Decision details

Dave Colbert, the Specialist Adviser, Transport Planning, informed the Committee of the developments that had taken place since the last meeting.

The Committee noted that Transport for the North (TfN) was currently seeking feedback from its partners and stakeholders on a number of published reports which would inform the Strategic Transport Plan (STP). These included an initial Major Roads report, an initial Integrated Rail report and a Strategic Development Corridors report.

The Major Roads report identified a Major Road Network for the north and set out the importance of strategic road connectivity in delivering transformational economic growth. Rather than focusing just on new roads or improved railways, TfN has identified economic centres which require improved transport connections and the infrastructure improvements which would improve those links. The report set out a portfolio of connectivity priorities that would inform the STP and the identification of Strategic Development Corridors.

The Committee was advised that TfN is developing proposals for a Northern Powerhouse Rail network which would link together six of the North’s major cities and Manchester Airport with faster and more frequent rail services. TfN was also working with Network Rail to identify improvements needed across the existing rail network in the North.

The Strategic Development Corridors report identifies the strategic corridors where TfN considers infrastructure investment would be needed to connect different areas, enabling people and goods to move rapidly and reliably around the North. It was reported that the STP would set out prioritised proposals to improve connectivity of these strategic corridors, which include Northern Powerhouse Rail, Integrated and Smart Travel, and several other geographic connectivity priorities that reflect the economic links across the North.

The Committee was advised of the results of the Northern Powerhouse Independent Economic Review, which found that the North of England has four prime highly-productive capabilities: Advanced Manufacturing, Digital, Energy and Health Innovation.  These capabilities were present across the North but poor connectivity inhibited them acting as unified industries.

The Committee noted that officers from TfN would be available to discuss their developing Strategic Transport Plan at a drop in session at County Hall, Preston on the 29 June 2017 from 3pm.  This would be an opportunity for local businesses, elected members and interested stakeholders to find out more about TfN’s work and give feedback on the recent publications.

Resolved:  That the Transport for the North update be noted.