Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Transport

Forward Plan Ref: 2012/039

Contact: John Disley, Strategic Manager – Policy & Strategy Tel: (01865) 810460

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Highways & Transport (CA6).

At the Cabinet meeting in January, officers were requested to seek the views of the public and stakeholders on the draft Oxfordshire Rail Strategy, and to report back to Cabinet. Having completed the consultation and considered the 980 comments received, officers are now able to report on the outcome, and identify and propose changes which need to be made to the draft Rail Strategy.

Overall the draft strategy has been welcomed, and the Council has been congratulated for producing a comprehensive, well-researched and credible strategy.  85% of responses agreed that we had identified the right issues and aspirations, with 80% agreeing that our vision for the railway to support economic growth and provide a sustainable and accessible network is the right one.

The report draws out any key issues that need to be considered, and Annex 1 to the main report will include a fuller report on the consultation. Subject to Cabinet approval, the agreed Rail Strategy, including any changes, will be published in June 2012.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

(a)               note the outcome of the public and stakeholder consultation, as shown in the document at Annex 1 to this report; and

(b)       subject to minor editorial changes and the changes proposed above, approve the final Oxfordshire Rail Strategy & Delivery Plan for publication.

Cabinet considered a report on the outcome of consultation on the draft Rail Strategy and that identified and proposed changes as a result of the comments received.

During discussion the Cabinet Member for Children & the Voluntary Sector referred to parking problems at Hanborough which had been raised as part of the consultation and thanked the Cabinet Member and officers for their hard work in finding a solution.

RESOLVED:             to

(a)               note the outcome of the public and stakeholder consultation, as shown in the document at Annex 1 to the report submitted; and

(b)       subject to minor editorial changes and the changes proposed in the report, approve the final Oxfordshire Rail Strategy & Delivery Plan for publication.