The Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee reviewed the council's approach to highway maintenance, including the Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP), and discussed the processing of Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMOs). The committee also discussed its work programme for the upcoming year.

Repairing Our Road Network – Overview of the TAMP

The committee received an overview of the council's Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP), a 15-year strategy for managing and maintaining highway infrastructure. Paul Binks, the Highways Asset Manager, presented the plan, highlighting its data-driven approach and its importance in securing funding from the Department for Transport (DFT). He explained that the TAMP has led to a dramatic improvement in the condition of A, B, and C roads over the past decade, with the network now meeting its target of being average among shire authorities.

However, challenges remain, including a significant backlog in maintaining the unclassified road network, estimated to require over half a billion pounds to bring up to a maintainable standard. County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, acknowledged this backlog, stating that it is not unique to Lancashire and that difficult decisions must be made regarding investment priorities.

The discussion also touched upon the issue of potholes and the council's move towards a right first time fix approach. Councillor John Potter raised concerns about the condition of ABC roads starting to slip a little and the backlog in the unclassified network, questioning the effectiveness of current Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for road maintenance. He suggested the need for additional KPIs that focus on overall road condition, not just pothole depth.

The committee also discussed the process for dealing with significant road collapses, such as the one on House of No Road, and how to expedite repairs when funding is uncertain. Councillor Joel Michael Tetlow highlighted the lengthy timeline for repairs and questioned whether projects could be initiated in advance of securing funds.

Regarding gully cleaning, Councillor Fred Cottam raised concerns about flooding due to blocked gullies, particularly in Preston. Director Matt Townsend explained the council's two-pronged approach: a commitment to clean every gully across Lancashire within two years, followed by a risk-based approach for ongoing maintenance. He noted that reactive cleans were significantly more expensive than planned maintenance, with reactive cleans costing approximately £140 per gully compared to less than £10 for planned maintenance.

The committee also explored the use of modern methods and materials for road repairs, including recycled plastic and rubber asphalt trials. While acknowledging the rapid advancements in AI technology for pothole detection, the council expressed caution about investing in potentially obsolete equipment.

Finally, the committee discussed the council's strategy for replacing trees on highways, aiming to improve biodiversity. Councillor Ella Worthington expressed concern that urban and suburban areas might not benefit equally due to higher planting costs. The council is reviewing its tree strategy and engaging with parish councils on tree planting initiatives.

Public Rights of Way - Processing of Definitive Map Modification Orders

The committee reviewed the process for handling Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMOs), prompted by a complaint to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. David Goode, Public Rights of Way Manager, explained that the council is responsible for maintaining the Definitive Map and Statement, which is the legal record of public rights of way. He noted that the number of DMMO applications increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a backlog.

The Ombudsman's decision highlighted the council's fault in failing to submit an opposed DMMO to the Planning Inspectorate for six years, although it found no injustice to the complainant as the pathway remained in use. The council acknowledged a backlog of 29 opposed orders awaiting submission, with the oldest dating back 25 years.

Councillor Paul Stubbins questioned the efficiency of the current process and suggested the need for more staff, while also exploring potential efficiency improvements. Debbie King, Head of Environment and Climate, stated that recruiting experienced DMMO officers and solicitors is challenging. The council is exploring options to streamline the process, including potential delegation of some decision-making, but emphasized that any changes would require careful consideration of legal and financial implications. The committee was informed that additional resources have been identified within Legal Services to help reduce the backlog of orders awaiting submission to the Planning Inspectorate.

Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee Work Programme 2025/26

The committee discussed its work programme for the upcoming year. Councillor Joel Michael Tetlow and Councillor Paul Stubbins expressed concerns that the proposed programme was light and did not adequately reflect the committee's remit, particularly in areas of environment and economic growth. They proposed adding several items, including:

• The Lancashire Growth Plan, encompassing Get Lancashire Working, the Lancashire Skills and Employment Framework, the Digital and Cyber Strategy, and the Culture and Tourism Strategy.
• Progress with decarbonisation and the roadside tree policy under the Environment and Climate Strategy.
• The Love Clean Streets initiative, to be housed within the Communication Strategy.
• The Local Transport Plan, specifically reviewing Local Transport Grants and the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Following a lengthy discussion, the committee agreed to add the following to its work programme: the Lancashire Growth Plan, the Culture and Tourism Strategy, the Environment and Climate Strategy, and the Love Clean Streets initiative within the Communication Strategy. The committee also agreed to a separate meeting to further discuss and refine the work programme.

The committee also confirmed the date of its next meeting as Thursday, 23 October 2025, at 10 am.