Agenda, decisions and minutes

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.

No questions from County Councillors were received.

This Cabinet Member for Environment Delegated Decisions meeting will be held virtually in order to conform with current guidelines regarding social distancing. Normally requests to speak at this public meeting are required by 9 am on the day preceding the published date of the meeting. However, during the current situation and to facilitate these new arrangements we are asking that requests to speak are submitted by no later than 9am four working days before the meeting i.e. 9 am on Friday 2 October. Requests to speak should be sent to graham.warrington@oxfordshire.gov.uk together with 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 – Tuesday 6 October).

Where a meeting is held virtually and the addressee is unable to participate virtually their written submission will be accepted.

Written submissions should be no longer than 1 A4 sheet.

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/078

Contact: Hugh Potter, Group Manager – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by Director for Community Operations (Interim) (CMDE5).

In June 2018 and April 2019 the Cabinet Member for Environment approved a programme of new CPZs in Oxford to address numerous local issues and help support the delivery of wider transport initiatives across the City. This report presents responses to a formal consultation on a new CPZ in the Sandhills area.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposals as advertised for a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in the Sandhills area.

The Leader of the Council considered (CMDE4) responses received to a formal consultation on a new Controlled Parking Zone in the Sandhills Area.

Councillor Glynis Phillips the local member spoke against approval of the   proposal as advertised for a Controlled Parking Zone in the Sandhills area. She had been disappointed at the level of response from residents to the consultation but of those 43 (69%) were either opposed or strongly opposed to the proposal with only 14 in support. She suspected that the low response rate could be attributed to the large number of properties in Sandhills which had drives.  However, despite the low response the consultation had reached a clear outcome which should be respected. There was no point holding a consultation exercise if the outcome was then ignored and it would not be reasonable to impose charges on an area when only 14 people were supportive. She supported the objections from the residents in Green Ridges which had no road link to Sandhills, was in Barton with no parking problems and so would be wholly unreasonable to include it on the back of a Sandhills consultation.  The objectors, the majority of whom were residents not adversely affected by inconsiderate parking by people who parked in Sandhills to avoid the charges at the Thornhill Park & Ride, had queried the need for a CPZ.  A number of them considered that existing parking restrictions with extended double yellow lines in certain areas would be adequate given proper enforcement priority and they saw as the way forward for this area. The Cabinet Member for Environment had previously made it clear that there was no funding available to initiate CPZ consultations in Barton and Risinghurst so the risk of displacement parking from these areas was not imminent. Residents seemed aware of the risk in not becoming a CPZ now but on balance had decided by a considerable margin that they did not want Sandhills to become a CPZ.  Sandhills was effectively a cul de sac and she could not see its relevance on its own in a strategic plan for Oxford.  She asked the Leader of the Council to support the considered and strongly held views from Sandhills’ residents and not approve the proposal.

The Leader of the Council noted that written representations had been received from Risinghurst Parish Council who had resolved to support the outcome of the consultation which had been a clear majority against a CPZ in Sandhills.

A second submission from Neal Rupani a local resident who felt that the recommendation to approve the CPZ in Sandhills was unjust and unwarranted at this stage. There was a clear majority against on the grounds of lack of need and that residents would be penalised in paying to park their vehicles. The threat of displaced parking had not been based on evidence but had been an assumption and rather than adopt a blanket approach problems in specific roads could be addressed if and when that became an issue.  The number of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4/20

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/076

Contact: Hugh Potter, Group Manager – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by Director for Community Operations (Interim) (CMDE5).

In June 2018 and April 2019 the Cabinet Member for Environment approved a programme of new CPZs in Oxford to address numerous local issues and help support the delivery of wider transport initiatives across the City. This report presents responses to a formal consultation on a new CPZ in the Marston North area (previously referred to as the New Marston area).

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposals as advertised for a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in the Marston North area, but with the times and days of week  of the CPZ restrictions in Horseman Close, Clay Close, Jessops Close  and Dents Close being amended so as to align with those for the other parts of the CPZ.

