(a)          Decision(s)

(1)  That the principal points summarised from the Member seminars, as set out in paragraph 4.14 of the Cabinet report, be included within the Authority’s written response to the consultation together with the following additional points:-

·         There is a hybrid version of the Corridor that needs to be properly explored, including the potential of a new junction from the M40,which could combine aspects of routes A and B.

·         Acknowledge that Corridor C is probably the "least preferred" as it does not contribute as well as the other corridors could against all of the current measured factors indicated, although improvements to the A421 should be considered as part of the connectivity study.

·         The need for an overall coordinated approach at Government level, with timely announcements to ensure that all the councils across the Corridor area can proceed to adopt their current Local Plans, but also effectively plan for, and commit to, early reviews of their Plans, and also working with adjacent authorities, to work up the spatial plans referred to by the NIC to facilitate delivery of long term growth.

(2)  That the Director with responsibility for planning, after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Growth Strategy, be authorised to write and submit the formal response to Highways England.

(3)  That AVDC’s written response to the NIC’s report be supported along the lines of the document attached as Appendix 3 to the Cabinet report and the views expressed by Cabinet in relation to mitigation measures, community engagement and the need to demonstrate community benefit, and that the Director with responsibility for planning, after consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Growth Strategy be authorised to submit the formal response to Government.

(b)          Reason(s) for Decision(s)

To enable the Council to respond to the consultation.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

To do nothing.  But the location of the expressway will have a significant impact on the growth of Aylesbury Vale and Cabinet felt it essential that the Council’s views should be submitted.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Environment and Living.  The response is required by 12 April, 2018.  Accordingly, the Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee has, in accordance with the provisions within the Constitution for dealing with urgent matters, agreed that this item should not be subject to call-in.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

            None.