Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the notes of the previous meeting held on 3 November

The notes of the meeting held on 3 November 2021 were received by the Group

The Group reviewed the draft report, compiled and circulated by Cllr Croker, as a framework for the review.

The Group considered the original Terms of Reference, Scope and Objectives to which they have been working.  Key discussion points were:

-           The draft Policy 41, initially included in the draft Local Plan.  This has been redrafted and, at a meeting with the Planning Policy Team Leader, it was advised that the sections relating to Gear Change should be omitted.  The points underlying this advice are recognised but there was a difference of opinion, with some willingness to accept the advice given, but also some concern that specific reference to Gear Change would strengthen the commitment to alternative travel options. 

-           Some doubt was expressed about whether Policy 41 would deliver the desired objectives but, majority agreement that the revisions as drafted should be adopted.    

-           The LCWIP (Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.  There was also a division of opinion on whether this was a necessary and accepted part of the Planning Policy process, or a necessary additional element.  It was recognised that LCWIP considerations could not be applied in all developmental proposals but that it should be a specific element where appropriate.  The overall goal is to reduce unnecessary or inappropriate travel by other means.

-           Noted that LCWIP has already been adopted as a recognised element within the active Planning process, whereas Gearchange has not.  Consequently, Governmental Planning Inspectors’ viewpoint may be more closely aligned to the LCWIP requirements than those reflected in Gear Change, which is a consideration for local adoption.

-           Discussion undertaken with West Sussex County Council was seen as useful, and enables local Members to comment on proposals more clearly as part of the decision making process.  There was a view however that greater local flexibility would be a welcome addition and that the Group’s report should reflect that further review and recommendations would be desirable.

-           There was an agreed objective to review Sustainable Transport Polices from other authorities, notably Waltham Forest for benchmarking and comparison.  It was recognised that this had not been completed to date, though a visit to Waltham Forest was not generally felt to be appropriate or essential in hindsight.  Agreed that further investigation into this might be appropriate to assess the extent to which Policy 41 and other drivers are being adopted, and how effectively this is being applied.

-           No direct approach to Cycling UK had been made on behalf of the Group specifically but individual members’ involvement had been reflected in the evidence taken into consideration.

-           It was agreed that the Chair would revise the draft report in the light of comments received and recirculate after the Christmas break for final responses.

-           It was agreed that one final meeting of the Group would be convened to fine tune and finalise the revised draft for presentation to Overview & Scrutiny and thence to Council for approval.

-           Democratic Services to canvass for dates in early January for a final Task & Finish Group meeting to sign of the final report.

-           Given the timelines, the next likely Overview & Scrutiny Committee that could accept a final report would be 21 March 2022.