Agenda, decisions and minutes

Councillor Gant noted that regarding item 8 (St Oxford - St Michaels Street and Beaumont Street - proposed amendments to disabled and doctors parking places and vehicle access in St Michaels Street), that he was an employee of St Peter’s College which was located on St Michaels Street.  He noted that his employment at the college had no connection to the proposal, however, he was advised to mention it.

Any county councillor may, by giving notice to the Proper Officer by 9 am two working days before the meeting, ask a question on any matter in respect of the Cabinet Member’s delegated powers.

The number of questions which may be asked by any councillor at any one meeting is limited to two (or one question with notice and a supplementary question at the meeting) and the time for questions will be limited to 30 minutes in total. As with questions at Council, any questions which remain unanswered at the end of this item will receive a written response.

Questions submitted prior to the agenda being despatched are shown below and will be the subject of a response from the appropriate Cabinet Member or such other councillor or officer as is determined by the Cabinet Member, and shall not be the subject of further debate at this meeting. Questions received after the despatch of the agenda, but before the deadline, will be shown on the Schedule of Addenda circulated at the meeting, together with any written response which is available at that time

There were no questions from County Councillors.

Members of the public who wish to speak at this meeting can attend the meeting in person or ‘virtually’ through an online connection.

Requests to speak must be submitted by no later than 9am four working days before the meeting.  Requests to speak should be sent to committeesdemocraticservices@oxfordshire.gov.uk .

If you are speaking ‘virtually’, you may submit a written statement of your presentation to ensure that if the technology fails, then your views can still be taken into account. A written copy of your statement can be provided no later than 9 am 2 working days before the meeting. Written submissions should be no longer than 1 A4 sheet.

The following speakers addressed the meeting:

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 27 April 2023 to be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Cllr Andrew Gant approved the minutes of the meeting held on 27 April 2023.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/052

Contact: James Wright, Technical Officer, james.wright@oxfordshire.gov.uk 

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM    ).

To consider any objections arising from the formal Statutory consultation.

The report presented the consultation responses to the advertised no waiting at any time restrictions.

The Chair addressed the responses to the consultation and the replies provided by officers including those relating to loading/unloading and enforcement.  He stated that he was satisfied to approve the proposals on the basis that they, like all such proposals, will be kept under review and amended later if necessary.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed no waiting at any time restrictions at Church Road at Kingham.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/059

Contact: Adam Barrett, Senior Engineer, adam.barrett@oxfordshire.gov.uk  

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM    ).

To consider any objections arising from the formal Statutory consultation.

The report presented the consultation responses to the advertised amendment to no waiting at any time restrictions.

The Chair addressed the responses to the consultation and the replies provided by officers.  He confirmed that the proposal did not preclude the provision of a disabled parking space should such a proposal come forward.  Other suggestions such as extending double yellow lines or introducing a Controlled Parking Zone could be considered in future reviews if this proposal does not achieve the aims.

Councillor Gant noted an email from the Local Member, Councillor Liam Walker, supporting the proposal.

The Cabinet Member for the Highway Management APPROVED the proposed no waiting at any time restrictions at Regent Drive.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/055

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Principal Officer, anthony.kirkwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk 

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM    ).

To consider any objections arising from the formal Statutory consultation.

The report presented the consultation responses to the advertised amendment to parking eligibility.

The Chair addressed the responses to the consultation and the replies provided by officers.  He confirmed that the proposal did not preclude the provision of a disabled parking space should such an application be made.

A number of respondents argued that all residents must have access to parking if they need it.  Councillor Gant responded that neither the County Council nor the City Council policies accepted that argument.

The Cabinet Member for the Highway Management APPROVED:

a)              the relocation of a residents parking place and associated amendments to no waiting at any time restrictions at North Street, and

b)              exclude the new dwellings at No.1 North Street from eligibility for resident's parking permits and residents' visitors' parking permits.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/036

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Principal Engineer Traffic and Road Safety, anthony.kirkwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM    ).

A decision is required on a proposed amendments to disabled and doctor parking places and vehicle access in St Michael Street to accommodate further proposed public realm improvements in St Michaels Street.

The report presented the consultation responses to the advertised amendment to parking eligibility and vehicle access.

The Chair addressed the responses to the consultation and the replies provided by officers.  He noted that one respondent suggested reducing the size of a loading bay in order to be able to replace the disabled parking space being lost.  Officers were satisfied that the total number of disabled parking spaces in the area met the need and responded that the suggested change would require consultation.

Councillor Gant also noted in the report a request from the Oxford Union that vehicles that required access to their premises be exempt.  He confirmed with officers that the Oxford Union could request exemptions for construction work, for example, in the same way as any other property owners on the street.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the recommendations:

a)              approve the proposed extension by approximately 13m metres westwards of the extent of St Michael Street subject to the ‘prohibition of all vehicles’ restriction.

b)              Defer approval of the proposed removal of an existing Doctors parking place in St Beaumont Street to accommodate a new Disabled Persons Parking Place to allow a further assessment of the need for the Doctors Parking place.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/040

Contact: Anthony Kirkwood, Principal Engineer Traffic & Road Safety Team, anthony.kirkwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk 

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM    ).

