Issue - meetings

Cabinet:

a)    Endorsed the approach set out in this report and gave delegated authority to the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport and Lead Cabinet Member for Transformation and Projects  to review and amend the response contained within the Local Impact Report, Written representations and Statement of Common Ground in response to further information that may be forthcoming from the scheme promoters.

b)    Requested the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Transport, regarding the consultation process to date and the current engagement on the project.

This decision was first published on Tuesday 3 August and so the deadline for call-in is Tuesday 10 August at 5pm.

Cabinet:

a)    Endorsed the approach set out in this report and gave delegated authority to the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport and Lead Cabinet Member for Transformation and Projects  to review and amend the response contained within the Local Impact Report, Written representations and Statement of Common Ground in response to further information that may be forthcoming from the scheme promoters.

b)    Requested the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Transport, regarding the consultation process to date and the current engagement on the project.

Cabinet received the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet Widening consultation response. Councillor Neil Gough, Deputy Leader, introduced the report.

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Lead Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Delivery, welcomed the project, but was disappointed with the lack of communication with Highways England.

Councillor John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member for Finance, commented that Highways England had ignored the Council’s policy for being ‘Green to our Core’.

Councillor Brian Milnes, Lead Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Licencing, noted further stakeholder meetings would be taking place, but the current consultation process was ignoring current Government guidance.

Councillor Heather Williams was supportive of the overall project but urged the Council to provide a robust response to the proposals and ensure the full project would meet the needs of residents.

The Deputy Leader proposed an amendment to recommendations, for the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State regarding the current consultation process.

After a short discussion, the Deputy Leader closed the debate and Cabinet:

a)    Endorsed the approach set out in this report and gave delegated authority to the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport and Lead Cabinet Member for Transformation and Projects  to review and amend the response contained within the Local Impact Report, Written representations and Statement of Common Ground in response to further information that may be forthcoming from the scheme promoters.

b)    Requested the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Transport, regarding the consultation process to date and the current engagement on the project.