URL: https://democratic.trafford.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1495

Decision Maker: Executive Member for Climate Change

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The Seymour Grove Phase 2 scheme is a Trafford Council (TC) promoted scheme, to be funded through tranche 1 of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), and to provide a strategic, high-quality cycle and walking route from Talbot Road through Trafford to Chorlton.   The Seymour Grove Scheme was originally proposed by TC in 2019 as part of Mayoral Challenge Fund (MCF) application and was later split into a Phase 1 and Phase 2. The Seymour Grove Phase 1 scheme, at the junction at Seymour Grove and Talbot Road, was funded through the MCF and is scheduled for completion in December 2025.   The report summarises the outcomes of the consultation of the proposed Seymour Grove Phase 2 Scheme and to recommend that the proposed scheme and progress to detailed design stage and, subject to all necessary CRSTS business case approvals, proceed to delivery as per the programme of works.

Content: The Seymour Grove Phase 2 scheme is a Trafford Council (TC) promoted scheme, to be funded through tranche 1 of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), and to provide a strategic, high-quality cycle and walking route from Talbot Road through Trafford to Chorlton.   The Seymour Grove Scheme was originally proposed by TC in 2019 as part of Mayoral Challenge Fund (MCF) application and was later split into a Phase 1 and Phase 2. The Seymour Grove Phase 1 scheme, at the junction at Seymour Grove and Talbot Road, was funded through the MCF and is scheduled for completion in December 2025.   The report summarises the outcomes of the consultation of the proposed Seymour Grove Phase 2 Scheme and to recommend that the proposed scheme and progress to detailed design stage and, subject to all necessary CRSTS business case approvals, proceed to delivery as per the programme of works. 1)    That the content and findings of the consultation report, be noted.   2)    That it be noted that the scheme, incorporating enhancements following input from the consultation, be progressed to detailed design, and thereafter, subject to all necessary CRSTS business case approvals, proceed to delivery.   3)    That the programme as set out in Section 5 of the report, be noted.   4)    That the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Systems, be delegated authority to negotiate and finalise the grant funding agreements, construction contracts and any other contracts or documents required to implement the decision.   5)    That the Director of Legal and Governance be delegated authority to enter any contracts or other documents required to implement the decision. The Seymour Grove Phase 2 Scheme will support and encourage sustainable modes of transport for the surrounding communities, help to deliver Trafford’s vision for inclusive and accessible neighbourhoods and provide both the local and wider connections to other high-quality strategic walking and cycling infrastructure along GM’s Bee Active Network.   This report forms part of an approval process of securing CRSTS funding for the delivery of the scheme.   It is recommended that the Seymour Grove Phase 2 Scheme progress to detailed design stage and, subject to all necessary CRSTS business case approvals, proceed to delivery as it supports Trafford’s objectives of providing alternative sustainable active travel modes of transport being used across the Borough that will benefit health and wellbeing and air quality. The alternative options would include retaining the existing arrangements, continuing to incur the costs of superficially maintaining the outdated infrastructure and negative perceptions of having unsafe pedestrian crossings and increasing levels of severance along Seymour Grove.   A second alternative would involve reducing the scope of the scheme altogether; this would risk the scheme, not achieving its desired objectives, not demonstrating sufficient economic benefits to secure the CRSTS funding criteria and well as potentially not future proofing this area as development occurs around it as forecast.   Both alternatives are missed opportunities to achieve the stated outcomes as in the councils Walking, Wheeling, and Cycling strategy of improving infrastructure and support towards reducing carbon emissions. They would also impact on Trafford’s reputation for securing future funding bids for other sustainable grant Active Travel 9 opportunities that aim to encourage residents to be more active and supporting people out of poverty by enabling affordable transport.

Date of Decision: January 6, 2026