Decisions

The minutes were approved.

There were none.

There were none.

There were none.

The Oxfordshire County Council Air Quality Strategy has a Route Map with actions.  In order to ensure the actions remain up to date and relevant some have been completed, removed, amended or new ones added.

The Chair approved the recommendations subject to the following amendments to the list of actions in the Route Map.

1.    The reinstatement of this action:

Deliver parking controls, traffic reduction schemes and congestion management measures to reduce private car use and improve local air quality.

2.    Revision of five actions as follows:

a.    Work to reduce air pollution from waste disposal including development of the circular economy strategy.

Removed as complete as a programme of actions to reduce air pollution included in waste disposal activities and air quality expertise involved in development of the County Councils Circular Economy strategy.

b.    Work with local partners to deliver the Oxfordshire Energy Strategy and supporting projects.

Removed as complete as the council has recruited to a new post to support addressing energy challenges.  Partners continue to work on delivery of the Oxfordshire Energy Strategy. 

c.    Ensure air quality impacts are included as a consideration in county council planning consultation responses including in Health Impact Assessments of strategic developments and major infrastructure schemes, particularly where this is related to county council functions such as transport.

An audit of planning application responses by the Public Health service was carried out in the summer of 2024 and air quality impacts were considered so this action removed as complete as ongoing.

d.    Ensure air quality is included as a potential health impact when conducting HIAs on major transport schemes or plans and any adverse impacts on local air quality are effectively mitigated.

Removed as complete as the HIA guidance available on Oxfordshire Healthy Place Shaping webpages which includes air quality as a potential health impact.

e.    Work with our Air Quality Partners to understand current monitoring in Oxfordshire and develop a joined up, integrated approach to local air quality monitoring.

Removed as complete as University of Birmingham completed a review of air quality monitors and monitoring sites are included on the Oxonair website

Increased capacity of a service that the Council holds a contract for to improve the health and wellbeing of resident by addressing fuel poverty.

To execute optional elements of the contract to provide a grant fund for £50,000 to the service provider to administer to residents in line with the contract specification and Options Uptake Notice.

Cost of Living funding was made available, decided in Cabinet on the 19^th November 2024, to provide this additional funding for energy saving/costs measures.

Key Decision 4^th July 2023

To allow the continued maintenance and refurbishment of the traffic signal asset base.

To award a new traffic signals and maintenance contract.

Enhance access to FibroScan testing and early detection of liver disease for Oxfordshire Turning Point service users and underserved populations.

Potentially increase the number of people with alcohol dependency who are accessing treatment

Support delivery of local strategic priorities including the Combating Drugs Partnership action to increase the number of people who are alcohol dependant accessing treatment through increased capacity in treatment.

To provide funding to Turning Point – the Council commissioned provider of Oxfordshire Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS), for the purchase of a FibroScan device to be used within the service.

There were none.

5 Budget and Business Planning 2025/26 – 2027/28

Debbie Davies (Oxfordshire Road Action Alliance)

Robert Parker (Shirburn Parish Council)

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Kate Gregory.

To propose the 2025/26 revenue budget, MTFP and capital programme for recommendation to Council in light of comments from the Performance & Corporate Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee and consultation feedback.

Recommendations approved.

These decisions are not subject to Scrutiny call-in.

Cabinet received the report and recommendations. The Cabinet response was published in Addenda 2.

Part of Phase 3 Countywide 20mph Speed Limit Project.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair and officers confirmed that the scheme could not be extended to roads as part of new developments because the roads were not adopted.

The Chair thanked officers and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in East Challow, as advertised.

Part of Phase 3 Countywide 20mph Speed Limit Project.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair referenced several of the consultation responses.

The Chair thanked officers and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Shenington with Alkerton, as advertised.

To seek approval of a proposed 20mph speed limit

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

Officers noted that an extension to the scheme was not possible without further consultation; and that an extension could be looked at as part of the monitoring of the scheme.

The Chair referred to several of the consultation responses.

The Chair agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Beckley and Stowood, as advertised.

Changes required in order to improve the visibility splay at the entrance to Flower Lane from Howard Street to prevent any conflict between all road users at this point.

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

Officers referred to specific details of the proposed scheme, with the intention of segregating pedestrians and cyclists with bollards.

The Chair noted that officers have addressed concerns to mitigate risks associated with the scheme.

The Chair referred to specific elements of the scheme outlined in the report and welcomed the good level of consultation response.

Officers confirmed that the hump would be level with the pavement to ensure there was no level difference and allow a smooth transition across the road.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of new ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ parking restrictions (double yellow lines) on Howard Street in place of approximately 5 metres of ‘Permit Holders only’ parking, as advertised.

