Issue - meetings

That Cabinet note the report and agrees:

a)       to adopt the feasibility report as at Appendix A as a key component of our evidence base to support future funding applications; provide strength to our S106 pipeline of projects; enhance policy development, and heighten the role of Newark and Sherwood District Council and its ongoing commitment to the active travel agenda; and

b)       to endorse ongoing partnership work with Nottinghamshire County Council, Active Travel England and relevant partners to support early exploratory work through future feasibility studies within the recommended priority areas where funding for these has been secured.

The Business Manager - Regeneration & Housing Strategy presented a report which gave an update on the progress made with the active travel feasibility report and sought approval to adopt the report as a formal component within the Council’s evidence base.

The purpose of the feasibility report was to strengthen the Council’s evidence base to support future regeneration activities, policy development and the agenda of long-term development plans. The report identified opportunities to improve the district’s infrastructure to enable communities to walk, wheel and cycle more often.

AGREED (unanimously) that Cabinet note the report and agrees:

a)       to adopt the feasibility report as at Appendix A as a key component of our evidence base to support future funding applications; provide strength to our S106 pipeline of projects; enhance policy development, and heighten the role of Newark and Sherwood District Council and its ongoing commitment to the active travel agenda; and

b)       to endorse ongoing partnership work with Nottinghamshire County Council, Active Travel England and relevant partners to support early exploratory work through future feasibility studies within the recommended priority areas where funding for these has been secured.

Reasons for Decision:

Adopting the feasibility study will allow Newark and Sherwood District Council and partners to make informed decisions on shaping and enhancing the district through physical infrastructure improvements. This improved connectivity will not only enable communities to move more through walking, wheeling and cycling opportunities, in line with the Council’s Community Plan, but it will also support and improve the physical and mental wellbeing of our communities, and contribute towards the reduction in vehicular congestion and emissions across the district.

Options Considered:

That the feasibility report is not formally adopted by Members. This approach has been dismissed due to the strength the feasibility report provides for future work on the priority areas (in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council as Highway Authority), and the strengthened position of the Council should future funding opportunities present themselves through the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and newly appointed Mayor, by having a broad concept of projects at the ready for further feasibility work.