Decision details

Transport for the North is consulting on a draft Strategic Transport Plan for the North of England.  The county council has been closely involved with its development to date.  This report summarises the key messages set out in the draft plan and the rationale for the county council's proposed response, which is set out in Appendix 'A'.  Whilst broadly supportive, the county council has three key strategic concerns:

1)  With regard to Northern Powerhouse Rail, the council is concerned about inference and presentation in the draft plan.  Northern Powerhouse Rail should be more properly set within the wider context of the North's Long Term Rail Strategy, of which it should be part.

2)  With regard to the Major Road Network, there will need to be a consolidation of views between Transport for the North and the Department for Transport, as it will be self-defeating to have two such networks defined in the North.

3)  Given the implied absolute priority given to developing Northern Powerhouse Rail throughout the draft plan, the North West to Sheffield City Region corridor study needs progressing immediately and set alongside the ongoing Northern Powerhouse Rail work.

The county council's response also draws Transport for the North's attention to a number of key strategic priorities regarding the Strategic Development Corridors, which the council expects to inform the development of the final plan and to feature prominently therein.

Cabinet considered a response to the Transport for the North consultation on a draft Strategic Transport Plan for the North of England.

Resolved: That

  i.  the county council's response to the consultation as set out in the report be approved

  ii.  the decision be designated as urgent in accordance with Standing Order 35 as any delay in its implementation could adversely affect the efficient execution of the County Council's responsibilities. This was because the closing date for response to the consultation was 17 April 2018