The Leader of the Council considered (CMDE5) responses received to a formal consultation on a new Controlled Parking Zone in the Marston North area (previously referred to as the New Marston area)

James Poole a local resident stated that the consultation responses showed clearlythat this parking zone proposal was deeply unpopular with only 29% of residents in support and even then the majority support had been confined to only 9 of the 30 streets affected and in 3 of those, from the sole respondent. The primary concern raised by residents had been lack of need as parking for residents was not an issue. The report had stated that it should be stressed that the proposals sought to alleviate problems associated with commuter parking and overflow parking from adjacent CPZs. However, that concern was clearly not shared by the majority of residents who were querying the actual need for controlled parking in any form, citing that parking pressures in the area were not especially severe and that the scheme would instead cause unnecessary inconvenience and expense for existing residents and their visitors. Residents did not want this CPZ and did not see any need for it and were objecting to its imposition against their wishes. The recommendation that it should go ahead contradicted the results of the consultation. The report’s primary reason for overturning the wishes of residents seemed to be that CPZs would become increasingly important if policy proposals such as demand management mechanisms e.g. traffic restrictions, or promoting higher density development in the city, were agreed. Those proposals were themselves subject to consultation with the outcome  unknown and, even if implemented, their impact on the Marston North area was uncertain seeming very likely that any impact would be low and well within the tolerance of residents, rendering the CPZ unnecessary. Like other residents, he had not expressed his full objection at the consultation stage since he as presumably had others assumed that the council would determine to press ahead regardless which had now been confirmed by the report.  If it was decided to go ahead against the clear response of residents, he urged that the recommendation to align Horseman Close, Clay Close, Jessops Close and Dents Close with the rest of the CPZ be accepted otherwise, the small amount of football-related parking at weekends would be pointlessly displaced to other streets less able to cope with it and the loss of the 2hr visitor parking would be extremely damaging to community life, unnecessarily constraining after school playdates and the visiting of elderly relatives. It was clear from the consultation that the most disliked aspect of this unwanted proposal was the application of stricter restrictions to these streets with only 9.7% of residents in favour. He asked that this unnecessary CPZ should not be imposed on residents who had clearly demonstrated did not support it but if it was to go ahead against the wishes of residents, then the need to align those four roads referred to above with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5/20

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/077

Contact: Hugh Potter, Group Manager – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by Director for Community Operations (Interim) (CMDE6).

In June 2018 and April 2019 the Cabinet Member for Environment approved a programme of new CPZs in Oxford to address numerous local issues and help support the delivery of wider transport initiatives across the City. This report presents responses to a formal consultation on a new CPZ in the Waterways area.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposals as advertised for a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in the Waterways  area, but with the following also being included for eligibility for resident and visitor permits: Clearwater Place; Complins Close; residential moorings on the Oxford Canal in the vicinity.

The Leader of the Council considered (CMDE6) responses received to a formal consultation on a new CPZ in the Waterways area.

Supporting the scheme County Councillor John Howson appreciated the addition of residents’ parking within the CPZ for those living within the un-adopted ‘Closes’, including those owned by the social housing company. The inclusion of a small number of residential moorings on the Oxford Canal just north of his Division in the scheme was also welcomed as these boaters had traditionally parked in Elizabeth Jennings Way. There was concern about the need for additional double yellow lines west of the canal bridge and this needed to be kept under review.  Finally, as part of the implementation process, he asked whether the double yellow lines protecting the end of the cycle lane and footpath from Bainton Road and the dropped curb be aligned with the footpath rather than the offset arrangement that existed at present. He had asked for this to be undertaken before but had been advised that it needed to be combined within a larger scheme. 

Having regard to the information set out in the report before him and the representations made to him at the meeting the Leader of the Council confirmed his decision as follows:

To approve proposals for a Controlled parking Zone in the Waterways area, but with the following also being included for eligibility for resident and visitor permits namely Clearwater Place; Complins Close and residential moorings on the Oxford Canal in the vicinity.

Signed……………………………………..

Leader of the Council

Date of signing……………………………

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/115

Contact: Hugh Potter, Group Manager – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704/Lee Turner, Principal Officer – Traffic Schemes Tel: 07917 072689

Report by Director for Community Operations (Interim) (CMDE7).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a traffic calming buildout, flat top road hump and realigned footway at B4009 High Street, Goring put forward in conjunction with Goring Parish Council, who have undertaken to majority fund the project subject to approval being given to proceed with the scheme.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposed introduction of traffic calming measures at B4009 High Street, Goring, as advertised.

The Leader of the Council considered (CMDE7) responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a traffic calming buildout, flat top road hump and realigned footway at B4009 High Street, Goring put forward in conjunction with Goring Parish Council, who had undertaken to majority fund the project.

Councillor Kevin Bulmer advised that the Parish Council had worked on this scheme for some time and that it now formed part of the recently agreed Neighbourhood Plan. Goring was a major crossing point on the Thames with a great deal of traffic.  The High Street itself was a traditional street with narrow pavements and was often difficult to cross.  This proposal represented a good balance and he supported it both as the local County Councillor and Parish Councillor.