Introduction of permit parking bays.

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to their points in turn.

Officers confirmed there is an annual charge for residents parking permits, and also noted there was no formal response from St Mary’s Church.

The Chair referred to several consultation responses, and several elements of the report relating to hours of use and the impact on businesses.

The Chair made one small amendment to recommendation e), changing the wording to ‘WY’, relating to Witney, rather than ‘CH’ – shown in bold italics below.

The Chair thanked officer for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report as amended.

RESOLVED to:

Approve the introduction of parking controls Witney as follows:

a) The introduction of parking places on Church Green (eastern arm and southern arm) for permit holders (WY) or 2-hour maximum stay for non-permit holders during the hours of 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

b) The introduction of parking places on Corn Street (both sides) for permit holders (WY) or 2-hour maximum stay for non-permit holders during the hours of 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

c) The introduction of parking places on Market Street (both sides) for permit holders (WY) or 2-hour maximum stay for non-permit holders during the hours of 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

d) The introduction of parking places on Church Green (central arm) for permit holders (WY) or 4-hour maximum stay for non-permit holders during the hours of 6am to 10pm, daily.

e) To include property Nos.2–20 (even numbers) Station Lane in the schedule of eligible properties for the issue of a CH WY permit.

f) To include property Nos.1–24 Charter Place in the schedule of eligible properties.

g) To include all properties in Marlborough Lane in the schedule of eligible properties.

The County Council is planning to introduce a CPZ in Lower Wolvercote as part of wider strategy to manage on-street parking in the City, which aims to reduce traffic in Oxford.

The Chair stated that he was the local County Councillor for Wolvercote & Summertown, and that he had taken advice from the Monitoring Officer considering the item affected his own division. Given that the Chair had no prior involvement in the scheme, except receiving a letter informing him of the consultation as the local County Councillor, he was advised by the Monitoring Officer that there is no conflict of interest nor any specific interest to declare in respect of this item.  

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

Officers confirmed that a consultation on this scheme in 2022 was for operating hours of Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, which was deferred. Similar schemes in Oxford were designed on a case-by-case basis.

The Oxford North development was referenced in terms of how it would impact parking and network management.

In terms of loading and unloading vehicles, officers confirmed that this could be undertaken on double yellow lines, but that the vehicle would have to move after the loading or unloading had taken place.  

Noting questions regarding signage, officers stated that this was a case of balancing legal requirements against local need.

Officers discussed concerns around Elmthorpe Road, and the need of balancing visitor parking and space for vehicles to pass through the road.

Following a question from the Chair, officers reflected that the parking beat survey was not about ‘who’ was parking, but about parking stress surveys to test how many cars were parking at the weekends, on weekdays and in the summer months.

The Chair and officers noted the engagement with the canal boat community during the implementation of the Upper Wolvercote CPZ.

The Chair raised the question of businesses that are run from home and the parking implications arising from that. Officers confirmed that users of the business would have to make use of time-limited spaces within the zone, or visitor permits, but noted that these were limited in numbers.

Officers noted that residents who need regular care from health professionals and/or family, were eligible for a Carers Permit.

Officers and the Chair engaged in discussions about the consultation process.

The Chair referred to some of the written statements submitted.

Following discussion around pavement parking, officers stated that the government was currently consulting on this and that the Council was monitoring this issue.

The Chair confirmed that CPZ’s do not raise revenue for the County Council and that there was case law to show this. Officers noted that fees and charges were set annually each year and that the proposals in the proposed budget going to Council was for no increase to occur.

The Chair pointed out that roads are public highway, owned by the highways authority (the County Council) and that there wasn’t an immediate right to be able to park outside a specific property.

Officers confirmed they wanted to undertake parking surveys after the recent introduction of charges in Godstow Road Car Park by Oxford City Council, but that it had not been possible due to delays in the introduction of charges.

The Chair referenced several of the consultation responses, relating to speeding, car clubs, specific parking issues amongst others.

The Chair re-iterated that CPZ’s were the adopted policy of the County Council across Oxfordshire and noted the synergies of policies.

The Chair noted the impact of the introduction of parking charges at Godstow Road Car Park and the development at Oxford North. The Chair noted the leisure use being different at Port Meadow in winter compared to summer.

The Chair deferred the item and asked officers to undertake further beat surveys to evaluate the aforementioned schemes of the Oxford North development and charges at Godstow Road Car Park.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to defer the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

Defer the following measures:

a) The Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) Monday to Sunday 8am – 8pm permit holders only and the 3 hour shared use (permit holders or non-permit holders) parking bays in Lower Wolvercote as advertised.

b) The ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions (double yellow lines) as advertised.

c) The time limited 3 hour parking bay (for non-permit holders only) on Godstow Road as advertised.

