmentally friendly car use and drone technology used to deliver parcels, prescriptions and medicines to communities.   Members identified that resident engagement had shown that fairness in transport accessibility should be a key priority to ensure that all residents had good access to transport, including in rural communities, and good transport networks for new housing developments. Capped fares had also been suggested and was recognised as a possible future Devolution opportunity, as well as better active travel accessibility.   Councillor Karen Shore, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Stuart Bingham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride.   Visiting Members:  Councillor Simon Eardley spoke in relation to the item.   Members welcomed the report and thanked Highways Officers, in particular Jack Mayhew, for their thoroughness, diligence and responsiveness to questions raised through Scrutiny and the Transport Board.  Members commended the high level of public engagement in relation to development of the Strategy and felt it was apparent that officers had been very mindful to the ever-changing and rapid technologies which the Strategy would need to reflect in its approach going forward.  They also thanked all the residents, stakeholders, businesses and communities who had contributed, as well as elected Members of the Transport Board and the Scrutiny Task Group.  Members recognised the importance of this Strategy taking a wholistic approach to all Transport and Highway needs including day-to-day maintenance of highways and footways to ensure residents felt confident in using active travel modes.   Members also recognised the need to deliver a sustainable transport system for the future which would contribute to combatting climate change.  In addition, they felt it was important that it remained a flexible policy to ensure all communities could engage in their evolving transport needs in order to access employment, services and wider opportunities to ensure residents could continue to live their best life.   RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:   That the Local Transport Plan 4 Core Strategy (attached at Appendix 1) be adopted.   Reason for Decision   1)            The Borough’s Local Transport Plan is part of the Council’s Policy Framework set out within the constitution. Amendments to the Policy Framework require approval by Council. The LTP4 Core Strategy replaces the current LTP strategy, adopted in 2011 and refreshed in 2017. 2)            Adoption of the LTP4 Core Strategy represents a significant advancement in the Borough’s adopted transport strategy, refocusing transport priorities to maximise delivery against the missions set out in the Borough Plan. The Core Strategy has been developed on the basis of extensive technical appraisal and a wide-reaching process of consultation and engagement. It acts as the first statutory part of the Council’s Local Transport Plan, the “LTP Strategy”. 3)            The second statutory part of the Local Transport Plan, the Implementation Plan, is being developed separately and will follow for Full Council consideration at a later date. A series of non-statutory policy papers will also be developed and considered by Cabinet in due course. 4)            A graphically designed version of the LTP4 Core Strategy will be produced for public-facing purposes, using the approved text. Opportunities to enhance accessibility, such as through summary or simplified formats similar to those used during consultation, will be considered as part of this.   Alternative Options   Alternative approaches, such as retaining the existing Local Transport Plan or delaying adoption of the Core Strategy, would not reflect current evidence, public feedback, or the Council’s strategic priorities. The recommended approach ensures alignment with statutory duties and the Borough Plan and enables timely progression of supporting policy and delivery plans.

Date of Decision: November 12, 2025