Issue - meetings

A report which affords Oldham Council the opportunity to make a valid objection to the TransPennine Route Upgrade.

Councillor Goodwin MOVED and Councillor Charters SECONDED a report of the Deputy Chief Executive/Executive Director of Place which advised that for Oldham Council to make a valid objection to the TransPennine Route Upgrade, it must be endorsed by a majority of the authority’s members at a meeting of the Council, held after the requisite notice of that meeting having been given.

The report further advised that Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council supported the strategic objectives of the TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU) and recognised its importance in improving rail capacity, reliability, connectivity and long-term environmental outcomes across the North of England. The Council had engaged constructively with Network Rail throughout the development of the scheme and remained committed to working collaboratively to maximise public benefit.

However, while supportive in principle, the Council had submitted a formal objection to elements of the draft Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) due to several unresolved concerns that impact on public safety, statutory responsibilities, public rights of way, highway operations, land interests and future development potential.

The Council’s principal objections can be summarised as follows:

a.    Public Rights of Way and Highway Safety.

b.    Moorgate Halt Level Crossing.

c.     Land Interests and Development Impacts.

d.    Construction Programme and Local Events.

The Council overall position was that it supported the TRU in principle but considered that the draft TWAO currently lacked sufficient clarity, assurance and mitigation in key areas. Therefore, until detailed information was provided, and satisfactory solutions were agreed — particularly in relation to public safety, rights of way, highway design governance, land impacts and construction programming — the Council was unable to withdraw its formal objections.

The Council remained willing to continue working constructively with Network Rail to resolve these matters and to support delivery of the scheme in a way that safeguards local communities and which would enable the Council to fulfil its statutory duties.

RESOLVED

That the Council:

1.    Formally endorses the submission of the earlier letter of objection to the TransPennine Route Upgrade (Stalybridge to Diggle) Transport and Works Act Order, as set out in the submitted report and at Appendix 1, to the report.

2.    Authorises the Director of Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, to: Continue engagement and negotiations with Network Rail and the Department of Transport; to make minor amendments to the objection where necessary, provided these did not materially alter the Council’s position; and to withdraw individual objections on behalf of the Council should satisfactory assurances and mitigation be secured in respect of:

a.    Public rights of way and highway safety.

b.    Moorgate Halt level crossing.

c.     Land and development impacts.

d.    Construction programming and local events.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.4 (Individual Member Recorded Vote), Councillor Byrne requested that her opposition to the proposals agreed above, be noted and recorded.