Decision details

The Chair welcomed County Councillor Aidy Riggott, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth, and Andrew Mullaney, Director of Environment and Planning to the meeting.

A presentation was provided on the preparation of the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP), a document that is a statutory requirement of authorities and a key enabler for economic development and housing growth. The report detailed the proposed objectives of the LTP 4, as well as challenges that were anticipated. A copy of the presentation is set out in the minutes.

In response to questions from the committee, the following information was clarified:

·  On the five ongoing transport masterplans under the previous LTP 3 it was explained that they would form part of the review element of LTP 4.

·  The committee was informed that if the combined county authority (CCA) proposal got the go ahead, this work would become the responsibility of the CCA in its role as the local transport authority.

·  It was acknowledged that there were many challenges with delivering bus service provision in rural areas of Lancashire and that all related plans including the Bus Service Improvement Plan should align to the same ultimate objectives.

·  Members queried the term 'key centres' used in the report regarding upcoming transport objectives to enable better public transport connections. Officers explained that key centres did not exclusively refer to major towns and cities, but also any area that was relevant to Lancashire's economic development.

·  Rail would form a part of LTP 4, however it was noted that the county council would not have as much influence over this by comparison with bus service provision.

·  Officers confirmed that as part of the consultation process on LTP 4, both National Highways and the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain were statutory consultees. The county council worked closely with National Highways.

·  It was highlighted that while East to West connectivity was one of the biggest challenges the county faced regarding transport, any solutions were beyond the reach of the county council alone and would require national interventions. National Highways and Network Rail would have a key role in developing solutions for East-West connectivity (Irish Sea to North Sea). It was explained that the county council alone would not have the funds to solve connectivity problems such as the Colne to Skipton rail link.

·  On environmental challenges the committee was informed that lower transport carbon emissions was a long-term aspiration, though specific solutions such as hydrogen had not yet been considered at this stage.

·  It was confirmed that addressing transport related social exclusion was included in plan's objectives.

·  Members felt that the definition of 'key centres' was ambiguous. It was highlighted that the county council needed to be specific in what it wanted to achieve, and that further thought should be given to the definition of key centres.

·  Concerns were raised on the geographical coverage and wider connectivity with bus and rail. It was felt that the county council should not be confined to progressing connectivity within its own boundary but also beyond the boundaries of Lancashire.

Resolved: That the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth be asked to consider:

(i)  Reviewing and clarifying the definition of key centres.

(ii)  The inclusion of connectivity issues beyond the administrative boundaries of the three upper tier authorities of Lancashire within the Local Transport Plan 4.