Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss a range of highway-related matters, including the protection of highway alignments, the adoption of a new Highways Design Code, and the procurement of services for tarmacadam paving repairs and responsive maintenance. The meeting will also cover the Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy, and the Winter Service Policy for 2026.

Protection of Highway Alignments

The Cabinet is set to consider proposals regarding the protection of highway alignments across Staffordshire. These alignments are designated routes that safeguard potential corridors for future bypasses and junction improvements. The report pack outlines an assessment of nine existing highway alignments, with recommendations for whether their protection should be retained, removed, or amended to support active travel. For instance, the Cheadle Bypass alignment is recommended for retained protection, while others, such as the B5032 Ashbourne Road realignment, are recommended for removal of protection. Some alignments, like The Winchester Road, Hednesford extension scheme, are proposed to be changed to active travel corridors. The report also details the considerations for retaining or removing protection, including local policy, environmental impact, economic case, financial viability, legal implications, and deliverability.

Highways Design Code

A new Highways Design Code is scheduled for discussion, aiming to provide clear and consistent guidance for developers, designers, and planning authorities on the design and construction of new residential streets in Staffordshire. The code is intended to address a perceived gap in local guidance, which has relied on officer interpretation of national standards. The proposed code is structured to guide new residential streets from pre-planning engagement through to adoption, with the aim of securing well-designed streets and public spaces, ensuring clarity and consistency, providing minimum requirements, and enabling long-term stewardship and climate-resilient design. The code is organised around six key themes: Place, Movement, Access, Safety and Servicing, Utilities, and Lifespan.

Procurement of a Framework Agreement for Tarmacadam Paving Repairs and Responsive Maintenance

The Cabinet will consider a report seeking approval to procure a framework agreement for tarmacadam paving repairs and responsive maintenance. This is to replace the current framework agreement, which is due to expire on 31 March 2027. The proposed new framework agreement would be for a period of four years, with an option to extend for a further two years. The report highlights the council's duty to spend taxpayer money carefully and suggests that this arrangement will allow for the most efficient way of managing a contract involving millions of pounds. It is anticipated that three providers will be appointed to the framework.

Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy

An updated Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy is to be presented for review and approval. This policy and strategy aim to provide a clear, long-term approach to managing Staffordshire's highway network, aligning with the County Council's Strategic Direction and Highway Roadmap. The documents outline objectives, key principles, and strategic priorities for managing the council's highway assets, with a focus on making informed, evidence-based decisions to target investment where it will deliver the greatest benefit, manage risk effectively, and provide the best possible value for taxpayers. The approach is described as preventative, data-led, and sustainable, aiming to improve network resilience and provide a safe and reliable highway network that supports economic growth.

Winter Service Policy 2026

The Cabinet will also consider the proposed updates to the Winter Service Policy for 2026. This updated policy replaces the 2015-16 version and introduces a more holistic carriageway hierarchy, moving away from historic traffic groups to determine treated roads. This change is informed by a Maintenance Network Hierarchy review, as referenced in the Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy. The report notes that all roads currently treated under the 2015-16 policy will continue to be treated under the new policy, with any exceptions identified. The updated policy also includes proposals for the provision of community grit bins by District/Borough, Parish, and Town Councils at their expense on the adopted highway network. The policy is set to be adopted for the 2026/27 winter season, commencing on 19 October 2026.

Decisions taken by Cabinet Members under Delegated Powers

The Cabinet is also scheduled to note decisions that have been taken by Cabinet Members under delegated powers. One such decision relates to the permanent transfer of items from the Staffordshire County Museum collection, agreed by the Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture.

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

Finally, the Cabinet will review the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period of 21 October 2026 to 17 February 2027. This plan outlines upcoming key decisions, including the Integrated Performance Report for Quarter 2, 2026/27, the A513 Chetwynd Bridge Replacement, an In-house Children's Residential Sufficiency Investment Report, a Bus Service Network Review, an Unregistered Placements report, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, the Post Street Lighting PFI Contract Model, the Half Yearly Treasury Management Report, the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Programme, the Ignite Artificial Intelligence in Staffordshire report, the Procurement of a Framework Agreement for the Provision and Installation of Windows and Doors, the Delivery of Keele Access Road, the Nexxus Care Annual Report, Household Waste & Recycling Centres - Haulage, the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2027-2032, and the Integrated Performance Report for Quarter 3, 2026/27. Some of these items are scheduled to be discussed in private due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.