Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development introduced the report, stating that Kent County Council (KCC) was currently consulting on the first stage of its draft Local Transport Plan 5 (LTP5), with the consultation due to close on the 18 September 2023. The second stage would be expected in 2024, and would include details or proposed local transport projects, whereas this consultation was strategic in nature.

The Cabinet Member outlined the four areas of the LTP5 and the nine challenges put forward by KCC. The draft response at appendix 1 to the report included a rating of the challenges that the Council felt were most important.

In response to comments, the Cabinet Member stated that they supported the provision of as many transport choices as possible, and that they had asked for KCC’s policies to be aligned with the Council’s. The importance of greener alternatives was emphasised, but that these should be complementary of the existing road network.

The Committee expressed support for the proposed response at Appendix 1 to the report, including the link to the Council’s objectives within the draft response. It was felt that whilst the LTP5’s contents were supported and ambitious, there was concern over whether these could be realistically delivered by KCC, particularly in relation to public transport provision.  

RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to the CABINET MEMBER: That the response at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.