Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration.

Following approval from Cabinet on the 15th August, a public consultation has been undertaken on the Stockport Transport Issues and Options paper as part of the first stage of refreshing SEMMM Strategy.

This report provides an update on the overall themes emerging from feedback received during the consultation and identifies the proposed priorities for Stockport to be considered during the next stage of the SEMMM Strategy refresh.

Cabinet is recommended to comment on and endorse the priorities identified and note the next steps for delivery of the draft SEMMM Strategy.

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider the outcome of the consultation undertaken on the refresh of the South East Manchester Multi-Modal Strategy (SEMMMS), and to consider the emerging themes and priorities.

The Cabinet Member emphasised the changes to the transport context since the publication of the original SEMMM Strategy in 2001, and that the Strategy covered the whole of the south east quadrant of Greater Manchester, not simply Stockport.

Cabinet Members highlighted the clear message to emerge from the consultation of the need for a modal shift to more sustainable forms of transport to combat congestion, and the clear support for improvements to public transport, including to the airport, and the expansion of Metrolink to Stockport and Marple in particular. Cabinet Members also discussed the transport needs of an ageing population and the need to ensure the transport infrastructure was able to cope with this demand, not least to prevent social isolation.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the SEMMMS Refresh:-

·         the consultation response be noted;

·         the next steps for the delivery of the Strategy be noted; and

·         the priorities identified in the report be endorsed.

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

Following approval from the Cabinet on 15 August 2017, public consultation had been undertaken on the Stockport Transport Issues and Options paper as part of the first stage of refreshing the SEMMM Strategy.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

·         note the views and comments received during the consultation period on the Stockport Transport Issues and Options paper as the first stage in the SEMMM Strategy Refresh process.

·         comment on and support the strategic and delivery priorities for Stockport identified in paragraphs 2.2 and 2.3 of the report.

·         note the next steps and timescales for the delivery of the SEMMM Strategy.

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

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the results of the public consultation which had been undertaken on the Stockport Transport Issues and Options paper as part of the first stage of refreshing the SEMMM Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to present the report and to respond to Members’ questions.

The report would be considered by the Cabinet at its meeting to be held on 14 November 2017.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• There was overall support for the identified priorities and multi-modal approach, but concern that the strategy included consideration of local, smaller scale schemes as well as major schemes.
• There was concern at the level of feedback received through the consultation despite the wide promotion of the events and consultation process.
• There was a suggestion that the strategy needed to consider more about the impacts of technology (including taxi sharing apps/point to point services etc) and should be reviewed regularly to take account of technological advances.
• There was a comment that work needed to continue with partners to address current transport issues in the Borough as well as future opportunities, including the quality of existing services.
• There needed to be an assessment of previous SEMMMS schemes.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.