Decision details

Dave Colbert, Specialist Advisor Transportation, Lancashire County Council, presented a report (circulated) on the Department for Transport Large Major Transport Schemes, New Ribble Crossing Development Funding Bid.

It was highlighted that the Department for Transport (DfT) had not set out rigid eligibility criteria but will sift out schemes according to whether they are genuinely 'otherwise unaffordable' by other means.  It was noted that the size of the schemes proposed should be relative to the size of the LEP, the minimum cost threshold for the largest LEPs, including Lancashire, being £75m.

With one exception, the priorities set out in the Lancashire Strategic Transport Prospectus are considered to be outside the scope of the Large Local Major Transport Schemes fund.  The majority are either schemes on the national rail network or the Strategic Road Network.  Mr Colbert highlighted that the New Ribble Crossing is that exception, and it is proposed that the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership submit a bid for development funding from 2017/18 to produce a fully worked up Outline Business Case for the scheme.  A feasibility study is currently underway, due for completion by April 2017.

The New Ribble Crossing is considered to meet all of the factors that the DfT will take into account when selecting schemes:

·  It will cost considerably in excess of £75m to construct (with anticipated cost in excess of £200m);

·  It is not divisible;

·  There are no alternative local funding routes available for a scheme of this magnitude, the possible exception being the Road Investment Strategy;

·  Subject to inclusion in the Road Investment Strategy, the scheme could not access any other Government funding.

Work is underway to produce a robust cost estimate and delivery timescale for the development of an Outline Business Case.  The Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2015/18 includes £2m for the feasibility study and work to take the project forward through consultation to concept design approval.  Some of this funding, potentially up to £1m, could be available as a local contribution.

It was stated that a New Ribble Crossing would have significant impact on not only the movement of transport but would also have economic and housing benefits.

The Committee debated if an alternative scheme could be put forward and discussed the potential of combining schemes within the Strategic Transport Prospectus, it was felt this was not a viable option and the Committee and that the New Ribble Crossing be put forward as the the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership bid.

Resolved:  The Committee approved the recommendation that the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Board be requested to agree the submission of a bid to the Department for Transport's Large Local Major Transport Schemes Fund for development funding to support the preparation of a fully worked up Outline Business Case for the New Ribble Crossing.