Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Rob Henry

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 24 November 2025.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Environment and Economy Select Committee meeting held on 24 November were approved and signed by the Chair.

To agree the Notes of the informal meeting of the Environment and Economy Select Committee on 3 November 2025.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Environment and Economy Select Committee informal meeting held on 3 November were approved and signed by the Chair.

As part of the Committee’s work programme, the Chair, in consultation with the Director for Planning and Regulation, has brought forward an item focusing on the Council’s 2018 Cycling Strategy (see link below). The Director for Planning and Regulation will comment on the delivery of the Cycle Strategy Action Plan to date and focus on two elements for development (i) Create an implementation plan for cycle network improvements and maintenance (including signage and wayfinding) and (ii) Increase the provision of secure and accessible cycle parking across the town, including e-bike charging points. The Chair intends to invite representatives of various cycling interest groups to a future meeting of the Committee to hear these groups aspirations for cycling in Stevenage.

PowerPoint presentation slides will be published separately in a supplementary agenda.

Stevenage Cycle Strategy - 2018

Stevenage Cycle Strategy - 2018 - Appendices

The Portfolio Holder for Economy, Skills, Transport and Devolution introduced a presentation focusing on the Stevenage Cycling Strategy 2018.

The Director of Planning and Regulation summarised the content of the presentation and provided an update on progress made since 2018. The presentation outlined the vision, objectives and impact of the current strategy. Matters discussed included the maintenance of cycleways, safety, cycle parking, and more recent issues relating to e-charging.

It was noted that most of the cycle network is adopted highway and therefore the responsibility of Hertfordshire County Council (HCC). Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) has limited direct control, with roles ranging from lobbying and partnership working to delivery on land within its ownership (e.g. parkland and regeneration sites). Members highlighted historical context and concerns about the County Council’s understanding of the unique Stevenage cycleway network.

Members raised concerns that not having an officer dedicated to cycling in Stevenage had impacted on the implementation of the strategy since 2018. It was noted that a lack of resources has been the main contributing factor.

It was further noted that there was no baseline data since 2018 in the report. Officers advised that direct comparisons using 2021 Census data are limited, though more recent county-level transport data may be available. The portfolio holder clarified that this was being looked at with a view to providing up to date information at a later stage of the review.

Members questioned whether references to cycling routes relate to dedicated cycleways or roads, noting that some maps in the report appear to show roads (for example around Chells Way and Gresley Way) rather than actual cycleways. The Committee asked that the maps be checked and updated for accuracy.

Members discussed cycling restrictions within the town centre. It was confirmed that cycling remains prohibited in the main pedestrianised shopping area. Members expressed mixed views, noting pedestrian safety concerns alongside difficulties accessing cycle parking without dismounting. There was general support for improving safe cycling routes around, rather than through, the town centre, and for reviewing access arrangements as part of future work.

Committee Recommendations

• Network Familiarisation for the New Authority
  That officers undertake preparatory work to ensure the new authority has a clear understanding of the existing cycling and walking network in Stevenage, rather than relying on transition alone.

• Update to Strategy Data
  That updated data be prepared to accompany the 2018 Strategy, providing a 2025/26 position statement on available data and progress since adoption, including the estimated number of cyclists in Stevenage.

• Cycling Access in the Town Centre & responsible use and management of the Cycle Network
  That officers, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, explore improvements to cyclist access through the town centre, including safe routing and appropriate cycle parking provision and that they engage with cyclists and relevant stakeholders to encourage responsible use of the network and consulting on parking and access issues within the town centre

·         Single Point of Officer Responsibility
That a single, named officer (or dedicated role/champion) be identified to lead on implementation, monitoring,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To receive and note the final report and recommendations of the committee’s review of recycling in flat blocks. The Committee considered the draft report at its meeting on 24 November 2025 and were sent an amended report for comment. No further comments or amendments were received, so the Committee are invited to note the final report.

It was noted that the issue of fly-tipping would remain on the Committee’s work programme as a matter to be scheduled.

It was RESOLVED that the final report and recommendations of the review of recycling in flat blocks be noted

To consider any Part 1 business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

There was no Urgent Part I Business

To consider the following motions –

1.  That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

2.  That Members consider the reasons for the following reports being in Part II and determine whether or not maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

Not required.

To consider any Part II business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

There was no Urgent Part II Business