Issue - meetings

(i)         that the consultation be noted;

(ii)        that the Long Term Transport Strategy for Brent 2015 – 2035 as set out in Appendix A be noted;

(iii)       that final approval of content, including design, following any required changes be delegated to the Chief Operating Officer, in liaison with the Lead Member for the Environment.

The Cabinet received the Long Term Transport Strategy (LTTS) that had been developed to provide strategic direction to transport investment throughout the borough over the next 20 years (2015 - 2035). Councillor Southwood (Lead Member, Environment) reminded the Cabinet that consultation took place during the previous year and that what was now before members was different to that previously seen, priorities and objectives having been developed accordingly.

The Cabinet heard that Councillor Southwood had attended the Scrutiny Committee on 12 August where the strategy had been considered and views expressed that the strategy lacked specific projects and detail. A full report on the committee’s views was circulated in advance of the meeting. Councillor Southwood in response stated that feasibility studies and could not be justified until there was more certainty over schemes to be taken forward. Regarding detail, Councillor Southwood reminded that the strategy was an overarching document, designed to last until 2035 setting out objectives and under which other more detailed strategies would sit. Councillor Southwood thanked the Committee for its feedback and advised amendments would be made meet some of the comments which she would share with Councillor Filson, the Chair of the Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Southwood drew attention to the Section 8 of the Strategy relating to Targets and advised that in the walking category, the aim was for 10% ‘increase’ in the number of schools with gold standard travel plans instead of decrease as printed (page 251 of the agenda pack refers).

Members welcomed the strategy and looked forward to the resultant positive impact on air quality through more cycling and walking, protecting high streets and high roads and alternate means of moving freight such as canals. The Cabinet also hoped for an increased role for residents and partnerships. The Cabinet noted that specific road schemes also referred to at the Scrutiny Committee may come forward for consideration, some were already under discussion and it was the role of the Council to bring influence on other agencies.

The Committee also heard from Councillor Filson, Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, who, while recognising the need for the Strategy to be general, felt it would benefit from reference to congestion, demographics and car movement. He regretted the lack of progress on rail transport specifically Crossrail and put that sound business cases would be needed to support any changes.

The Chair (Councillor Butt) assured that the Strategy would under underpin and support changes in the future.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the consultation be noted;

(ii)        that the Long Term Transport Strategy for Brent 2015 – 2035 as set out in Appendix A be noted;

(iii)       that final approval of content, including design, following any required changes be delegated to the Chief Operating Officer, in liaison with the Lead Member for the Environment.