Agenda item - Local Transport Plan - Future Priorities

Report of the Acting Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

1)           That the Committee agrees that the following new Transport workstreams are prioritised to be developed and delivered as part of the council’s Local Transport Plan capital programme between 2015/16 and 2018/19 in order to support the delivery of the city’s and council’s wider goals and objectives as set out in paragraphs 3.6 to 3.17 of the report:-

1)   Policy development and strategies – a Transport Carbon Reduction Plan; and an Interchange Strategy (including provision for coaches, and their drivers and passengers);

2)  Projects – ‘Gateway to the Sea’ and Church Road, Hove; and Seafront Structures adjacent to the Waterfront Central development site; and 

3) Programmes of investment – Local Shopping Centre: Boundary/Station Road, Portslade

2)        That the Committee agrees that the issues set out at paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5 and Appendix 1 of the report associated with Technology & Travel Information; Freight & Deliveries; and a Route/Corridor Hierarchy should be considered as part of the development of the Citywide ‘Traffic’ Network Management Strategy.

45.1      The Committee considered a report of the Acting Executive Director, Environment, Development & Housing that outlined and recommended workstreams and projects for progression under the council’s fourth Local Transport Plan (LTP4)

45.2      Councillor West stated that he was pleased to see the outcomes of the LTP were driven by reducing carbon output. However, he had particular concern for Preston Circus as a significant transport corridor and that it should be prioritised to link in with the ongoing regeneration of London Road and the forthcoming Valley Gardens scheme. Councillor West stated that he was aware improvement works at Preston Circus could be linked to the New England House development but there was no clear certainty on that matter. Councillor West supplemented that he was curious as to why Church Road had been listed as a priority as he was not convinced as to its comparative need for improvement.

45.3      Councillor Theobald noted that almost every committee meeting received a request from members of the public for a pedestrian crossing so priority should perhaps be given to more investment in that area.

45.4      The Head of Transport Policy & Strategy noted that investment in pedestrian crossings would be met under the continuation of existing programmes as referenced at paragraph 1.3 of the report. In addition, the council’s capital programme gave further opportunity to request that a certain level of investment be made in this area. In reference to Preston Circus, the Head of Transport Policy & Strategy referred to paragraph 3.7 that identified expected progression through additional sources of funding including amongst others, the Local Growth Fund. In relation to Church Road, the Head of Transport Policy & Strategy referred to paragraphs 3.17 and 3.18 that highlighted deficiencies in accessibility and mobility in the area and the related need for investment.

45.5      Councillor Nemeth enquired as to the process of prioritisation for the projects presented in the report.

45.6      The Chair explained that the recommendations related to previous discussions at this committee and the Transport Partnership and there was a broad theme that investment be targeted toward neighbourhood areas, away from the city centre. Following identification, a matrix was compiled that assesses and ranked each location in terms of need to prioritise use of what was a limited and finite budget.

45.7      Councillor Janio moved a motion to amend recommendation 2.1 as shown in bold italics below:

2.1  That the Committee agrees that the following new Transport workstreams are prioritised to be developed and delivered as part of the council’s Local Transport Plan capital programme between 2015/16 and 2018/19 in order to support the delivery of the city’s and council’s wider goals and objectives as set out in paragraphs 3.6 to 3.17 of the report:-

1)     Policy development and strategies – a Transport Carbon Reduction Plan; and an Interchange Strategy (including provision for coaches, and their drivers and passengers);

2)     Projects – ‘Gateway to the Sea’ and Church Road, Hove; and Seafront Structures adjacent to the Waterfront Central development site; and 

3)     Programmes of investment – Local Shopping Centre: Boundary/Station Road, Portslade and The Grenadier, Hangleton

45.8      Introducing the amendment, Councillor Janio noted that he had brought a petition and Letter to the Committee on The Grenadier in Hangleton. Although some improvements had been made, the area was still in decline and although it was referenced in the report, it had not been prioritised.

45.9      Councillor Theobald formally seconded the motion.

45.10   The Chair asked officers if the request was feasible in terms of expenditure alongside the other proposals recommended to proceed.

45.11   The Head of Transport Strategy & Policy stated that the recommendations proposed had been made in view of the resources available and current commitments and to put forward additional projects would require a review of resources.

45.12   Councillor Robins stated that he welcomed the proposed improvements to Boundary Road/Station Road, Portslade and requested assurance that the local community would be engaged in what was necessary and needed.

45.13   Councillor Miller stated that he agreed with the strategic focus required referenced in the report and was encouraged that an investigation into a Park & Ride location was continuing. Councillor Miller suggested that any extension of the bus lane from Roedean to Greenways was not currently necessary and the expenditure should be diverted to other matters. Referencing page 143, Councillor Miller explained that the Co-op store not Tesco store caused more difficulties to traffic in the area.

45.14   Councillor Atkinson stated that he very much supported the focus on improvements to local shopping centres. Councillor Atkinson stated that whilst he had sympathy for the amendment put forward, he would not be supporting the motion as he felt Boundary Road/Station Road was in more urgent need of improvement. Boundary Road/Station Road had a very high number of collisions and amongst the lowest standards of air quality in the city.

45.15   Councillor Moonan praised the standard of report and its thorough technical detail. Councillor Moonan stated that Church Road was a major gateway across Hove and led to several local shopping areas including George Street and Blatchington Road.

45.16   The Chair stated that she had consulted with officers and had been advised that it would be possible to undertake a scoping exercise on potential improvements to The Grenadier local shopping centre in Hangleton.

45.17   Councillor Janio stated that on the basis of that assurance and commitment, he would withdraw his amendment.

45.18   RESOLVED-

1)           That the Committee agrees that the following new Transport workstreams are prioritised to be developed and delivered as part of the council’s Local Transport Plan capital programme between 2015/16 and 2018/19 in order to support the delivery of the city’s and council’s wider goals and objectives as set out in paragraphs 3.6 to 3.17 of the report:-

1)   Policy development and strategies – a Transport Carbon Reduction Plan; and an Interchange Strategy (including provision for coaches, and their drivers and passengers);

2)  Projects – ‘Gateway to the Sea’ and Church Road, Hove; and Seafront Structures adjacent to the Waterfront Central development site; and 

3) Programmes of investment – Local Shopping Centre: Boundary/Station Road, Portslade

2)       That the Committee agrees that the issues set out at paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5 and Appendix 1 of the report associated with Technology & Travel Information; Freight & Deliveries; and a Route/Corridor Hierarchy should be considered as part of the development of the Citywide ‘Traffic’ Network Management Strategy.