Transport and connectivity have a vital role in helping make Devon and Torbay the best place to grow up, live happily and healthily, and prosper.

Reliable transport was essential in enabling people to access employment, education, healthcare and social activities. An affordable, sustainable and connected transport system can help improve the quality of life for Devon and Torbay’s residents and drive economic growth and productivity.

The way people travel has changed. Technology and the increased use of online options has influenced how people shop, work and access health care. People are also travelling more for leisure and accessing the areas outstanding coast and countryside across Devon and Torbay.

The vision and objectives apply to the whole of Devon and Torbay. However, it is also recognised that transport needs and solutions vary across urban, rural and coastal areas.  Therefore, four place-based strategies within the Local Transport Plan have been created. These address the distinct needs in these areas and recognise that some objectives would be more important in certain places.

1.      endorse the Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 2025-2040 for later adoption by the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority;

2.      delegate authority to the Director of Pride in Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking to make minor amendments to the Local Transport Plan 4 ahead of submission to the Combined County Authority; and

3.      that schemes shall be subject to appropriate and proportionate approvals processes including consultation.

Local Transport Plans are statutory documents, required under the Local Transport Act 2008, for the Local Transport Authorities to produce.

Option 1 Do not endorse.  Whilst in the transition period with the Combined County Authority, the existing plan would remain part of the Torbay Council Policy Framework and would expire in 2026.  This was not recommended, given the changes to policy, the work committed to date and the need to meet the obligations of the Devolution Deal.

Option 2 Alternative Local Transport Plan Four.  Different visions, objectives and interventions could be produced.  However, the proposed Local Transport Plan Four has been developed in close alignment with local, regional and national policy and strategy.  Recent public consultation demonstrates that the content of the proposed plan was well supported.  To propose a significantly different approach for would risk being disjointed and reduce likelihood of securing transport investment for the area.  It would also impact on delivery timescales, missing the March 2025 target date for the Devon and Torbay Devolution deal.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 31 March 2025 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

Local Transport Plans set out the overarching ambitions for the local transport network with policies for the promotion of safe, integrated, efficient and economic transport, alongside proposals for the implementation of these policies. 

Following the formation of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority with responsibility for strategic transport, the requirement to have a Local Transport Plan in place would be a duty for the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority and no longer sit with Torbay Council.  There was a commitment within the draft devolution agreement for an updated Local Transport Plan to have been progressed by March 2025 (not adopted) and given the timescales involved it was necessary for the authorities working together (rather than as one in a Combined County Authority) to begin that process with the initial evidence base, drafting and engagement work.

The updated Local Transport Plan Four set out a clear vision and objectives for a place-based strategy from 2025-2040.

At the meeting, Councillor Billings proposed and Councillor Tyerman seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously by the Cabinet, as set out above.

None.