Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no Declarations of Interest.

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.

Members of the public who wish to speak at this meeting can attend the meeting in person or ‘virtually’ through an online connection.  In line with current Government advice, those attending the meeting in person are asked to consider wearing a face-covering.

Normally requests to speak at this public meeting are required by 9.00 am on the day preceding the published date of the meeting. However, during the current situation and to facilitate ‘hybrid’ meetings we are asking that requests to speak are submitted by no later than 9.00 am four working days before the meeting i.e., 9.00 am on Friday, 18 March 2022.  Requests to speak should be sent to cameron.maclean@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 considered. 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.

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

This report presents responses received to a statutory consultation on proposed extension of the 30mph speed limit on the A44 Woodstock Road as shown in Annex 1, following a previous consultation carried out in October 2021 for a 50mph speed limit, the developing/evolving scheme provides for more extensive improvements along the route, including non-motorised user provision, additional bus-lanes & signalised access points.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve as advertised the proposed extension of the speed 30mph speed limit on the A44 Woodstock Road.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment and Place presenting responses received to a statutory consultation on proposed extension of the 30mph speed limit on the A44 Woodstock Road as shown in Annex 1, following a previous consultation carried out in October 2021 for a 50mph speed limit, the developing/evolving scheme provides for more extensive improvements along the route, including non-motorised user provision, additional bus-lanes & signalised access points.

The report RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member for Highway Management approve, as advertised, the proposed extension of the 30mph speed limit on the A44 Woodstock Rd.

Councillor Bearder stated he was surprised that there was not already a 30 mph speed limit on this part of the A44 Woodstock Rd. Therefore, he was in agreement with the recommendation.

DECISION: to approve the report’s recommendations.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………………

Cabinet Member for Highway Management

Date of Signing ………………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

This report presents responses received to a statutory consultation on proposals to introduce a 40mph speed limit on the A329 south of its roundabout junction with the as shown in Annex 1 as a result of adjacent development. 

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve as advertised the proposed 40mph speed limit on the A329 at Thame.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment and Place presenting responses received to a statutory consultation on proposals to introduce a 40mph speed limit on the A329 south of its roundabout junction with the as shown in Annex 1 as a result of adjacent development.

The report RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member for Highway Management approve, as advertised, the proposed 40mph speed limit on the A329 at Thame.

Councillor Bearder stated that, because of the new industrial estate [referred to in the responses to the consultation], he supported the recommendation as set out in the report.

DECISION: to approve the report’s recommendations.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………………

Cabinet Member for Highway Management

Date of Signing ………………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve as advertised the proposed speed limits in Bicester & Launton as follows:

40mph speed limits on:

i.       The A4095 (comprising sections of Howes Lane, Lords Lane & Southwold Lane);

ii.      A4421 Buckingham Road north of Bicester;

iii.    A4421 ‘ring’ road (comprising Skimmingdish Lane, Bicester Road, Charbridge Lane, Wretchwick Way, Neunkirchen Way and Seelscheid Way);

iv.    A41 east of Bicester towards Aylsebury;

v.     B4030 Middleton Stoney Road; and

vi.    Bicester Road in Launton.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment and Place presenting responses received to a statutory consultation on proposed speed limit reductions on part of the A41 and on the roads forming the peripheral route around Bicester.

Although these roads were an important part of the local transport strategy which aimed to reduce traffic flow through the central corridor, they no longer lay on the edge of the town. With housing and employment sites now located on the other side of them there was a need to reduce the speed of traffic.

The proposals sought to decrease the speed limit on the Bicester peripheral road to allow a uniform speed limit, thus addressing concerns from a road safety and active travel point of view. The proposals would also aid connectivity for residents of the planned new housing developments that were adjacent to the peripheral route, such as Wretchwick Green and North West Bicester. In addition to the peripheral road, 40mph speed limits were proposed to be introduced on the A41 east of the ring road, and on the A4421 Buckingham Road leading northwards from the ring road. The consultation also proposed a 50mph speed limit on the Boundary Way section of the A41 but this was not recommended to take forward. A plan showing the proposals were shown in Annexe 1 to the report.

It was RECOMMENDED that Cabinet Member for Highway Management approve, as advertised, the proposed speed limits in Bicester & Launton as follows:

40mph speed limits on:

i.         The A4095 (comprising sections of Howes Lane, Lords Lane &

ii.       Southwold Lane);

iii.      A4421 Buckingham Road north of Bicester;

iv.     A4421 “ring” road (comprising Skimmingdish Lane, Bicester Road, Charbridge Lane, Wretchwick Way, Neunkirchen Way and Seelscheid Way);

v.       A41 east of Bicester towards Aylsebury;

vi.     B4030 Middleton Stoney Road; and

vii.    Bicester Road in Launton.

