Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability)

The A6 Corridor Study considers the impact on the A6 of potential traffic generated by proposed housing developments in Derbyshire and Cheshire East and recommends an action plan to encourage more sustainable forms of transport along the corridor. The report provides information on the context of the study and an overview of its outcomes.  The outcome of the consultation on the draft study is enclosed and the final strategy is recommended for approval.

The Executive is requested to approve the recommended strategy for the A6 Corridor and request that officers work with officers from the Cheshire East, Derbyshire and High Peak Councils and Transport for Greater Manchester to develop an action plan to implement the strategy and seek opportunities to deliver elements of the strategy.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161-474-4351, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider the findings of the A6 Corridor Study that sought to address the potential traffic and congestion generated by housing developments in Derbyshire and East Cheshire. The Study suggested a number of possible measures to mitigate the impact of the traffic increase and to encourage a modal shift away from cars to more sustainable forms of travel.

RESOLVED – That

·         the A6 Corridor Study be noted and the Strategy for the A6 Corridor be approved;

·         officers be requested to work with Cheshire East, Derbyshire and High Peak Councils and Transport for Greater Manchester to develop an action plan to implement the Strategy and to seek opportunities to deliver elements of the Strategy.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

The A6 Corridor Study considers the impact on the A6 of potential traffic generated by proposed housing developments in Derbyshire and Cheshire East and recommends an action plan to encourage more sustainable forms of transport along the corridor. The report provides information on the context of the study and an overview of its outcomes and requests comments on the attached Final Draft Summary Report.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to comment on the A6 Corridor Study Final Draft Summary Report in Appendix 1.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) regarding the impact on the A6 of potential traffic generated by proposed housing developments in Derbyshire and Cheshire East and recommending an action plan to encourage more sustainable forms of transport along the corridor. The report provided information on the context of the study and an overview of its outcomes, and requested comments on the Final Draft Summary Report.

The Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration (Councillor Iain Roberts) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The report had previously being considered by the Marple and Stepping Hill Area Committees and their comments were included in the report.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         It was intended that these measures would take place before the completion of the SEMMMS A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road.

·         The proposed measures formed part of a Local Transport Plan to ease traffic congestion on the A6.

·         Concern was expressed about the proposed re-routing of the 199 bus service.

·         A Member supported the proposed improvements to bus services (via the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road) and the proposed increase in the rail service frequency between Manchester and New Mills Newtown railway stations and Manchester and Buxton railway stations.

The proposed improvements to the parking provision at Disley and Buxton railway stations were also supported.

·         A Member expressed concern that the proposals indicated a lack of choice for motorists as they would be forced not to use their cars as there would not be enough capacity on the A6 and he expressed concern about the cost for people of using public transport.

·         The potential traffic problems which may be caused by having a bus-based park and ride service in the vicinity of the Rising Sun public house on the A6 in Hazel Grove were highlighted.

·         A Member expressed concern regarding the potential increase in traffic on the A6 in High Lane at peak periods after the completion of the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road and he requested that this be examined further.

RESOLVED – That the Executive Councillor (Economic Development and Regeneration) be advised of the Scrutiny Committee’s comments on the A6 Corridor Study Final Draft Summary Report.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration.

The report provides information on the context of the study and an overview

of its outcomes and requests comments on the attached Final Draft

Summary Report.

The Area Committee are requested to consider and comment on the

report.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on Tel: 474 4351 or email:

sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to comment on the draft A6 corridor summary report.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Councillors expressed concern at the impact that some of the proposals would have on traffic movements in High Lane and in particular at the junction of the Rising Sun public House.

·         It was agreed that an aspiration for a more regular bus service to High Lane from Stockport should be incorporated as part of the measures.

·         The impact of future house building schemes in Poynton on increased traffic generation

·         The time frames detailed in the report were unrealistic.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The A6 Corridor Study considers the impact on the A6 of potential traffic generated by proposed housing developments in Derbyshire and Cheshire East and recommends an action plan to encourage more sustainable forms of transport along the corridor. The report provides information on the context of the study and an overview of its outcomes and requests comments on the attached Final Draft Summary Report.

The Area Committee is requested to comment on the A6 Corridor Study Final Draft Summary Report in Appendix 1.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161 474 4351, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a summary of the A6 Corridor Study and inviting the Area Committee’s comments. The Study assessed the likely impact on the A6 of potential additional traffic generated by housing developments in Derbyshire and Cheshire East and recommended a number of measures to encourage more sustainable transport along the corridor.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·        The possible extension of Hazel Grove Rail Station car park would, in the short term, impact on available spaces and so further consideration would need to be given to providing spaces for the displaced cars.

·        Concerns were expressed about the suggestion of re-routing the 199 Bus Service as this provided a much needed route into Stockport from High Lane and beyond, as well as from Stockport to the Airport.

·        Implementing a range of improvements on the local rail network, particularly for trains coming into Greater Manchester, would be beneficial but would take time to come to fruition. A Train and Tram Strategy was currently being developed for Greater Manchester.

·        Concern was expressed that the projected impact on the A6 in Stockport was in the main as a consequence of decisions taken or to be taken by other local authorities with inadequate consultation with Stockport Council.

·        Concerns were expressed about any suggestion of removing lanes from the A6 or for the further use of Poynton Town Centre style traffic management schemes. It was also suggested that the signalised junction at Windlehurst Lane should be reconsidered.

·        A significant improvement on traffic generation would be achieved by the completion of both stretches of the A6 bypass.

·        Concerns were expressed about the appropriateness of encouraging traffic onto Jackson’s Lane.

RESOLVED – That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be informed of this Area Committee’s concerns with many of the premises, assumptions and recommendations contained in the A6 Corridor Study.