Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2022 were agreed as correct record.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests which they had in any of the agenda items for this meeting.

No interests were declared.

To consider a report of the Head of Highways and Transportation.

The reports provide a timeline to the different Metrolink proposals for the borough of Stockport, by drawing upon a number of strategies and plans as per the report.

The Scrutiny Review Panel is requested to consider and note the report.

Contact officer: Sue Stevenson 0161 474 4351 | sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk  

A representative of the Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the various historic Metrolink proposals for the borough of Stockport.

The Director of Development and Regeneration (Paul Richards) and Head of Highways and Transportation (Sue Stevenson) attended the meeting to respond to member questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         It was reported that Stockport railway station had capacity issues, and that it was expected that a Metrolink/ tram train scheme would alleviate these issues.

·         Funding had been the significant challenge in the progression of a Metrolink/ tram train scheme for Stockport since the very first proposals put forward in 2001.

·         It was noted that other extensions to Metrolink elsewhere in Greater Manchester (GM) had been enabled owing to the use of existing railway lines.

·         Stockport Council were continuing to work with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) in terms of what schemes and funding could be brought forward for Stockport.

·         It was noted that a system operating on electricity would have some operational cost impact.

·         The advantages and disadvantages to raised and ground level platforms were discussed. Raised platforms enabled people to wait in a safe place, however, the platforms were not as accessible as ground level platforms.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Head of Highways and Transportation.

The report provides an overview on Stockport Council’s key policies and programmes that Metrolink/ tram train would support in the borough, with reference to a number of Stockport strategies and plans as per the report.

The Scrutiny Review Panel is requested to consider and note the report and progress to date.

Contact officer: Sue Stevenson 0161 474 4351 | sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing Stockport Council’s key policies and programmes that Metrolink/ tram train would support in the Borough.

The Director of Development and Regeneration (Paul Richards) and Head of Highways and Transportation (Sue Stevenson) attended the meeting to respond to member questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Metrolink/ tram train had been an aspiration for Stockport for many years.

·         It was confirmed that any potential scheme would need to be factored into work in relation to a Local Plan for Stockport.

·         The council had tried to save old railway lines/ disused routes to protect corridors for the future.

·         It was suggested that the council work with the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) in supporting the delivery of a potential scheme.

·         A connection to Manchester Airport and Media City would greatly benefit Stockport’s residents.

·         It was noted that use of Metrolink elsewhere in GM had recovered on evenings and weekends and was gaining momentum in terms of its use post covid-19 pandemic. It was felt that Stockport’s evening and weekend offer supported the case for Metrolink/ tram train in the borough.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Head of Highways and Transportation.

The report provides an update to members regarding the investigation and review of the impact and benefits of Metrolink and similar rapid transit schemes in other areas of Greater Manchester and the country.

The Scrutiny Review Panel is requested to consider and note the report and progress to date.

Contact officer: Sue Stevenson 0161 474 4351 | sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Director of Development and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the impact and benefits of Metrolink and similar rapid transit schemes in other areas of Greater Manchester and the country.

The Director of Development and Regeneration (Paul Richards) and Head of Highways and Transportation (Sue Stevenson) attended the meeting to respond to member questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Members felt that the upcoming meeting with TfGM representatives would enable members to gain a better understanding of the impact and benefits of Metrolink.

·         Members were particularly interested in the benefits of using renewable sources of energy in operating a tram train system and the impact of, for example, the cost of living crisis, on the system. Further, members were keen to see how areas had changed since Metrolink had been extended to those areas of GM (including town and other local centres).

·         The importance of being connected to the rest of GM was stressed.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.