Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Travel & Development Strategy

Forward Plan Ref: 2021/082

Contact: Tom Shuttleworth, Programme Lead (A40) Tel: 07908 059132

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CA13).

In summary, the A40 HIF2 Smart Corridor scheme includes three highway enhancement elements, which have now reached preferred option stage informed by the outcome from a recent public engagement exercise:

a)         Element 1: A40 Dual Carriageway extension

b)         Element 2: A40 Integrated Bus Lanes

c)         Element 3: A40 Dukes Cut

The report seeks Cabinet approval for the formal adoption of the preferred scheme in order that a planning application can be progressed in parallel with the bringing forward of a Highways Compulsory Purchase Order. Reference the latter statutory powers the in principle use of which was the subject of a report to Cabinet in June 2021 (2021/059).

The report sets out how development of the project to preferred option stage has followed the Department for Transport’s Transport Appraisal Guidance (TAG) guidance which provides best practice and guidance on major transport scheme option appraisal and design development.

It then goes on to detail how the presented schemes have changed in response to feedback gathered through the recently undertaken public consultation exercise. These changes are now part of the preferred scheme for which formal approval is sought.

The financial section confirms that the revised HIF funding allocation will cover all current scheme costs to the value of £106.756m, available through to the end of February 2025.

Lastly, the report sets out the statutory blight regime under which the delivery of this project would fall, as a consequence of formally approving the adoption as a preferred scheme. This is supported by a recommendation for a delegation to officers to address any claims made.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

a)            Note the progress in developing the A40 HIF2 Smart Corridor project specifically the recent public engagement event undertaken to inform the preferred scheme options.

b)           Approve Officer’s preferred options recommendation and for the formal adoption by the Council of the A40 HIF2 Smart Corridor as an approved scheme.

c)            Note the preferred options are confirmed as fully funded following the recent agreement to amend the Grant Determination Agreement with Homes England, securing the full £106.756m budget.

d)           To notify Cabinet of the Statutory Blight regime that requires the Council to respond to claims for Statutory Blight pursuant to Part VI, Chapter II and Schedule 13 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) which would be a consequence of it formally approving the preferred route.

e)            In respect to Statutory Blight delegate authority to the Director for Property, Investment & Facilities Management and the Director of Law and Governance to agree appropriate terms in accordance with statutory provisions.

Recommendations agreed

Cabinet had before it a proposal to approve the scheme, preferred options and finding for this project.

The following speaker had been agreed:

Graham Smith, Cyclox and representative of Cycling UK, called for improved safety measures for walking and cycling at the Eynsham Roundabout.  The original design to widen the approaches had no crossing facilities.  There were now Toucans in the East-West directions which were welcome.  However, consultation showed that safe crossing facilities were needed on the other roads.  Officers have said that this was not feasible and suggested alternatives but Members needed to take back control and insist that safe crossings are provided for walkers and cyclists.

Councillor Duncan Enright responded that the details on the scheme were still being worked out and there was still an opportunity to make safety improvements at the roundabout.

Other Cabinet Members asked if the crossing was used by children travelling to school and if Cabinet would have a further opportunity to ensure that the concerns around the design of the roundabout had been taken on board.

Councillor Enright confirmed that the roundabout was used by school children and also noted that a medical centre was proposed that would require pedestrian and cycling access.  He agreed that it was important to provide safe options for the north-south axis at the roundabout and noted that there was also a separate proposal for an underpass being examined.  The scheme was to go for planning approval in September with detailed design from October.

Councillor Enright proposed the Recommendations which were seconded by Councillor Pete Sudbury

RESOLVED to:

a)            Note the progress in developing the A40 HIF2 Smart Corridor project specifically the recent public engagement event undertaken to inform the preferred scheme options.

b)           Approve Officer’s preferred options recommendation and for the formal adoption by the Council of the A40 HIF2 Smart Corridor as an approved scheme.

c)            Note the preferred options are confirmed as fully funded following the recent agreement to amend the Grant Determination Agreement with Homes England, securing the full £106.756m budget.

d)           To notify Cabinet of the Statutory Blight regime that requires the Council to respond to claims for Statutory Blight pursuant to Part VI, Chapter II and Schedule 13 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) which would be a consequence of it formally approving the preferred route.

e)            In respect to Statutory Blight delegate authority to the Director for Property, Investment & Facilities Management and the Director of Law and Governance to agree appropriate terms in accordance with statutory provisions.