Decision details

a)    That the key influencing factors on the development of the new Leicestershire Highway Design Guide (LHDG) as set out in Part B of the report, with particular reference to matters that need to be addressed in respect of the potential for increased maintenance liabilities on the Authority, be noted;

b)    That the early work undertaken to date as part of the full refresh of the LHDG, particularly in respect of commuted sums and existing LHDG principles and policies be noted;

c)    That an engagement exercise be undertaken on the Draft Leicestershire Highway Design Guide Principles and any other policy, technical and procedural matters necessary for the development of a new LHDG.

(KEY DECISION)

REASONS FOR DECISION:

Although the LHDG has undergone a recent light update (which made no material changes to the Authority’s overall approach to dealing with the design and adoption of new developments), the content is essentially over 15 years old and needs a substantial refresh to ensure that it reflects the latest national policies, standards, regulations and guidance, and the Council’s priorities, as well as a much changed financial position.

The additional burdens placed on the Council’s already stretched maintenance budgets through the creation of new highway assets as part of development must be effectively managed and mitigated; the current design guide is no longer sufficiently robust and up to date in this respect.

Engagement with stakeholders on the policy and principles to be applied in future, considerations such as commuted sums and future adoption of highway assets, and other technical and procedural matters will help to inform the development of the content of the new LHDG.