Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Travel & Development Strategy

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/001

Contact: Olu Solola, Programme Lead, olu.solola@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CA13).

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to: 

a)    approve the continued development of the initial delivery phase of the HIF2 scheme as set out in this paper

b)    endorse the continued discussion with Homes England and giving of notice under clause 8.4 of the Grant Determination Agreement (GDA) for revisions to funding window, initial scheme delivery, milestones, ensuring that the required due diligence has been completed to manage programme and financial risk. Once this is completed Authorise the Corporate Director of Environment and Place, in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance, Director of Finance, Cabinet Member for Travel and Development Strategy and Cabinet Member for Finance, to enter into an amended GDA

c)    approve the further scheme development, assessment and preparation of materials and Authorise the Corporate Director of Environment and Place to enter into public engagement on the initial delivery phase

Recommendations approved (8 voting in favour and 1 against).

Cabinet had before it a report which set out the outcomes of a review of the original A40 HIF2 scheme. The report set out the scope of the initial delivery phase and the recommendation that, subject to discussions with Homes England, further scheme development and engagement, that it is used as a basis for continued discussions and to undertake a public consultation following the Cabinet’s decision, to allow for development and subsequent identification of a preferred option.

Councillor Duncan Enright introduced the report.  He explained the reasons for the review of the scope of the project and the benefits of the active travel elements of the scheme, the provision of park and ride facilities, a bus lane into Oxford and interim bus priority measures. He also explained the reasons for the decision to split the project into 2 phases. 

During discussion, a member expressed concern about the scheme, particularly regarding the provision of only a single bus lane which, in his opinion, would exacerbate the traffic issues in the areas of Didcot, Carterton and Eynsham. Other members said, that, while the scheme did not provide a complete solution it would encourage the use of public transport and cycling. The congestion issues on the A40 were not acceptable and it was important that some measures be taken to address the issues, including the impact of the development of new housing in the area.

Councillor Enright responded to the comments made and reiterated that this would be a phased approach and emphasised the benefits of the new transport hub at Eynsham. It was also important for serious consideration to be given to a rail link in the area.  He considered that this was important infrastructure improvement which would help to improve the lives of residents in West Oxfordshire.

Councillor Enright moved, and Councillor Sudbury seconded the recommendations, and they were approved.

RESOLVED, 8 voting in favour and 1 against, to:-

a)    approve the continued development of the initial delivery phase of the HIF2 scheme as set out in this paper

b)    endorse the continued discussion with Homes England and giving of notice under clause 8.4 of the Grant Determination Agreement (GDA) for revisions to funding window, initial scheme delivery, milestones, ensuring that the required due diligence has been completed to manage programme and financial risk. Once this is completed Authorise the Corporate Director of Environment and Place, in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance, Director of Finance, Cabinet Member for Travel and Development Strategy and Cabinet Member for Finance, to enter into an amended GDA

c)    approve the further scheme development, assessment and preparation of materials and Authorise the Corporate Director of Environment and Place to enter into public engagement on the initial delivery phase