Issue - meetings

That:

1.  The initial findings of the high level options appraisal were considered and noted;

2.  Officers be instructed to undertake a study to investigate preferred options to improve bus interchange facilities within the borough with a view to incorporating future work on the Maidstone Town Centre Parking Strategy and Park and Ride Study with consideration of multi-module journey planning at a borough wide level;

3.  A future report be brought to the Committee once an options appraisal has been undertaken and preferred options identified;

The Planning Policy Manager presented a report on the Maidstone Bus Station Options Appraisal together with an urgent update.

The Committee was informed that Officers had undertaken a high level options appraisal of future improvements to bus interchange facilities in the borough, which would include improvements to air quality and the quality of bus services in Maidstone.

During the discussion the following points were made:-

·  The town’s railway stations should also be included in the study.

·  There was a need to make the infrastructure more accessible so there could be an efficient way of getting from the bus to the train.

·  The Council was required to deliver on mitigation with regard to  poor air quality.

·  The document needed to be a borough document with reference to all modes of transport.

RESOLVED: That:

1.  The initial findings of the high level options appraisal were considered and noted;

2.  Officers be instructed to undertake a study to investigate preferred options to improve bus interchange facilities within the borough with a view to incorporating future work on the Maidstone Town Centre Parking Strategy and Park and Ride Study with consideration of multi-module journey planning at a borough wide level;

3.  A future report be brought to the Committee once an options appraisal has been undertaken and preferred options identified.

Voting:  For:  9  Against:  0  Abstentions:  0