Development and delivery of the capital programme of local transport improvements (PS 3/1)
Purpose of policy
East Sussex County Council (ESCC) recognises the vital role that local transport schemes, including junction improvements, walking and cycling enhancements, public realm schemes and improved facilities for bus users, play in supporting economic growth in East Sussex.
The purpose of this policy is to set out the formal procedure for the development and delivery of the County Council’s capital programme of local transport improvements and associated decisions made by the Lead Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment.
In carrying out this policy, ESCC will meet its statutory obligations and will also support the Council’s Priorities, Local Transport Plan and Highway Service Outcomes.
Policy statement
The development and delivery of capital programme of local transport improvements identified in the East Sussex Local Transport Plan 2011 to 2026 and its series of five year Implementation Plans has to pass through the following stages.
- Following the development of the annual draft capital programme of local transport improvements, it will be reported to the Cross Party Member Panel comprising representatives of each of the political parties, and the Chair of the Transport and Environment Scrunity Committee (or equivalent) and sent to all councillors for comment.
- The programme will be developed annually to take in account the availability of funding from the County Council’s capital programme allocation for local transport schemes, development contributions and external funding sources (for example Local Growth Fund, other Department for Transport funding sources).
- Requests for schemes for potential inclusion in the capital programme of local transport improvements which are to be fully or part funded using the County Council allocation of funding are assessed using the framework for the prioritisation and management of local transport schemes approved by the Lead Member – Transport and Environment on 6 September 2011. Transport schemes that are fully funded from other external sources are included in the draft programme where they are identified to contribute towards wider economic and transport strategies.
- The Cross Party Member Panel, chaired by the Lead Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, will consider the content of the annual draft capital programme of local transport improvements in February of each year, and comments received by County Councillors on the draft programme. The Panel will make recommendations on proposed changes to the programme ahead of being reported to the Lead Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment’s decision making meeting.
- The programme is confirmed or amended by the Lead Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at their decision making meeting in March each year.
- Schemes which have more than one option, are environmentally sensitive or affect a large number of properties will be subject to public consultation prior to formal approval.
- On completion of the preliminary design and consultation, schemes will be submitted to the Lead Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment for approval to progress to detailed design and construction, and, if appropriate, seek authority to apply for planning consent and acquire land, compulsorily if necessary.
Supporting information
- East Sussex Local Transport Plan 2011 to 2026
- East Sussex Local Transport Plan Implementation Plan (2016/17 to 2020/21)