A written submission in support had also been received from Goring Parish Council setting out in detail the history of the scheme, which had been designed to deal with the problems of vehicle movement through the High Street. A great deal of work had been carried out over the years in conjunction with the County Council to secure a realistic scheme to improve the safety of pedestrians.

Lee Turner confirmed that County officers had worked closely with the Parish Council and that the scheme should achieve safety improvements on a narrow and busy street.

Having regard to the information in the report and the representations made to him at the meeting the Leader of the Council confirmed his decision as follows:

approve the proposed introduction of traffic calming measures at B4009 High Street, Goring, as advertised.

Signed…………………………………………

Leader of the Council

Date of signing……………………………….

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/008

Contact: Hugh Potter, Group Manager – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by Director for Community Operations (Interim) (CMDE8).

The report presents responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a humped zebra crossing and revised traffic calming feature comprising a symmetrical build-out with cycle bypasses in both directions, the latter feature replacing an existing traffic calming build-out put forward as a result of the development of land adjacent to the Didcot Road at Long Wittenham.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposed introduction of a humped zebra crossing and revised traffic calming measures as advertised.

The Leader of the Council considered (CMDE8) responses received to a statutory consultation to introduce a humped zebra crossing and revised traffic calming feature comprising a symmetrical build-out with cycle bypasses in both directions, the latter feature to replace an existing traffic calming build-out put forward as a result of the development of land adjacent to the Didcot Road at Long Wittenham.

Ron Carter a Local Resident of 50 years supported the pedestrian crossing element of the scheme but considered that the traffic calming element needed further investigation as traffic exiting Saxons Heath and Westfield Road had great difficulty getting onto Didcot Road due to the increase of vehicles coming from Didcot and, with Didcot growing at an alarming rate, that would only get worse. Therefore, he was suggesting that the traffic calming scheme be moved to the South side of the Saxons Heath turn by about 50 metres and then to put in speed humps between that and the pedestrian crossing thereby slowing traffic down to a more acceptable speed on Didcot Road.  Conversely moving the traffic calming scheme 50 metres north of the existing position would cause untold problems for the residents of nos 1- 6 Saxons Heath and for a number of senior citizens living there, crossing the road to a bus stop on the opposite side of the road would be difficult.  Moving the traffic calming scheme to the south would allow the residents of Didcot Road easier access to their properties and benefit the village to a greater degree than the scheme currently proposed.

Officers advised that other options had been considered but the conclusion reached was that the scheme as currently proposed presented the best solution avoiding, for example, a long straight length of road between the traffic feature and the sharp bend leading into the village.

The Leader of the Council acknowledged that scheme was required as part of a planning obligation but, being aware of the road environment, asked officers to investigate whether amendments could be made to increase traffic calming benefits in the village.  Therefore, having regard to the information set out in the report before him and the representations made to him at the meeting  confirmed his decision as follows:

to approve the proposed introduction of a humped zebra crossing and revised traffic calming measures on Didcot Road at Long Wittenhamas advertised.

Signed……………………………………..

Leader of the Council

Date of signing……………………………

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/040

Contact: Hugh Potter, Group Manager – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704

Report by Director for Community Operations (Interim) (CMDE9).

The report presents responses to a statutory consultation to introduce and amend waiting restrictions on residential roads within Eynsham where parking is resulting in road safety and access problems for residents put forward following discussions and site meetings with officers, the local member and Eynsham Parish Council. The proposal for Thornbury Road relates to a previous proposal approved by the Cabinet Member for Environment at the delegated decisions meeting on 12 July 2018 but which has required a further consultation due to the order not being made within the statutory 2 year time limit.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposed waiting restrictions as advertised.

The Leader of the Council considered (CMDE9) responses to a statutory consultation to introduce and amend waiting restrictions on residential roads within Eynsham where parking had resulted in road safety and access problems for residents. The proposals had been put forward following discussions and site meetings with officers, the local member and Eynsham Parish Council. The proposal for Thornbury Road related to a previous proposal approved by the Cabinet Member for Environment at the delegated decisions meeting on 12 July 2018, which had required a further consultation as the order had not been made within the statutory 2-year time limit.

