Decision details

Dave Colbert presented a report (circulated) regarding the East – West Connectivity between Lancashire and North / West Yorkshire.

It was reported that there is growing interest in the strategic east-west transport corridor linking Lancashire with North Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region.  This 'Central' Trans-Pennine Corridor comprises the M65/A56/A6068, A59 and A683/A687/A65 roads and parallel railways, including the Calder Valley line linking Preston, Blackburn and Burnley with Bradford and Leeds via Hebden Bridge and the line linking Lancaster with Leeds via Skipton.  Several long-standing aspirations for improved connectivity by both road and rail currently exist and a number of schemes have been considered in the past.

A study group comprising Lancashire and North Yorkshire County Councils and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in conjunction with the Lancashire, York-North Yorkshire-East Riding and Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnerships have prepared a project brief (circulated) which contains a shared analysis to identify the potential economic benefits that might arise across the North of England from improved transport links between Lancashire and North and West Yorkshire.

The analysis will develop an understanding of the scale and nature of the wider economic benefits that could arise if transport connectivity and capacity in the 'Central' Trans-Pennine Corridor are significantly enhanced, particularly in terms of reduced centre to centre travel times by both rail and road.  Such wider benefits could include increased agglomeration potential, enhanced productivity and ability to attract new growth sectors, improved access to labour markets and job creation, and hence GVA uplift.  Its outputs will therefore assist with identifying whether a strategic case exists for new interventions on both road and rail networks.

The analysis is estimated to cost in the region of £50,000 and should take three months to complete.  Discussions with partners in North and West Yorkshire to finalise individual funding contributions are nearly complete.  LEP Board approval will be sought to support the Lancashire funding contribution to the study.  Once shared funding arrangements have been agreed, it is proposed that Lancashire County Council will commission the work.

The Committee welcomed and supported the Study, and particularly the engagement from partners in North and West Yorkshire.  The Committee discussed the need to ensure the Study considers all elements of connectivity – rail, development of the M65 along with the other major roads and also links to the Transport for the North Freight Strategy which is due to be published soon.

Resolved: The Committee approved the recommendation that the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Board be requested to agree to support the commissioning of the East – West Connectivity: Lancashire to North and West Yorkshire Economic Study, with the LEP agreeing to fund Lancashire's contribution from its strategic case-making budget.