Councillor Bearder stated he thought it was an excellent initiative to introduce speed limit reductions on the roads forming the peripheral route around Bicester, particularly if there was a 20 mph speed limit within Bicester as part of the Council’s “Safer Pace and a Safer Place” speed limit reduction proposals. He noted that the proposals had the support of the Bicester Bike User Group. He stated that, when looking at the buckled road crossings at junctions, and it was his view that the proposals where necessary and would improve journeys by vulnerable road users around Bicester. Therefore, he supported the recommendation set out in the report.

DECISION: to approve the report’s recommendations.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………………

Cabinet Member for Highway Management

Date of Signing ………………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

The Cabinet Member for the Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposed amended waiting restrictions at Poplar Grove Kennington on the south side of the road only, but with no changes to be made to the existing restrictions on the north side of the road so as to ensure the passage of buses using the road.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment and Place presenting responses received to a statutory consultation on a proposal to amend the extent of no waiting at any time restrictions at Poplar Grove Kennington as shown in Annex 1 of the report, once again as a result of the local representations.

It was RECOMMENDED that Cabinet Member for Highway Management approve the proposed amended waiting restrictions at Poplar Grove Kennington on the south side of the road only, but with no changes to be made to the existing restrictions on the north side of the road so as to ensure the passage of buses using the road.

Councillor Bearder noted that the Oxford Bus Company (“the Company”) had objected to allowing parking on both sides of the road would present difficulties for service 35A which used Poplar Grove in one direction (southbound/clockwise) and that the Company had requested that the yellow lines were removed on one side on the south side only so that the carriageway was kept clear for buses. He also noted that Councillor Bob Johnston, Kennington & Radley Division, had supported the Company’s objection and that this had been reflected in the report’s recommendations.

DECISION: to approve the report’s recommendations.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………………

Cabinet Member for Highway Management

Date of Signing ………………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposed no waiting at any time restrictions on Avenue Two as advertised, and also the cycle and pedestrian safety measures as shown in the plan in Annex 3.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment and Place presenting responses received to a statutory consultation on a proposal to introduce no waiting at any time restrictions on Avenue 2. The proposals were required to accommodate safely access to and from adjacent commercial land use with planning consent recently granted by West Oxfordshire District Council, including the revised access arrangements as shown in the Annex 1 of the report.

Following a deferral of a decision on these proposals at the Cabinet Member for Highway Management meeting on 18 November 2021, and as requested at that meeting, further discussions were held with the consultants acting on behalf of the developer to identify options to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. In addition to the waiting restrictions, a number of other measures were proposed, as shown in Annex 3 of the report.

It was RECOMMENDED that Cabinet Member for Highway Management approve the proposed no waiting at any time restrictions on Avenue Two as advertised, and also the cycle and pedestrian safety measures as shown in the plan in Annex 3 [to the report].

Councillor Bearder invited Mark Barrell of Jubb Consulting Engineers Limited and Councillor Dan Levy to make their presentations. Having heard the presentations, Councillor Bearder noted that there was also a written submission from Mr Andrew Prosser, West Oxfordshire District and Witney Town Councillor, which he had taken into consideration.

Having considered the report of the Director of Growth and Economy; the written representations that had been received in response to the consultation; and the presentations by those persons present at the meeting Councillor Bearder stated that he was of the view that to do nothing presented a safety risk, that is, vehicles parked at this location would make cyclists and pedestrians less visible to lorry drivers accessing and exiting the adjacent development. Referring to the previous deferral of this decision and subsequent consultations, Councillor Bearder noted that this could have been better with the Highway Authority giving priority to the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

DECISION: to approve the report’s recommendations.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………………

Cabinet Member for Highway Management

Date of Signing ………………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

This report presents responses received to a statutory consultation on a proposal to introduce no waiting at any time restrictions at Stephens Field at Crowmarsh as shown in Annex 1 which are being put forward as a result of parked vehicles obstructing the Stephen’s Field & Bellamy Way junction, whilst also obstructing the passage of vehicles along that part of Stephens’s Field leading to the Riverside car park & water splash park

The Cabinet Member for the Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposed waiting restrictions at Stephens Field at Crowmarsh.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment and Place presenting responses received to a statutory consultation on a proposal to introduce no waiting at any time restrictions at Stephens Field at Crowmarsh as shown in Annex 1 to the report, which were being put forward as a result of parked vehicles obstructing the Stephen’s Field & Bellamy Way junction, whilst also obstructing the passage of vehicles along that part of Stephens’ Field leading to the Riverside car park & water splash park.

