Minute No. 318 (Cabinet Book 2, Agenda Item No. 9 refers)

Referred direct by Cabinet

The Committee considered Minute 318 of Cabinet held on 29^th September 2022, which had been referred direct by Cabinet for scrutiny, together with the report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) presenting the Transport East Transport Strategy.

Resolved:-

That the matter be referred back for reconsideration and that Cabinet be recommended that the need for a new major east-west corridor from Shoeburyness be Included in the strategy.

Note: This is an Executive function

Cabinet Member: Councillor Wakefield

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) presenting the Transport East Transport Strategy.

Resolved:

That the Transport East Transport Strategy, set out at Appendix 1 to the Submitted report, be endorsed.

Reasons for decision:

1. To endorse the Strategy, not adopt it.  The Strategy fully aligns and supports our current Local Transport Plan 3, will inform and support the emerging Local Plan and Local Transport Plan 4.  The Strategy supports Southend’s 2050 ambitions, Southend’s Green City Action Plan, our Net Zero ambitions and levelling up agenda through improved access to jobs, skills, training and services. 

2. The Strategy supports the work of Opportunity South Essex and the Association of South Essex Local Authorities vision to deliver a decarbonised, integrated public transport system.  Rebalance modal priorities in favour of active and sustainable modes and reducing carbon emissions with the aim for South Essex to become carbon neutral ahead of national targets.

3. Department for Transport tasked Transport East to develop a Transport Strategy to set a single voice for the future strategic transport investment in the East Region.  Endorsing the Strategy will strengthen Southend’s and the Region’s strategic case to government in future bids for funding.

Other Options

None.  If the Council does not endorse the Strategy it could undermine the strategy (and the one voice of the region) and may make it even more difficult for Southend, and possibly the whole of the region, to attract DfT funding.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Wakefield

Report of Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment)