Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2012/085

Contact: Tracey Dow, Highways & Transport Service Manager Tel: (01865) 815707

Report by Director for Environment, Economy & Customer Services– Highways & Transport (CA11).

This report sets out the proposed actions following the Secretary of State’s decision not to confirm the Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Roads Order for the Cogges Link Road following the Public Inquiry. 

It sets out how the County Council will work in partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council and other key stakeholders in a programme of work that will identify an alternative approach to addressing the transport problems of Witney.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)              note the decision not to pursue the extant planning permission in light of the outcome of the Public Inquiry into the Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Roads Orders;

(b)              affirm its commitment to work in partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council to develop and deliver an affordable alternative transport strategy for Witney; and

(c)               instruct officers to seek to re-negotiate developer funding agreements that have an imminent longstop date so any monies held can be used to deliver transport infrastructure improvements in Witney

Cabinet considered a report that set out the proposed actions following the Secretary of State’s decision not to confirm the Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Roads Order for the Cogges Link Road following the Public Inquiry.

Huw Jones, Director for Environment, Economy & Customer Services stressed that he would be talking to key interest groups. He referred to a letter he had received on behalf of the developers setting out their position on a number of matters and indicating that the Council was seeking Counsel’s advice.

During discussion Cabinet expressed disappointment over the position taken by the developers. Cabinet emphasised the need to move forward working with all parties to improve traffic conditions for all

RESOLVED:            to:       

(a)               note the decision not to pursue the extant planning permission in light of the outcome of the Public Inquiry into the Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Roads Orders;

(b)               affirm its commitment to work in partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council to develop and deliver an affordable alternative transport strategy for Witney; and

(c)               instruct officers to seek to re-negotiate developer funding agreements that have an imminent longstop date so any monies held can be used to deliver transport infrastructure improvements in Witney.