Issue - meetings

By way of a report by the Head of Planning Services to consider the draft Cambridgeshire Travel Plan Guidance.

Endorsed the content of Cambridgeshire Residential Travel Plan (RTP) Guidance as a basis of public consultation.

By way of a report by the Head of Planning Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), the Cabinet was invited to consider the content of draft Cambridgeshire Residential Travel Plan (RTP) Guidance, together with a consultation plan, which had been developed by the County Council in discussion with the City and District Councils in Cambridgeshire.

Members were advised that the document was intended to clarify the process for RTPs which would require developers to introduce a package of measures that promote sustainable travel within new residential developments by encouraging the use of more sustainable travel options such as walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing and thus assist in improving health and community well-being. It was explained that all developments which could potentially generate significant amounts of movement would have to be accompanied by a RTP.

Having endorsed the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) on the matter, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

that the draft Cambridgeshire Residential Travel Plan Guidance be endorsed as a basis for public consultation.

To consider a report by the Planning Services Manager (Policy) on the draft Cambridgeshire Residential Travel Plan Guidance.

With the aid of a report by the Head of Planning Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Panel gave consideration to the draft Cambridgeshire Residential Travel Plan Guidance. The Guidance contained a package of measures designed to increase sustainable travel within new residential developments by promoting walking, cycling, public transport, car sharing and car clubs. This in turn would help to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.

Members noted that the Guidance had been developed by the County Council in discussion with the City and District planning authorities. In the past, national and regional guidance and policies had not required local planning authorities to request Residential Travel Plans (RTPs). However, the draft National Planning Policy Framework, on which the Government was currently consulting, made clear that travel plans were a key tool in facilitating the use of sustainable modes of travel. It was explained that planning applications for all developments which generated significant amounts of movement, as determined by local criteria, would have to be accompanied by a travel plan.

Members were advised that the timetable for the development of the Guidance included a six week public consultation period. It would then be presented for adoption by all Cambridgeshire local authorities as supplementary planning guidance. This would make the County Council’s current policy position more robust.

In answer to questions from the Panel, the Head of Planning stated that, on the basis of specialist advice, it was proposed that in Huntingdonshire the threshold above which a travel plan would be required should be set at 80 dwellings. It would be expensive for developers to compile and implement a travel plan and this figure allowed them sufficient scope to find for economies of scale. It was argued that the new requirements would be too costly for smaller developments.

Councillor M G Baker commented on the apparent inconsistency demonstrated by the County Council in introducing the requirement for developers to produce RTPs when it was reducing its support for public transport. Having endorsed a suggestion by Councillor G J Harlock that social housing groups should be consulted on the Guidance, it was

RESOLVED

that the Cabinet be recommended to approve the draft Residential Travel Plan as a basis for public consultation.

At 7.20pm Councillor P Godley joined the meeting and Councillor C R Hyams left the meeting.