Agenda item

(Member lead: Cllr K Groves, Director: Alan Reiss)

Resolved:

(a)       That the ongoing development of the Inclusive Growth Corridor Programme which will help to shape the future connectivity pipeline across all modes of transport serving the Leeds City Region as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report be noted.

(b)       That the commencement of a conversation with the public and stakeholders around the new 21^st century connectivity and services technologies required to address the economic and transport challenges facing West Yorkshire, to complement future strategic infrastructure including HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) be endorsed.

(c)        That the establishment of a member working group to oversee the development of Connectivity Strategy and Mass Transit be endorsed.

(d)       That the Transport Committee continue to oversee the Connectivity Strategy, including the role of Mass Transit, with further updates brought to the Combined Authority throughout 2019.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Policy, Strategy and Communications on Planning for Growth: The Leeds City Region Connectivity Strategy which:

·         Provided an update on the ongoing development of the Inclusive Growth Corridor Programme which will help shape the future connectivity pipeline across all modes of transport serving the Leeds City Region.

·         Sought endorsement for the commencement of a conversation with the public and stakeholders around the new 21^st century connectivity and services technologies required to address the economic and transport challenges facing West Yorkshire, to complement future strategic infrastructure including HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).

·         Sought endorsement for establishing a member working group to oversee the development of the emerging City Region Transit Network.

·         Sought the Combined Authority’s continued endorsement for the oversight of the Connectivity Strategy, including role of Mass Transit, to be delegated to the Transport Committee.

The report provided an update on the development of the Leeds City Region Connectivity Strategy.  A copy of a report, which had been considered by the Transport Committee at its meeting held on 9 November 2018, was attached at Appendix 1.

It was noted that no commitment was being made at this stage to develop a mass transit system, and more work would need to be undertaken around demand and a business case analysis.  It was proposed to open a conversation with the public and stakeholders on solutions to future capacity requirements and delivering inclusive growth.  The proposals were welcomed but discussion highlighted that there was no reference to Calderdale and parts of Kirklees in the maps provided and it was noted that work was underway to address this.  It was stressed that the new transport routes must be evidence based and provide benefits to the whole region and also that current connectivity should be taken into account. 

It was reported that the HS2 Environmental Impact Report had been published and a copy of the Combined Authority’s response to the consultation would be circulated to Members prior to its submission.  A report would be brought to the next meeting.

It was agreed that the Transport Committee continue to oversee the development of the Connectivity Strategy and that a member working group be established.  Progress reports would be brought to future meetings.

Resolved:

(a)       That the ongoing development of the Inclusive Growth Corridor Programme which will help to shape the future connectivity pipeline across all modes of transport serving the Leeds City Region as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report be noted.

(b)       That the commencement of a conversation with the public and stakeholders around the new 21^st century connectivity and services technologies required to address the economic and transport challenges facing West Yorkshire, to complement future strategic infrastructure including HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) be endorsed.

(c)        That the establishment of a member working group to oversee the development of Connectivity Strategy and Mass Transit be endorsed.

(d)       That the Transport Committee continue to oversee the Connectivity Strategy, including the role of Mass Transit, with further updates brought to the Combined Authority throughout 2019.