Meeting documents

ITEM EX16

EXECUTIVE – 11 DECEMBER 2001

EYNSHAM MARKET SQUARE – ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEME

Report by Director of Environmental Services

Introduction

1. West Oxfordshire District Council have requested that they be given agency powers to introduce an environmental improvement scheme in Eynsham Market Square. These measures will create a safer and more attractive area within the centre of the village.
2. Although the most important public space in the village, The Market Square’s appeal and accessibility for civic and leisure activities has been seriously compromised over recent years. This is because of the extent of road space which dominates the area. The highway surface is of poor quality and the area is also subject to indiscriminate parking and through traffic.
3. The proposals include the creation of additional pedestrian space. Car parking areas would be more clearly defined and traffic would be calmed by the introduction of raised tables at each entry into the Square.
4. The scheme would also improve the appearance of the Square by the use of better quality finishes. It would also create a public space capable of staging a range of activities from community events to markets.

Consultation

5. Over recent years Eynsham Parish Council have undertaken a considerable amount of feasibility work and public consultation regarding an environmental improvement scheme. Within the past eighteen months my Area Engineer’s staff have also been involved in discussions with both the Parish Council and West Oxfordshire District Council. The local District Council Member has taken an active part in the consultation process.
6. A report outlining the proposals was given unanimous approval by Eynsham Parish Council on 16 October 2001 having also been previously agreed by West Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet. This included the requirement for full consultation with all the residents of Eynsham. Details of the proposals will be included in the Eynsham Echo. This is being delivered to every resident advising them of an exhibition to be held in the Bartholemew Rooms on 7/8 December 2001. The Parish Council will then decide on any necessary changes at the end of December 2001. Assuming the agency powers are granted, West Oxfordshire District Council will make the agreed amendments and carry the scheme forward.

Financial and Staff Implications

7. The proposed works would be carried out as a partnership scheme. The County Council is contributing £15,000 Eynsham Parish Council £15,000 and West Oxfordshire District Council £80,000. The total estimated cost of the scheme is £110,000. Staff time will be required to check the details of the proposed scheme, for safety audits and for further reports to the Executive if required for traffic orders.

RECOMMENDATIONS

8. The Executive is RECOMMENDED to agree the exercise by West Oxfordshire District Council of the County Council’s powers as local highway and traffic authority, so far as necessary to enable them to promote and implement the environmental improvement scheme described in the report, including any necessary traffic and/or parking orders subject to:

1. approval of details of the proposals by the Director of Environmental Services and the form of any necessary traffic orders;
2. reference of any adverse comments of substance in response to consultation, and of any objections or representation in response to the publication of a draft order to the Executive for consideration and decision.

November 2001