Agenda and minutes

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 21 June 2021.

It was MOVED by Councillor Davis, SECONDED by Councillor Woodman, and RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held 21 June 2021 be approved as a true record, with the exception that it was not noted that apologies were received from Network Rail.

Items which in the opinion of the Chairman should be considered at the meeting as matters of urgency.

There were no matters raised as urgent items.

Presentation of the Technical Lead Authority on the latest progress and activities of Peninsula Transport.

The Board considered the Presentation of the Technical Lead Authority on the latest progress and activities of Peninsula Transport.

The Board were provided with an update on current work packages. A draft work package programme was shared to include a Rural Mobility Study, an International Gateways Study, a Rail Mobile Connectivity business case, a Detailed Transport Strategy and the first phase of a Strategic Implementation Plan. The proposal for the next tranche of work was shown, which the Department for Transport (DfT) required all commissioning to start by March 2022.

The Board heard about studies which have been funded through 2021. Carbon Transition and EV studies are underway and there has been positive work but is slower than anticipated. The board discussed the Rail Study which has been put on hold to rescope in light of previous Peninsula Rail Task Force work, current studies underway between Peninsula Transport and Network Rail as well as proposed changes within the rail industry coming out of the Williams-Shapps Review. Network Rail is available to help scope and support the rail strategy and DfT will want to know what the rescoping process is.

The Board heard an update on International Gateways – this study was not funded out of last year’s allocation but there is an opportunity to progress this work upon completion of the Freight Study, using the same consultant team. The Rail Mobile Connectivity Study was also discussed as a potential addition to an amended programme, which will need agreeing with the DfT.

The Board heard a summary of the Vision Consultation results. The consultation closed on 17 September and had received 214 responses as well as 8 organisations responding by email: 5 goals were all supported by the majority of respondents and the emerging themes were discussed by the Board. A discussion recommended finalising the Vision document and publishing alongside a short consultation summary report.

Report of the technical team on the progress of the Freight Study.

The Chair exercised her discretion in varying the order of business and brought this item forward.

The Board heard emerging ideas supported by Peninsula officers and the private sector who attended the stakeholder workshops and responded to the questionnaire. A discussion followed to seek how the long list of potential interventions could be refined into some key priorities that would support the Vision and emerging strategy for the Peninsula.

Report of the Finance Lead Authority on the latest financial position.

The Board received the Report of the Finance Lead Authority on the latest financial position.

The Board noted that whilst income remains at just over £1,000,000, costs are anticipated to decrease following programme updates, which will given increased headroom of £195,000.

The Board also heard that funding will be released in tranches this year, subject to demonstration of spend.

It was MOVED by Councillor Davis, SECONDED by Mike O’Dowd Jones (representing Councillor John Woodman) and

RESOLVED that the revised information is noted.

Report of the Communications and Engagement Lead Authority on the latest communications and engagement activity.

The Board considered the Report of the Communications and Engagement Lead Authority on the latest communications and engagement activity.

The Board noted that, since June, activity has largely focussed on the launch of the vision, whereby the Peninsula Transport website was the central co-ordination point. Comms activity will focus on follow up work going forward.

The Board also heard that Peninsula Transport were represented at the Innovation and Technology in Transport Event and that the Transport Forum was held in August.

It was also reported that a mailing list has been launched and the Peninsula Transport website is under redevelopment, which will also bring Peninsula Rail Task Force within it.

Verbal update from the Peninsula Rail Task Force (PRTF) Chair on recent activities.

The Board received an update of the Peninsula Rail Task Force (PRTF).

The Board heard that the Rail Strategy is pausing to reflect upon existing PRTF strategy work, strategic corridor studies being undertaken by Network Rail and reflecting upon impacts of COVID and Williams-Shapps Review and creation of Great British Railways. PRTF officers have also been approached by Great British Railways.

The Board noted that PRTF are engaging in an Exeter – Penzance Strategic Study.

The Board also heard that Richard Stevens has opted to step down as PRTF Stakeholder Group Chair. Officers are to seek clarification on STB Stakeholder Forum Chair role.

Co-opted Members to provide updates and feedback from their organisations.

The Board received written summary updates from the co-opted members in advance of the meeting covering matters of interest arising from their respective organisations.

Homes England shared a presentation on their strategic development sites across the Peninsula, including Garden Community proposals as well as the ‘Liveable Exeter’ scheme, which is seeking low-car development principles. It was noted how these proposals fit well with the Vision and the importance of joining up with strategic transport infrastructure asks for the Peninsula.

Network Rail reported that rail demand is starting to pick up post-pandemic with the South West showing strong recovery. The Board also heard project updates including the Bristol to Exeter Study which was completed over the summer, and the steady progress being made with Okehampton railway reopening (part of Restoring Your Railway). Rail Mobile Connectivity work is continuing, and the Peninsula Rail Corridor Study is underway.

National Highways (previously Highways England) drew attention to their name change and provided an update on their ongoing projects, including the A358 consultation which will start on 12 October. The Board also heard that the safer driver awareness campaign is currently live, and the Routes Strategies online tool went live in August. It was also reported that workshops are due for later in the Autumn for key stakeholders, including STB colleagues, to refresh National Highways and STB relationships going forward.

Questions or Representations from Members of the public in line with the Board’s Public Participation Scheme.

There were no questions from any Members of the public.

All meetings to be held digitally via Microsoft Teams until further notice -

2 December 2021 (14:00)

3 March 2022 (10:00)

2 June 2022 (10:00)

Please use link below for County Council Calendar of Meetings;

http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

The board heard that future meetings would be signed off at a future board meeting.

RECOMMENDATION that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act namely the financial or business affairs of persons tendering for the provision of council goods or services and of the County Council, in both cases, and in accordance with Section 36 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, by virtue of the fact that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

It was MOVED by Councillor Davis and

RESOLVED that the press and public be excluded from the meting for the following items of business under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act namely the financial or business affairs of persons tendering for the provision of council goods or services and of the County Council, in both cases, and in accordance with Section 36 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, by virtue of the fact that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing information.

Finance lead authority to report.

The Board received the report of the Financial Lead Authority on the itemised forecast expenditure information for the 2021/22 financial year.