Lead Member – Councillor Ian Nellins, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport

Lead Officer – Tim Pritchard

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed to:

1.     Recommend to Council that the Shrewsbury Movement and Public Space Strategy (MPSS) be adopted as a material consideration in the planning decision-making process.

2.     Delegate responsibility to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, and the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, to progress implementation of the MPSS, to include, but not limited to, finalising the 10-year delivery plan, subject to securing funding.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport presented the Movement and Public Space Strategy (MPSS) aimed at improving Shrewsbury's town centre by promoting sustainable transport, reducing reliance on private motor vehicles, and enhancing public spaces. The strategy is a 10-year vision with 21 interventions to make Shrewsbury inclusive, accessible, and economically vibrant. The strategy was developed by the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan partnership, which includes Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council, and the Shrewsbury BID.

Members noted that a nine-week public consultation was conducted to gather feedback from key stakeholders, residents, businesses, and visitors. The results were deemed representative of Shrewsbury's overall characteristics.

Members welcomed the strategy and emphasised the importance of social inclusion aspects, such as providing electric bicycles for low-paid social care workers.

Members highlighted the positive impact on congestion, emissions, and health by offering safe and viable transport alternatives.

The importance of including rural areas in the strategy and providing efficient public transport networks was expressed. The Portfolio Holder assured members that the strategy takes into account the needs of the entire county and mentioned plans for park and ride, park and stride, and a bus interchange.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed to:

1.     Recommend to Council that the Shrewsbury Movement and Public Space Strategy (MPSS) be adopted as a material consideration in the planning decision-making process.

2.     Delegate responsibility to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, and the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, to progress implementation of the MPSS, to include, but not limited to, finalising the 10-year delivery plan, subject to securing funding.