Decision Maker: Pennines Township Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 4, 2025

Purpose:

Content:  The Committee considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place, which sought approval of the three-year Local Transport Plan Highways Programme of Works.   The Senior Highways Officer (Strategy) was in attendance to present the report and to address the questions and the comments of the Committee.   The Officer informed that the Programme included a three-year Local Transport Plan funded carriageway capital programme, and a three-year bridges and highway structures local transport plan funded capital programme. The proposed works had been put together to achieve the highest level of improvement available within the allocated budget.   Resolved that the proposed three-year Local Transport Plan Highways Programme of Works to be delivered in 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29, as set out in the report be approved.   Reasons for the decision: The schemes had been selected and developed based on the principles of asset management, which utilised network condition data, engineer inspections, life cycle planning and cost efficiency to produce the most efficient highway improvement over the course of the programmes. Using asset management techniques for scheme selection ensured the Council was in line with recommendations from the Department for Transport to meet the strategic aim of investing in preventative maintenance techniques as a priority. This enabled the Council to continue to receive full funding allocation from the Department for Transport incentive fund scheme.   Alternatives considered and rejected: Not to agree the Programme of Works – this option was not recommended as it could potentially cause a reduction in the amount of funding Rochdale Borough Council received from the Department of Transport. The Programme had been developed according to Department for Transport guidance, and in line with other Greater Manchester local authorities. It was noted there was a Steady State 2026-27 Programme of Works that included schemes not identified in the proposed Local Transport Plan Programme.