Agenda item

The Transport Policy Planner and the Head of Policy and Communities were present for this item.  The Transport Policy Officer reported that as of 5.00pm yesterday 21 representations had been received and all except 1 were objections.  The objections were from members of the public and from organisations including British Mountaineering Council, Council for National Parks, Friends of the Earth, Friends of the Peak District, North West Round Table and Open Spaces Society.

Officers reported an amendment on page 63 of the report in the third paragraph under the heading ‘Chapter 5 – Air Quality’.  The increase in traffic equated to an additional 1,200 vehicles per day not per year as stated.  Officers also reported that they would amend the third paragraph on page 67 to make this clearer and also amend page 68 regarding trails.

It was noted that officers, including the Director of Conservation and Planning and the Chief Executive, had been involved in discussions and working with Transport for the North to ensure National Park issues were considered.

The following spoke under the public participation at meetings scheme:

·         Anne Robinson, CPRE and Friends of the Peak District, in support of the recommendation and in objection to the Highways England proposal at Mottram.

Members had a number of concerns including the cost benefit analysis, increased traffic numbers and impacts and regard for National Park purposes. Members also felt that the Authority’s response needed to be tougher.

It was noted that Mrs Penny Anderson had a number of comments to make on the response and that she would pass these on to officers.

It was agreed to amend recommendations 2 and 3 to include delegation to the Director of Conservation and Planning to agree final changes to the Authority’s response in consultation with the Chair and Deputy Chair.

RESOLVED:

1.    To note the report and the likely continuation of pressure for major improvements to Trans Pennine road and rail routes across the National Park.

2.    To agree the response to the Trans Pennine Upgrade Statutory Public Consultation and delegate authority to the Director of Conservation and Planning to finalise changes to the Authority’s response in consultation with the Chair and Deputy Chair.

3.    To agree the response to the Transport for the North’s Strategic Transport Plan Public Consultation and delegate authority to the Director of Conservation and Planning to finalise changes to the Authority’s response in consultation with the Chair and Deputy Chair.