Below is a summary of one of Cheshire East’s committee meetings, showing the range of services and responsibilities the Council looks after.
It does not represent the views of RoW, it is intended to inform readers.
The summary below has been generated by AI from the full public meeting minutes, for which a link is given at then end of this page.
Highways & Transport Committee – One‑Page Summary
Date: Thursday 2 April 2026
Time: 10.30am – 3.02pm
Venue: Capesthorne Room, Macclesfield Town Hall
Chair: Cllr Mark Goldsmith
Attendance
Members from across the borough attended. One apology for absence was received.
Senior officers present included Strategic Transport, Highways Operations, Public Rights of Way, Finance and Legal representatives.
Key Issues Considered and Decisions
Public Speaking – Local Transport Plan
- Concerns raised about cycling “pinch points”, road safety not being a standalone policy, and alignment with the Government’s Road Safety Strategy (published January 2026).
- Questions asked about rural connectivity and stronger recognition of cycling, including e‑bikes, as an alternative to buses.
Traditional Directional (Heritage) Signs – Notice of Motion
- Committee considered a motion on retaining rural and historic cast‑iron direction signs.
- Officers advised there is no statutory duty or budget to maintain heritage signage and that a full audit could exceed £60k.
- Members highlighted heritage value, durability of traditional signs and the role of town and parish councils.
- Unanimous decision to:
- Develop a 12‑month programme to identify, record and register notable heritage signs.
- Explore a proportionate maintenance approach for non‑adopted signs.
- Encourage town and parish councils to adopt and maintain signage with officer guidance.
Third Financial Review 2025/26
- Council projected a balanced outturn, with the Place Directorate forecasting a £7.4m underspend.
- Highways & Transport budgets forecast an underspend of approx. £0.9m, largely due to timing delays, particularly in supported bus services.
- Capital programme scrutinised, including Nantwich Town Centre Public Realm Improvements.
- Committee noted the financial position and approved capital adjustments in line with governance requirements.
Ward Member Budget Scheme
- Approximately 46% of funding unallocated in the final year of the scheme.
- Delays attributed to scheme viability, capacity and communication issues.
- Committee agreed:
- Ward members to finalise schemes by 1 May 2026.
- Remaining funds, where necessary, to be reallocated to local highway priorities, with commitment to benefit the ward where possible.
Local Transport Plan – Approval
- Committee approved the new Local Transport Plan, replacing the expired plan.
- LTP objectives cover economic growth, health and wellbeing (including road safety), environmental sustainability, and delivery principles prioritising walking, cycling and public transport.
- Adoption positions the Council strongly ahead of the Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority.
- Recommended for adoption by Full Council.
Local Transport Delivery Plan & Consolidated Funding
- New DfT funding arrangements provide multi‑year certainty.
- Middlewich Eastern Bypass identified as a priority scheme.
- Committee authorised acceptance of grants, submission of delivery plans, and delegation for commissioning bus services.
Public Rights of Way Decisions
- Wilmslow DMMO: Approved addition of two footpath routes; two others refused due to insufficient evidence.
- Haslington FP22 & FP38: Diversions approved under the Highways Act to improve accessibility.
- Hulme Walfield FP7: Diversion approved to enable housing development; costs met by developer. 1