Issue - meetings

This paper presents the outcomes of the development of a Tandridge Local Transport Strategy (LTS) and Forward Programme. It makes recommendations that the Committee approve the Local Transport Strategy and Forward Programme.

The county council is producing Local Transport Strategies and Forward Programmes for each district and borough in the county. The purpose of these strategies is to support the growth set out within district and borough local plans and provide a programme of transport infrastructure required to deliver this growth. They also provide an evidence base for future funding bids.

The strategies are ‘live documents’ which will be updated at regular intervals to ensure they remain relevant and current. They will become part of the Surrey Transport Plan.

They contain two main elements. The main document provides a commentary on the transport provision and transport problems in each district or borough. It also provides possible solutions to the identified problems.

The annex contains a forward programme of transport infrastructure that we would like to see implemented in the district or borough, subject to funding. The programme would seek to address the problems identified in the main document of the strategy and mitigate the impact of future growth on the transport network.

Report and annexes 1 and 2 attached.

The Committee AGREED:

(i)    Approve the Tandridge Local Transport Strategy and its suggested objectives

(ii)   Accept the list of schemes provided in the Forward Programme (Annex of the Local Transport Strategy) for future consideration by the divisional member, Local Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman, taking into account available resources.

Reasons:

Delivering the Tandridge Local Transport Strategy will support the County Councils priorities to promote sustainable economic growth and secure investment in infrastructure.

It also supports the District Councils objectives to reduce reliance on driving. The Tandridge Local Transport Strategy will benefit Surrey residents and businesses accommodating sustainable population growth, driving the economy and reducing impacts on the environment.

Declarations of Interest: None

Officers attending: David Stempfer and Peter Hitchings, Major Schemes Manager and Engineer

Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None

·         The Major Schemes Manager and Engineer presented the report to the committee.

Member Discussion – key points:

·         Members were happy with the recommendations however wanted to change the wording of the second recommendation to clarify that the forward programme should be considered in the future by the chair, vice chair and divisional members. Members also wanted to ensure any decisions made take into account available resources (such as funding for example).

·         The recommendation change was proposed by Mr Nick Skellett and agreed by all.

·         Members asked if it was a live document (it is) and when it can be reviewed.

·         The Major Schemes manager responded that the list of schemes can be reviewed annually and the main document every three years.

·         Members asked if they could communicate any concerns with the current list. The Major Schemes manager welcomed this and would be happy to accept any changes. He explained that the list of schemes were put together following a 6 week consultation and the document forms an evidence base for future bidding opportunities.

·         The Major Schemes Engineer drew the committee’s attention to the amended section of the Transport Strategy showing changes to the rail section. Although members were pleased with the additional paragraphs they still felt it was not strong enough and required further work and a response from Network Rail.

·         Members agreed they would like to invite Network Rail to a future informal local committee meeting.

Resolution:

The Committee AGREED:

(i)    Approve the Tandridge Local Transport Strategy and its suggested objectives

(ii)   Accept the list of schemes provided in the Forward Programme (Annex of the Local Transport Strategy) for future consideration by the divisional member, Local Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman, taking into account available resources.

·         Members thanked Michelle Starr, Community Partnership and Committee officer for her work while covering maternity leave of Sarah Woodworth.