Agenda item

This report provides an update on the work to review the Brent Long Term Transport Strategy 2015-2035 (LTTS) and seeks approval of the draft strategy for public consultation and wider stakeholder engagement.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the approach contained within the Draft Brent Long Term Transport Strategy (as set out in Appendix A of the report) for delivering improvements to the transport system in the borough to 2041.

(2)    That the draft strategy undergo a period of public consultation and wider stakeholder engagement during Spring 2022. The consultation to be for a minimum six week period.

(3)    That following comments received during public consultation a revised, final Brent Long Term Transport Strategy be brought back to Cabinet for approval to adopt in Summer 2022.

Councillor Tatler (Lead Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning) introduced a report providing an update on the review and development of Brent’s Long Term Transport Strategy (LTTS) 2015-2035 and seeking approval to the updated draft strategy proceeding to wider public consultation and stakeholder engagement.

In considering the report Cabinet noted the background to development of the LTTS in terms of providing a strategic focus for investment in transport within Brent aimed at not only improving transport options but also reducing the negative impact of travel on the borough.  In recognising the progress made since publication of the original strategy in 2015, particularly in relation to increasing levels of sustainable travel, reducing the level of casualties on the road network, delivery of the school streets initiative and increased installation of on-street electric vehicle charging points, the need had also been identified for further review, particularly in relation to encouraging more active modes of travel.  Members were advised that this further review had been focussed around an aim to reduce the environmental and health impacts of traffic in the borough as well as making the transport system safer and more inclusive and reflecting the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and emergence of new national, regional and local policies and priorities, with the revised draft strategy having been detailed in Appendix A of the report.

In terms of comments, members welcomed the approach outlined and way in which development of the strategy had been aligned to not only the London Plan and Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy but also the Borough Plan, emerging Local Plan, Inclusive Growth Strategy along with the Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and Air Quality Action Plan.  The approach towards encouraging more active forms of travel was also supported along with the particular focus identified within town centres and outside schools and wider lobbying to secure transport improvements, particularly in relation to local rail services such as Chiltern Rail and delivery of the West London Orbital Rail scheme.  Whilst noting the challenges identified in relation to future funding of TfL and securing improvements in the provision and operation of public transport services not directly within the control of the Council, members were keen to recognise the ambition within the strategy and to highlight the importance of the community and stakeholder engagement process in seeking to secure and deliver the improvements identified in terms of access to the borough and it’s transport systems.

Having considered the report Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)     To approve the approach contained within the Draft Brent Long Term Transport Strategy (as set out in Appendix A of the report) for delivering improvements to the transport system in the borough to 2041.

(2)     That the draft strategy undergo a period of public consultation and wider stakeholder engagement during spring 2022. The consultation to be for a minimum six week period.

(3)     That following comments received during public consultation a revised, final Brent Long Term Transport Strategy be brought back to Cabinet for approval to adopt in summer 2022.