Agenda and minutes

The following requests to address the meeting were agreed:

Items 4, 7, 11 &12 Councillor John Sanders.

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/064

Contact: Jim Daughton, Highways & Transport Manger Tel: (01865) 815083

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy - Commercial & Delivery (CMDE4).

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered a report that set out objections to a formal consultation on proposals to introduce new parking restrictions on parts of Mallards Way, London Road and Talisman Road in Bicester.

David Tole indicated that there had been amendments to the original scheme to allow visitors to park in the evening.  Responding to questions he confirmed that the proposal had been supported by former Councillor Shouler as local councillor.

Responding to a question from Councillor John Sanders about the use of council community budget, Mark Kemp advised that although the scheme had closed there were a number of projects where money had been committed.

Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before him, the representations made to him and the further considerations set out above, the Cabinet Member for Environment confirmed his decision on this matter as follows:

to approve parking restrictions for parts of Mallards Way, London Road and Talisman Road (Bicester) as advertised but amended as set out in paragraph 8 of this report.

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/076

Contact: Jim Daughton, Highways & Transport Manger Tel: (01865) 815083

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy - Commercial & Delivery (CMDE5).

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered a report that set out objections and other comments to a formal consultation on a proposed 40mph speed limit on B4100 immediately north of Bicester, replacing the 50mph limit currently in place, and proposing a one-way order in the layby on the west side of the B4100, approximately one mile north of Bicester.

The objections of Thames Valley Police and the comments received as a result of the consultation were noted, as was the wish of the local Member to be kept informed of progress. 

Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before him, and the further considerations set out above, the Cabinet Member for Environment confirmed his decision on this matter as follows:

(a)               the 40mph speed limit on the B4100 immediately north of Bicester, but that implementation be deferred until the eco-town development had been occupied;

(b)               the one-way order for the layby on the west side of the B4100 approximately one mile north of Bicester.

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/065

Contact: Jim Daughton, Highways & Transport Manger Tel: (01865) 815083

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy - Commercial & Delivery (CMDE6).

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered a report that set out objections to a formal consultation on proposals to introduce new Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (DPPPs) at various sites in the following locations:

·              Oxford, Headington Kennett Road;

·              Oxford, City Centre, Pembroke Square;

·              Oxford, Iffley Fields, Stratford Street;

·              Oxford, Iffley Fields, Warwick Street;

Mike Ruse told the meeting that parking in Kennett Road was particularly problematic and this request had been vehemently opposed by neighbours.  It has also come to light that the applicant may have the use of a private garage and hard standing that had not been previously declared, and this needed to be investigated further.  In light of this a deferral of the decision with regards to this DPPP was requested.

Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before him and the further considerations set out above the Cabinet Member for Environment then confirmed his decisions on this matter as follows:

(a)    To agree to introduce new Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (DPPPs)  in respect of:

·              Pembroke Square, City Centre, Oxford

·              Stratford Street, Iffley Fields, Oxford

·              Warwick Street, Iffley Fields, Oxford

(b)    to defer a decision in respect of Kennett Road, Headington, Oxford to allow further investigation.

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/066

Contact: Jim Daughton, Highways & Transport Manger Tel: (01865) 815083

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy - Commercial & Delivery (CMDE7).

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered a report that set out objections to a formal consultation on proposals to install a zebra crossing on the Reading Road, Wallingford approximately 12 metres north of its junction with St.Lucian’s Lane.  The report recommends that approval be granted to proceed with detailed design and implementation.

It was noted that there were lots of letters in support of this proposal, and one objection.  It was noted that to move the crossing as had been suggested would impact on the bus stops along the road, and this was not desirable.  Councillor Sanders confirmed he had no objections to the proposal.

Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before him, the representations made to him and the further considerations set out above, the Cabinet Member for Environment confirmed his decision on this matter as follows:

(a)       approve the zebra crossing as shown in Annex 1 to this report for design and delivery in 2013 / 14, and

(b)       delegate authority to the Deputy Director of Environment & Economy (Commercial) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment to deal with any specific matters relating to detailed design.

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/020

Contact: Steve Smith, Highways & Transport Service Manager Tel: (01865) 810435

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Commercial & Delivery (CMDE8).

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered a report setting out changes to the tree management policy. Mark Kemp explained that the changes were a response to experience based on the current policy. The changes were relatively small with no financial implications. The changes would provide greater clarity for the public and contractors.

Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before him and the further considerations set out above the Cabinet Member for Environment then confirmed his decisions on this matter as follows:

to approve the revised tree policy attached as Annex 1 to this report.

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/075

Contact: Victoria Fletcher, Historic & Natural Environment Team Leader Tel: (01865) 815420

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Strategy & Infrastructure Planning (CMDE9).

The Cabinet Member for Environment had before him a report seeking endorsement of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management plan that had been formally adopted by the Cotswolds Conservation Board in March 2013.  

Victoria Field in asking for the Cabinet Member’s endorsement explained that the Plan helped Planning Officers in consideration of planning applications in the area covered. The other areas were also producing plans and it was important that they all be treated the same.

Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before him and the further considerations set out above the Cabinet Member for Environment then confirmed his decisions on this matter as follows:

to endorse the Cotswolds AONB Management Plan 2013-2018.

It is RECOMMENDED that the public be excluded for the duration of items 11E and 12E since it is likely that if they were present during the items there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) and specified below in relation to both items and since it is considered that, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

MEMBERS AND OFFICERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE EXEMPT FINANCIAL INFORMATION RELATING TO SUBSIDY AGREEMENTS REPORTED AT THE MEETING (WHETHER IN WRITING OR ORALLY) MUST NOT BE DIVULGED TO ANY THIRD PARTY.

Following representations from a member of the press that the items be heard in public the Cabinet Member for Environment:

RESOLVED:             that the public be excluded for the duration of items 11E and 12E since it is likely that if they were present during the items there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) and specified below in relation to both items and since it is considered that, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/104

Contact: Andrew Pau, Strategic Manager – Waste & Transport Tel: (01865) 815867

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy (Commercial) (CMDE11E).

The information in this report is exempt in that it falls within the following prescribed category:

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (Including the authority holding that information)

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered a report seeking approval to Oxfordshire County Council utilising a contract by Leicestershire County Council in the short-term allowing the council to divert street sweepings from landfill whilst a long-term in-county solution is specified and procured.

The information in this report is exempt in that it falls within the following prescribed category:

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (Including the authority holding that information)

The Cabinet Member for Environment gave approval to the exemption from contract procedure rules.

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/110

Contact: Trevor Askew, Service Manager – Operational Client Contract Management Tel: (01865) 323678/Andrew Pau, Strategic Manager – Waste & Transport Tel: (01865) 815867

Report by the Deputy Director for Environment & Economy (Commercial) (CMDE12E).

The information in this report is exempt in that it falls within the following prescribed category:

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (Including the authority holding that information)

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered a report seeking approval to continue the provision of the household waste recycling centre and landfill facility at Ardley.

The information in this report is exempt in that it falls within the following prescribed category:

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (Including the authority holding that information)

The Cabinet Member for Environment gave approval to the exemption from contract procedure rules.