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ITEM EX21

EXECUTIVE – 23 JULY 2002

HENLEY MARKET PLACE IMPROVEMENTS

Report by Director of Environmental Services

Introduction

  1. This report updates the Executive regarding arrangements for the improvement of Henley Market Place and seeks delegated powers for the approval, following consultation, of the road humps element of the scheme and associated Traffic Regulation and Speed Limit Orders.

    2. Background

  2. In partnership with South Oxfordshire District Council and Henley Town Council a design for the environmental enhancement of Henley Market Place has been prepared by Babtie. A contract based on that design has been tendered and negotiations with the lowest tenderer, Isis Accord, have been carried out to assess their approach to quality and their methodology for carrying out the works. The proposals are outlined on the attached plan.

  3. A legal agreement has been signed by the County Council, South Oxfordshire District Council and Henley Town Council finalising funding arrangements and permitting the contract for the works to be awarded to Isis Accord. The works are expected to start on site on 29 July and be completed in about four months.

    4. Road Humps

  4. The consultation regarding the road humps included in the scheme is under way.

  5. Letters were sent to appropriate consultees at the end of May. Two responses were received: Thames Valley Police have asked that certain concerns are considered when amending the existing waiting restrictions and this will be done; South Oxfordshire District Council, while making it clear that they have no objection, have asked for clarification of legal liability regarding the road hump at the entrance to Greys Road Car Park.

  6. Public notices were posted on site during the week commencing 1 July and placed in the 5 July editions of the Henley Standard and Oxford Times. The consultation period expires on 26 July and responses to date will be reported to the meeting.

  7. Should objections to the road humps be received an early decision will be required as to any amendments to the road hump details that would require a variation to the works contract. Delaying such a decision to the September meeting of the Executive would risk prejudicing the outcome of the contract.

    8. Traffic Regulation and Speed Limit Orders

  8. In conjunction with the construction works, orders are being prepared by Babtie to create a 20mph zone around the Market Place and to make minor amendments to the existing waiting restrictions. Informal consultation has been carried out as part of the overall consultation on the scheme and formal consultation will take place during July and early August.

  9. Should objections be received amendments to the signing and lining included in the works contract may be required and an early decision will avoid the possibility of delay and additional cost in this respect.

    10. Financial Implications

  10. The County Council’s contribution to the Market Place scheme is included in the approved 2002/093 Capital Programme. Early decisions following consultation will avoid the risk of contract delay and any consequent financial implications.

    11. RECOMMENDATIONS

  11. The Executive is RECOMMENDED to authorise:

          1. construction of the road humps elements of the Market Place Improvement Scheme; and

          2. the making and implementation of the Traffic Regulation and Speed Limit Orders;

subject in each case to consideration of any objections and representations reported at the meeting, and to the Director of Environmental Services, in consultation with the Executive Members for Transport and Strategic Planning & Waste Management, considering any further objections and representations subsequently received and determining any amendments to the scheme and contract arising from that consideration.

DAVID YOUNG
Director of Environmental Services

Background papers: Nil

Contact Officer: Brian Fell, Tel 01865 815083

July 2002

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