Decision details

Summary

The Housing Portfolio Holder presented the Kendal Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). She noted that although the proposal was not for a funded plan, it was key to have a plan in place in order to secure any future funding and that Kendal had a huge potential due to the short commute distances.

Members were informed that the plan set out an approach for prioritised routes, with the aim of improving routes and prioritising future investment and would be a living document.

Note – At this stage in the proceedings, Councillor Eamonn Hennessy noted a non-pecuniary interest for transparency by virtue of the fact that he had co-authored a response from Kendal Town Council to the Kendal Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

Members raised a query regarding the reach of this programme, discussion highlighted that this was a programme across Cumbria with an LCWIP also recently completed Barrow and Carlisle.

A follow up question regarding Ulverston Town Council’s involvement was raised, to which the Senior Specialist (Strategy) added that he understood that Cumbria County Council had commenced a similar project in Ulverston although it would not have the status of an LCWIP.

Decision

RESOLVED – That the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Kendal prepared by Cumbria County Council be endorsed, subject to comments in section 4 of the report on how the document may be improved in future reviews. This endorsement does not fetter the Council’s discretion on any issues which may arise later relating to the implementation of the recommended route networks.

Reasons for Decision

The decision links to all four Council Plan Priorities:-

·        Working across boundaries – the Kendal LCWIP includes proposed cycling routes which would link Kendal to neighbouring communities, such as Natland, Oxenholme and Burneside. The LCWIP however gives short term priority to town centre routes.

·        Delivering a balanced community – the improvements proposed in the LCWIP will increase opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, including young people and the elderly, to access amenities and services by means other than motorised transport.

·        A fairer South Lakeland – improved cycling and walking routes will promote health, wellbeing and help tackle poverty by providing healthy and lower cost alternative ways to access amenities, services and for recreation.

·        Addressing the climate emergency – the proposals in the LCWIP will facilitate more journeys by cycle or on foot and therefore reduce carbon-producing transport.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

That Cabinet does not endorse the Kendal Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan: it is recommended that this alternative is not supported, as the support of the District Council has been important in developing the Kendal LCWIP and is likely to be important in assisting its implementation, including in its role as Local Planning Authority.