The Highways and Transport Committee of Cheshire East Council met on 18 September 2025, and agreed to launch a public consultation on the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan, and also on the Local Transport Plan Strategy and Investment Framework. The committee also decided to continue developing a Lane Rental Scheme, and approved a Definitive Map Modification Order for part of a route in Bexton.

Here's a more detailed look at the key topics discussed:

Local Transport Plan - Strategy and Investment Framework

The committee agreed to launch a second round of public consultation on the draft Local Transport Plan (LTP) Strategy and Investment Framework, following a previous consultation on the LTP vision, aims and priorities. The LTP sets the policy framework for transport across the borough and guides investment in the local transport network.

The vision for the new LTP is:

A well-connected, safe and sustainable transport network, accessible to all, that supports a healthy, prosperous Cheshire East.

The four aims of the LTP are:

• Growing the economy
• Improving the wellbeing of our community
• Reducing environmental impacts
• Improving connections for all

The consultation will seek the views of stakeholders and residents on the draft LTP strategy and investment framework. The final documents are expected to be submitted to committee and full council in 2026.

Draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2026-36

The committee approved the release of the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) for public consultation. The ROWIP is a statutory document that assesses the Public Rights of Way network and sets out how it can be improved.

The draft vision for the ROWIP is:

To contribute to the health, wellbeing and prosperity of our residents through inclusive and accessible path networks that encourage outdoor activities, greater active travel and more visitors to Cheshire East.

The statement of action of the ROWIP is framed around three objectives: maintain, improve and promote.

Development of a Lane Rental Scheme

The committee received an update on the development of a Lane Rental Scheme (LRS) for Cheshire East Council. A LRS allows councils to charge utility companies and other organisations for working on busy roads, with the aim of reducing disruption.

The committee agreed to continue developing the scheme, but to defer applying to the Secretary of State for Transport for permission to implement it. This is to allow the council to take account of emerging practices and government changes.

Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 - Part III s53 - Application MA-5-259 - Addition of 2 Public Footpaths to the Definitive Map & Statement in the Parish of Bexton & Town of Knutsford

The committee considered an application to add two public footpaths to the Definitive Map in the Parish of Bexton and Town of Knutsford.

The committee approved a Definitive Map Modification Order for route A to B to C on Plan WCA/MO048A. The committee refused to make a Definitive Map Modification Order for the route B to D on Plan WCA/MO048A.

The application was supported by user evidence forms from 15 people. The committee found that there was sufficient evidence to show that a public footpath existed on route A-B-C, but that the evidence for route B-D was insufficient.

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, Chair of Highways and Transport Committee, Councillor Liz Braithwaite, Vice Chair of Highways and Transport Committee, Councillor Sue Adams, Councillor Craig Browne, Councillor Anna Burton, Food Poverty/Food Security Champion, Councillor Russell Chadwick, Councillor Peter Coan, Councillor Alan Coiley, Rail Champion - CE West, Councillor Hazel Faddes, Councillor Allen Gage, Councillor Mike Muldoon, Councillor Mike Sewart and Councillor Mick Warren, Deputy Leader of Independent Group; Chair of Northern Planning Committee, were in attendance at the meeting. A number of members of the public, including Mr Newstead, Mr T Melhuish, Mrs V Scaresbrook, Mr M Bunte, Mr J Knight, Sarah Bradley, Ms S Helliwell, Ms L Roberts, Ms C Jones and Mrs A Lawrence, spoke during the public speaking session. Parish Councillor David Swan and Councillor H Moss also addressed the committee.