Vincent Goodstadt raised two issues both of which supported of the Council’s desire to improve safety and convenience in Eynsham from vehicular traffic. The first related to the detailed parking proposals for the junction of Queens Street and Orchard Close where he lived. He supported the proposal but considered that in order for it to be effective, restrictions needed to be extended and as far as he was aware that view had been supported by all the residents in Orchard Close who had responded, including those neighbours immediately abutting the section of road in question and by the Parish Council.  He considered such an extension to the proposal supported the core objectives of the order and improved on the draft proposals by controlling parking along the whole of the pinch point at the entrance to Orchard Close and took account of the fact that as this road space was shared by vehicles and pedestrians there was a greater need for safety considerations to be taken into account. Secondly, he advised that the proposed parking measures would be much more effective if they formed part of a full public realm plan for the village. No mention of that had been made in any report and he strongly advised that this should be done in anticipation that Eynsham would double in size over the next few years.  He asked that the minor modification in Orchard Close be accepted for inclusion and that preparation of a full public realm strategy for the village centre be undertaken.

Councillor Charles Mathew advised that the loss of bus services in the Lower Windrush valley along with residential development in that area had put further pressure on loading and parking restrictions in Eynsham and, while not curing all of those problems, the proposals would help alleviate some of the pressure and he supported the scheme.

Mike Wasley acknowledged the points made by Councillor Mathew and Mr Goodstadt and would look to see if the proposed extension could be accommodated.

Therefore, having regard to the information set out in the report before him and the representation made to him the Leader of the Council confirmed his decision as follows:

to approve the proposed waiting restrictions on residential roads in Eynsham as advertised andofficers asked to investigate and agree with the parish council possible modifications to the scheme to allow for an extension of the restrictions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9/20

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/062

Contact: Charlotte Simms, Senior Minerals and Waste Planning Officer Tel: 07741 607726

Report by Director for Planning & Place (CMDE10).

The County Council is required to prepare and publish monitoring reports on the Oxfordshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan. This is a procedural and information requirement which has been met by the production each year of a Minerals and Waste Annual Monitoring Report. The Annual Monitoring Report must report on the implementation of the Minerals and Waste Development Scheme (the programme for preparation of the Minerals and Waste Local Plan) and on the extent to which local plan policies are being achieved. A draft Oxfordshire Minerals and Waste Annual Monitoring Report 2018 (Calendar Year) has been prepared, covering the year 1 January to 31 December 2018.

The draft Annual Monitoring Report 2018 reports on progress in the preparation of the revised Minerals and Waste Local Plan in relation to the programme in the Council's Minerals and Waste Development Scheme.

It also reports on:

a)  production of aggregate minerals;

b)  permissions granted for mineral working and landbanks of permitted reserves;

c)  production of secondary and recycled aggregates;

d)  amounts of waste produced and methods of management;

e)  permissions granted for waste management facilities and capacity of facilities.

It cross refers to the Council's Local Aggregate Assessment 2019 and Waste Needs Assessments 2020 and 2015, which contain more detailed information and will sit alongside and complement the Annual Monitoring Report. In addition, it reports on work undertaken by the Council to meet the Duty to Cooperate.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to:

(a) approve the Oxfordshire Minerals and Waste Annual Monitoring Report 2018 (Calendar Year) annexed to the report CMDE10;

(b) authorise the Director for Planning & Place to carry out any necessary

     final editing of the Minerals and Waste Annual Monitoring Report 2018

     (Calendar Year) for publication on the County Council website.

The County Council was required to prepare and publish monitoring reports on the Oxfordshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan as a procedural and information requirement. Predominantly a factual document the draft Annual Monitoring Report 2018 now before the Leader of the Council (CMDE10) reported on progress in the preparation of the revised Minerals and Waste Local Plan in relation to the programme in the Council's Minerals and Waste Development Scheme and also:

a)  production of aggregate minerals;

b)  permissions granted for mineral working and landbanks of permitted reserves;

c)    production of secondary and recycled aggregates;

d)  amounts of waste produced and methods of management;

e)  permissions granted for waste management facilities and capacity of facilities.

It cross referred to the Council's Local Aggregate Assessment 2019 and Waste Needs Assessments 2020 and 2015, sitting alongside and complementing the Annual Monitoring Report and reporting on work undertaken by the Council to meet the Duty to Cooperate.

Having regard to the information set out in the report before him the Leader of the Council confirmed his decision as follows:

(a)       approve the Oxfordshire Minerals and Waste Annual Monitoring Report      2018 (Calendar Year) annexed to the report CMDE10;

(b)       authorise the Director for Planning & Place to carry out any necessary

            Final editing of the Minerals and waste Annual Monitoring Report 2018 (Calendar Year) for publication on the County Council website.

Signed…………………………………….

Leader of the Council

Date of signing……………………………