Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Environment and Transport which detailed the findings of a transport study into the current and expected future condition and performance of the transport network in Market Harborough and sought approval for the commencement of a consultation exercise to help develop a transport strategy for the town.  A copy of the report, marked ‘Item 11’, is filed with these minutes.

The Cabinet noted comments from the Liberal Democrat Group, a copy of which is filed with these minutes.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the emerging outcomes of the recent study work, with particular reference to the key findings and recommendations outlined in paragraphs 31 to 45 of the report be noted;

b)    That a consultation exercise to commence later in 2016 on the draft Market Harborough Transport strategy identified within the Transport Study be approved;

c)    That a further report be submitted to the Cabinet in the new year detailing the outcome of the consultation and engagement exercise, and identifying how the refinement and implementation of the Transport Strategy will be progressed.

(KEY DECISION)

REASON FOR DECISION:

It is intended that the transport strategy will not only assist with the implementation of Harborough District Council’s new Local Plan, but it will also ensure that the County Council continues to deliver an efficient transport network and develop well planned infrastructure to support economic and population growth ambitions in the town.

Government funding for transport projects remains heavily focused on the delivery of economic growth. Government money for local schemes is generally now being awarded via Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), which have to demonstrate how investments will support economic growth.

The strategy will provide a strong evidence base, bringing together existing known and future anticipated transport issues and the enhanced context and justification required to exploit future funding and delivery opportunities. The strategy will be used to inform future bid opportunities, such as the Single Local Growth Fund (SLGF), and will also provide a basis for securing developer contributions.