Agenda item

Report of the Leader of the Council, Councillor Eamon O’Brien is Attached for information at the request of the previous Chair of the Committee Councillor D Vernon

The item was included for information following the request from the previous chair, the report was taken as read and wasn’t presented.

Cllr Southworth asked about the timescales for the Travel Plan and whether a phased approach would be adopted, recognising that some elements may be easier to deliver in the early stages whilst others, particularly those relating to schools, may need to come forward later. He suggested that flexibility would be required as the proposals develop.

Cllr Bayley welcomed the additional transport capacity proposed and sought clarification on how many tram services could ultimately operate between Bury and Manchester. He noted that limitations in the electricity supply and overhead line infrastructure had previously been identified as barriers to increasing service frequencies and asked how these issues would be addressed. He also queried whether frequencies could be increased to four-minute intervals and asked about TfGM’s investigation of underground options and how the growing communities along the route were being considered. Cllr Birchmore commented that infrastructure improvements had already been undertaken in some locations to accommodate double-tram operation.

In response, the Leader stated that both the necessary infrastructure and electricity supply would need to be considered as part of future capacity improvements. He added that the Council should be proud of the work being undertaken in relation to renewable energy, which would support future transport ambitions.

Cllr Pilkington, as Corporate Parenting Champion, asked what opportunities the proposals would create for looked-after children and care leavers. The Leader responded that TfGM would be exploring funding opportunities and increasing the number of placements and employment opportunities associated with major projects. He stressed the importance of ensuring that looked-after children benefit from these opportunities and suggested this could form a stronger part of the Council’s Social Value Strategy.

Cllr Rydeheard highlighted the importance of ensuring that policies were aligned with the build-out of developments and argued that overarching policy commitments should be agreed before, or at least concurrently with, development taking place. He expressed concern that commitments should not be allowed to fall away once development had progressed.

Referring to page 49 of the report, Cllr Rydeheard asked for further detail on the proposed fully accessible walking and cycling route and specifically where it would connect in relation to Darlington Street. The Leader responded that further details would emerge through the preparation of draft plans and future public consultation exercises. He emphasised the need to maintain a balance between the requirements of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, and committed to considering the detail in an open and transparent way. Cris Logue added that work was taking place between the Council’s Highways Team, TfGM and wider city-region transport partners.

Cllr Rahimov asked whether the proposed Metrolink stop at Elton Reservoir would operate as a park-and-ride facility and whether that position could change. The Leader advised that a park-and-ride facility reflected TfGM’s current intentions for the site and had therefore been included within the plan.

However, he emphasised that the proposal remained indicative and was not fixed. While views differed, with some residents concerned that it could encourage additional car journeys, there was also recognised demand for such a facility, and it remained part of the current proposals.

Returning to cycling provision, Cllr Bayley expressed disappointment with the projected cycling mode share figures and suggested that measures such as 20mph speed limits could help encourage greater uptake. He asked whether new development areas would provide wider roads and sufficient infrastructure for cyclists. It was explained that the proposals would enable the development of cycling infrastructure, with cycling provision forming an integral part of future transport schemes. The importance of creating a connected network and providing safe, segregated cycling routes wherever possible was emphasised.

It Was Agreed:

·         The report be noted