Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Environment and Transport regarding work undertaken on the development of a programme of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) and the outcome of the public engagement exercise on the first two LCWIPs in the programme, for the Loughborough area and the South of Leicester area.  A copy of the report, marked ‘Agenda Item 10’, is filed with these minutes.

The Cabinet noted comments from Mr. Max Hunt CC (Loughborough North West division), a copy of which is filed with these minutes. 

Referring to Mr. Hunt’s comments, the Director explained that the Government required local authorities to focus the LCWIPs on areas which would benefit the greatest number of people.  The approach to speed reduction was referenced in both LCWIPs.

Members agreed with Mr. O. O’Shea CC that more government funding was required in order to implement LCWIPs and noted the health benefits of such projects.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the work undertaken on the development of a programme of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) be noted;

b)    That the outcome of the public engagement on the LCWIPs for the Loughborough area and South of Leicester area be noted;

c)    That the draft LCWIPs for the Loughborough area and South of Leicester area, attached to the report as Appendices C and E, be approved;

d)    That the Director of Environment and Transport, following consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member, be authorised to update the two LCWIPs at c) above, including networks, schemes and their prioritisation, as a result of evidence arising from the delivery of the LCWIPs, new housing and employment development growth, and consideration of future Medium Term Financial Strategies.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

To highlight the challenging financial context in which LCWIPs are being developed and, subject to funding, will be delivered in support of the Council’s Cycling and Walking Strategy (CaWS) and the Government Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy vision.

To highlight the Government’s expectation for local authorities to have evidence-based LCWIPs in place, developed in accordance with Government guidance and with local engagement and support, in order to be able to access future Government capital delivery funding.

To enable agreed plans to be in place for the County’s most urban areas to guide future growth and investment in active travel infrastructure from all sources, including the Government, land developers, district councils and neighbouring authorities.

To enable the delivery of evidence based active travel schemes and supporting behavioural change initiatives using a collaborative approach for the benefit of local communities.