It was RECOMMENDED that Cabinet Member for Highway Management approve the proposed waiting restrictions at Stephens Field at Crowmarsh.

Councillor Bearder stated he was satisfied with the proposals set out in the report.

DECISION: to approve the report’s recommendations.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………………

Cabinet Member for Highway Management

Date of Signing ………………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

The Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposed introduction of traffic calming measures as advertised.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment and Place presenting responses received in the course of the statutory consultation on a proposal to introduce traffic calming measures, as shown in Annex 1 to the report, comprising a road hump with an adjacent traffic island (within the northbound carriageway), and cycle-by-pass facility. Priority would be given to traffic travelling south-eastwards out of the village with traffic travelling north-westwards required to give-way to oncoming vehicles.

This design reflected further work carried out as a result of the request by the Cabinet Member for Environment at the Decisions meeting on 8 October 2020 in response to objections and concerns, including from Long Wittenham Parish Council, being raised in respect of a calming scheme consulted on in 2020.

It was RECOMMENDED that Cabinet Member for Highway Management approve the proposed introduction of traffic calming measures as advertised.

Councillor Bearder noted this was a pilot 20 mph scheme which had the support of Long Wittenham Parish Council, and he welcomed the proposed road calming measures referred to in the report.

DECISION: to approve the report’s recommendations.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………………

Cabinet Member for Highway Management

Date of Signing ………………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

The Cabinet Member for the Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposed additional waiting restrictions at A338 Manor Road at Wantage.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment and Place presenting responses received to a statutory consultation on a proposal to introduce no waiting at any time restrictions on the A338 Manor Road at Wantage as shown in Annex 1 to the report, as a result of the construction of a new access for residential development.

It was RECOMMENDED that Cabinet Member for Highway Management approve the proposed waiting restrictions at A338 Manor Road at Wantage.

Councillor Bearder stated he was satisfied with the proposals set out in the report.

DECISION: to approve the report’s recommendations.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………………

Cabinet Member for Highway Management

Date of Signing ……………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

This report presents responses received to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of a 20mph speed limit at Whitchurch on Thames as shown in Annex 1

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposed introduction of a 20mph speed limit as advertised.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment and Place presenting responses received to a statutory consultation on the proposed introduction of a 20mph speed limit at Whitchurch on Thames as shown in Annex 1 to the report.

It was RECOMMENDED that Cabinet Member for Highway Management approve the proposed introduction of a 20mph speed limit as advertised.

Councillor Bearder welcomed Cllr James Donahue, Whitchurch-on-Thames Parish Council, to the meeting, noting that Oxfordshire County Council [through these proposals] was catching up with where the Parish Council had led the way.

DECISION: to approve the report’s recommendations.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………………

Cabinet Member for Highway Management

Date of Signing ……………………………………………………………………

Report by Corporate Director, Environment and Place

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management is RECOMMENDED to approve as advertised the amendments to all Controlled Parking Zones schemes in Oxfordshire to allow applications, payments and issue of Resident`s Parking Permits via the County Council online portal, enabling the issue of `Virtual Permits` which will not need to be displayed on vehicles.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management considered a report by the Corporate Director, Environment and Place which presented responses received to a statutory consultation on a proposal to amend all Controlled Parking Zones schemes in Oxfordshire to allow applications, payments and issue of Resident`s Parking Permits via the County Council online portal, enabling the issue of `Virtual Permits` which will not need to be displayed on vehicles. This is an alternative option to postal applications and the issue of physical permits. Charging levels for parking permits are unaffected.

It was RECOMMENDED that Cabinet Member for Highway Management approve as advertised the amendments to all Controlled Parking Zones schemes in Oxfordshire to allow applications, payments and issue of Resident`s Parking Permits via the County Council online portal, enabling the issue of `Virtual Permits` which will not need to be displayed on vehicles.

Councillor Bearder stated that the proposed initiative of using the County Council’s Online Portal for parking permit transactions and the issuing of “virtual” permits would significantly improve efficiency in both enforcement and performance of the parking permit provisions. He thanked the officers for their work on this initiative.

DECISION: to approve the report’s recommendations.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………………

Cabinet Member for Highway Management

Date of Signing ……………………………………………………………………