The Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the council's highway maintenance strategy, the processing of public rights of way orders, and to review its work programme for the upcoming year. Key decisions included the approval of recommendations to improve the handling of Definitive Map Modification Orders and to note the proposed work programme for 2025/26.

Repairing Our Road Network – Overview of the TAMP

The committee received an overview of the Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP), a 15-year strategy for maintaining Lancashire's highway infrastructure. Paul Binks, 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 significant improvements in the condition of A, B, and C roads over the past decade, though a slight deterioration has been noted recently. Challenges include addressing the backlog in the unclassified road network and managing the condition of other assets like streetlights and bridges. County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, emphasised the difficulty in making investment decisions due to funding uncertainties and the significant backlog, estimated at over half a billion pounds, required to bring all assets to a maintainable standard. Councillors discussed the effectiveness of current repair methods, including right first time fixes and preventative treatments like surface dressing. There was also discussion about the potential for using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pothole detection and the need for more proactive repair strategies. The committee was informed that the council is preparing its capital programme for the next year without knowing the total funding available, highlighting the need for greater financial certainty.

Public Rights of Way - Processing of Definitive Map Modification Orders

The committee reviewed the process for handling Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMOs) following a complaint to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. County Councillor Joshua Roberts, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, explained that the Ombudsman had highlighted concerns about backlogs and delays in submitting objected-to orders to the Planning Inspectorate. David Goode, Public Rights of Way Manager, detailed the DMMO process, noting that while the council is keeping up with current applications, a significant backlog exists from previous years, exacerbated by a surge in applications during the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained that experienced staff are difficult to recruit, and while streamlining the process is being considered, it requires careful assessment. 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. The committee recognised the need for efficiency improvements and agreed to explore options for addressing the backlog, including potential delegation of some decision-making processes.

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

The committee discussed its work programme for the upcoming year. Councillor Paul Stubbins expressed concern that the proposed programme was too light and did not adequately cover the committee's remit of environment, economic growth, and transport. He proposed adding several items, including a review of the Lancashire Growth Plan, the Culture and Tourism Strategy, the Environment and Climate Strategy, the Love Clean Streets initiative within the context of the council's communication strategy, and a review of the Local Transport Plan, specifically focusing on local transport grants and the Bus Service Improvement Plan. After considerable debate, the committee agreed to a separate meeting to further discuss and refine the work programme, acknowledging the need for more detailed information before committing to specific items. The committee also agreed to revisit the issue of flooding, noting that it had been discussed in previous meetings without apparent follow-up.

Constitution, Membership and Terms of Reference

The committee noted the constitution, membership, and Terms of Reference for the Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee for the 2025/26 municipal year, as approved by Full Council. This included the appointment of its Chair and Deputy Chair.

Minutes of the Meeting Held on 17 March 2025

The committee confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting held on 17 March 2025 as an accurate record.