The Lead Commissioner: Transport and Technology introduced the report of the Director of Regeneration and Place which provided Members with an update on the outcome of the recent public consultation on the Birkenhead to Liscard Active Travel Scheme and sought approval of the next steps for the project.

The report also sought approval, subject to funding being secured, to work in partnership with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) to progress the project to detailed design and development of a business case.

Members praised the level of consultation that had been undertaken with officers giving reassurance that the Royal National Institute of Blind People had been consulted along with Merseyside Police, Merseytravel in relation to floating bus stops on the route.

Members noted that Liscard had the worst air pollution statistics on the borough and welcomed the scheme which would provide a cleaner and safer active travel route.

In response to a Member query on lost car parking revenue, the Lead Commissioner: Transport and Technology confirmed that discussions had been held with the parking management team and they were confident that there was capacity elsewhere and so the spaces where being moved rather than removed in terms of income.

Members requested that future reports include any biodiversity net gain statistics.

Resolved (8:3) – That

(1) the outcome of the Birkenhead to Liscard Active Travel Scheme  Public and Stakeholder Consultation and associated officer comments which are included with Appendices 3 – 8 of this report be noted.

(2) the Director of Regeneration and Place be authorised to work with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) to secure funding:

1. to undertake the detailed design of the Birkenhead to Liscard Active Travel Scheme (RIBA Stages 3 and 4) and undertake public and stakeholder consultation (including statutory consultation) on the detailed design, duly informed by the public and stakeholder consultation process.

2. to progress the development of the Business Case for the Birkenhead to Liscard Active Travel Scheme in accordance with the requirements of the LCRCA City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement Gateway Process.