Issue - meetings

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

This report provides an update on the progress of developing the A34 MRN Corridor Improvement Scheme including the consultation process, development of the schemes and development of the outline business case.  This report will recommend that approval to submit the outline business case and subsequent final business case and requests the necessary approvals for the implementation of this plan will be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration.

The Cabinet is recommended to give approval to the package of recommendations detailed in Section 7 of the report.

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

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the progress of developing the A34 MRN Corridor Improvement Scheme including the consultation process, development of the schemes and development of the outline business case. 

RESOLVED – That with regard to the A34 Major Road Network Corridor Improvement Scheme, the Cabinet has:-

(1) Noted the findings of the consultation and agree to the further  development of the schemes as recommended in the report.

(2) Approved the approach to the development and submission of the outline business case and subsequent full business case.

(3) Delegated to the Section 151 Officer, the Corporate Director Place in consultation with Cabinet Member (Economy & Regeneration), the authority to approve the Outline Business Case and the full business  case

(4) Agreed that if funding is secured from the DfT to progress to the next stage of development that:-

(i)            Agreement be given to authorise officers to enter into negotiations with affected landowners to secure the necessary land by agreement.

(ii)          Authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration to enter into agreement with the landowners for temporary access rights and purchase the land necessary to construct the scheme.

(iii)         Agreement in principle be given to the use of CPO powers, if necessary, to acquire land and property and existing rights and interests in the proposed order land, where acquisition by agreement is not possible;

(iv)         Agreement be given to authorise officers to take all necessary steps to commence the process for the making, confirmation and implementation of a CPO, including securing the appointment of suitable external  advisors and preparing all necessary CPO documentation;

(v)          It be noted that a further report will be presented to the Cabinet to approve the making of any CPO and to confirm the extent of the order land to  be acquired following the finalisation of the necessary preparatory work.

(vi)         Approval be given for officers to develop and consult on the Traffic Regulation  Orders to support the schemes and their construction.

(vii)        Approval be given for officers develop and submit the necessary planning applications.

(viii)      Approval be given to the delegation of all matters relating to the DfT grant offer and its terms, and any implications for the Scheme and the agreement with DfT to the Corporate Director Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member Economy and Regeneration 

(ix)         Authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member (Economy & Regeneration) to approve the final schemes and their construction programme following  approval of the final business cases.

(x)               Approval be given for the Council underwriting the local contribution and if required, makes up the shortfall in funding.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive

The report provides an update on the progress of developing the A34 Major Road Network Corridor Improvement Scheme including the consultation process, development of the schemes and development of the outline business case.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to note the content and comment on the report and recommendations as appropriate.

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

A representative of the Corporate Director (Place) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the progress of developing the A34 Major Road Network Corridor Improvement Scheme including the consultation process, development of the schemes and development of the outline business case.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor David Meller) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Concern was raised about the problems caused by the size and capacity of the roundabouts at Eden Point, Cheadle and Stanley Green, Cheadle Hulme which would be exacerbated by the residential development which was taking place in nearby areas in Cheshire East Council.

·         Concern was expressed that certain elements of the proposals could have a consequential impact on traffic flows leading to further congestion and safety issues at the Eden Point and Stanley Green roundabouts.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.