A decision is required on sites proposed for new DPPPs and also sites where a DPPP is judged to be no longer required.

The report presented the consultation responses to the advertised proposals on Disabled Person Parking Places.

The Chair read out a statement from Emma Dean opposing removal of the DPPP at Corunna Crescent.  He confirmed with officers that recommendation d) should read to “withdraw” the proposal to remove that DPPP.

The Chair addressed the responses to the consultation and the replies provided by officers and concluded that he was content to accept the officers’ judgement.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED:

a)              The proposed provision of Disabled Persons Parking Places (DPPP) at: Gentian Road, Norreys Road, Park Town, Stile Road, Waynflete Road, Wharton Road,

b)              the proposed formalisation of DPPP at: Wylie Close,

c)               to defer approval of the proposals at the following location pending further investigations: Sunningwell Road,

d)              the withdrawal of the proposals to remove a DPPP at: Corunna Crescent.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/113

Contact: Odele Parsons, Senior Transport Planner, odele.parsons@oxfordshire.gov.uk 

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM    ).

To consider any objections arising from the formal Statutory consultation to the existing experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).

The report presented responses received to a statutory consultation for an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) that removes a 15-metre section of unrestricted parking on Corn Street, Witney.

The Chair considered the comments and the officers’ responses.  He believed that the loss of three out of 85 parking spaces to improve safety was justifiable.  He noted the officers’ comment that a residents’ parking scheme should be considered afresh.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed permanent no waiting restrictions as advertised at Corn Street, Witney outside Nos. 148-152, following an 18 month experimental period.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/047

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM    ).

To consider any objections arising from Formal Consultation.

Before considering the proposals on 20mph speed limits, the Chair agreed to the following request to speak.

Danny Yee, Oxfordshire Liveable Streets, advocated that the Council look to introduce 20mph limits in Oxford City in advance of the introduction of traffic filters.  He referred to research that showed that reducing traffic congestion can lead to increased speeds.

The Chair confirmed that the 20mph proposals for Oxford City were still at an early stage.  He hoped that road space freed up by the filters could be used to make walking and cycling safer.

The report on this item presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph and 50mph speed limits in Henton.

The Chair read out a statement from the Local Member, Councillor Kate Gregory, in support of the 20mph limit and retaining the 30mph limit.  He then considered the comments from the consultation and the officers’ responses.

Officers explained that the original proposal to increase the speed limit from 30 to 50mph on the link road to the village was intended to reduce the number of speed limit changes in a short distance.  However, it was clear that residents opposed this so the final proposal was to retain 30mph on that stretch.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED:

a)              the proposed introduction of the 20mph speed limit as advertised, and

b)              that the existing 30mph speed limit should remain in lieu of the proposed 50mph speed limit.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/065

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM    ).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Ipsden.

The Chair considered the comments and the officers’ responses.  Officers confirmed that the new speed limits were being well observed and were providing benefits to residents where they have been introduced.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Ipsden (including Hailey).

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/066

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM    ).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits at Kidmore End.

The Chair considered the comments and the officers’ responses.  He noted that there were supporting comments by a number of local councillors.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits within the Kidmore End area.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/067

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM    ).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in South Stoke.

The Chair considered the comments and the officers’ responses.  He noted the comments from the Local Member, Councillor Kevin Bulmer, suggesting that the proposal would provide problems for buses and the fire service.  However, the bus company responded and raised no objection.  Officers confirmed that they work closely with the emergency services to ensure that proposals will not adversely affect their operations.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of a 20mph speed limit in South Stoke.

Forward Plan Ref: 2023/064

Contact: Geoff Barrell, Principal Engineer, 20mph speed limit project, geoff.barrell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM    ).

To determine what speed limit changes should be made following consideration of public consultation responses.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on proposals to introduce 20mph speed limits in Shippon, Cothill, and Dry Sandford – all within the parish of Saint Helen Without.

The Chair considered the comments and the officers’ responses.  Officers stated that the response from the bus company was submitted before discussions with them and they were now agreeable to the final proposals.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits within the parish of Saint Helen Without.

Forward Plan Ref: 2022/197

Contact: Geoff Barrell, 20 Limit Project Manager, 07392 318869

Report by Corporate Director Environment & Place (CMDHM    ).

Decision required on proposed 20mph speed limit.

The report presented responses to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of 20mph, 30mph, and 50mph speed limits in Stanton St John.

Before considering the comments and the officers’ responses, the Chair agreed to a request to speak from the Local Member.

Councillor Tim Bearder opposed the proposed 50 mph section and would prefer that stretch be limited to 20mph.  However, he accepted that would require further consultation and he did not wish to hold up introduction of the wider scheme.

Councillor Bearder also asked if the Shepherd’s Pit Lane could be considered in the longer term as it was envisaged as a possible ‘quiet way’ to link with new developments around the Bayswater Road.  Officers responded that it could form part of Tranche 3 and they would be happy to discuss that with Councillor Bearder.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of the 20mph, 30mph, and 50mph speed limits.