Part of Phase 3 of Countywide 20mph Speed Limit Project.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting, invited speakers to make their addresses and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

Officers confirmed that the framework for the initial phase of the 20mph Speed Limit programme required the agreement of the Town Council and local County Councillor.

Officers confirmed that a Vision Zero Review would be undertaken with feedback from local County Councillors and residents.

The Chair referred to evidence which he felt suggested positive impacts of the 20mph speed limit scheme.

The Chair referred to several consultation responses outlined in the report.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the introduction of the additional 20mph speed limits in southern Didcot as advertised.

Part of Phase 3 Countywide 20mph Speed Limit Project.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting and raised the topic of giving the consultation to Wokingham Unitary Authority. Officers confirmed this point and noted that it was because part of the Thames river bridge sits within their jurisdiction.

The Chair thanked officers and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Eye & Dunsden, as advertised.

To seek approval for the introduction and amendments to, disabled parking places across South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting and reflected that these items were ongoing processes that were designed to reflect demand and necessity.

The Chair referenced some of the specific roads referenced in the report.

Officers noted that the recommendation would provide flexibility to determine the marking based upon the judgment of officers.

The Chair thanked officers and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

Approve the following:

a) The proposed provision of Disabled Persons Parking Places (DPPP) at: Caldecott Close, Abingdon; Maberley Close, Abingdon; Swinburne Road, Abingdon; Fane Drive, Berinsfield; Station Road, Chinnor; Hagbourne Road, Didcot; Childery Way, East Challow; Boucher Close, Grove; Poplar Grove, Kennington; Lea Road, Sonning Common; Ireton Court, Thame; Naldertown, Wantage.

b) The proposed removal of a DPPP at: No. 12 Orchard Way, Wantage.

c) Defer approval of the DPPP at the following location pending further investigations: No. 13 Orchard Way, Wantage.

d) Defer approval of the removal of a DPPP at the following location: Gainsborough Crescent, Henley-on-Thames.

To seek approval for the introduction of a permit parking area in the central area of Didcot

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair noted that enforcement needed to improve, both as a sanction and a deterrent and stated that the civil enforcement procurement process was underway for local Councillors to feed into.

Officers referred to the issue of Sundays being included and along with the Chair, confirmed it would remain under review.

The Chair and officers engaged in discussion regarding the particular issues as raised by the local Church, with relation to a Monday-Saturday scheme.

The Chair referred to petition previously presented at a meeting last year regarding Lydalls Road parking issues.

Officers noted that the amount of visitor permits was consistent in zones across the County.

Following a question from the Chair, officers confirmed their engagement with the School Streets programme team to mitigate any potential impacts and that a permit parking area could help in tackling parking during the hours of operation for these schemes.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

Approve the introduction of parking controls in Didcot as follows:

a)    The introduction of no waiting at any time restrictions on sections of Bosleys Orchard, Edinburgh Drive, Garth Road, Haydon Road, King Alfred Drive, Lydalls Close, Lydalls Road, Manor Road, Melton Drive, Orchard Close, and Stonor Close.

b)    The introduction of permit holders only past this point restrictions, during the hours of 8am to 8pm, every day, on sections of Blagrave Close, Blenheim Close, Bosleys Orchard, Britwell Road, Edinburgh Drive (excluding that section adjacent to Broadway), Garth Road, Haydon Road, King Alfred Drive, Lydalls Close, Lydalls Road, Manor Road, Melton Drive, Orchard Close, Roman Place, and Stonor Close.

c)    To remove All Saints Court and Great Western Drive from the proposals, but to include them in monitoring the impact of the scheme.

d)    To proceed with the proposals in Lydalls Road (West), but to instruct officers to review the parking restrictions in the vicinity of All Saints Church, after a period of three months, in discussion directly with the local Reverend and Church representatives and, if necessary, introduce a minor amendment order to further assist with visitors to the church for events.

To seek approval for the introduction of a number of new parking measures including residents parking and no waiting restrictions

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

Officers confirmed that the restrictions proposed do not stop picking up or dropping off.

The Chair agreed that the issue of enforcement, raised by public speakers, was an extremely important one.

The Chair noted that the intention of controlled parking zones was to safeguard the amenity of residents.

The Chair noted a slight error in recommendation e), which should have read ‘on the east side of North Street only’, rather than ‘on the east side only North Street only’ – as shown in bold italics below.

Officers and the Chair discussed the exemptions that were rightly applied for funerals and weddings.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, speakers for their contributions and agreed to the recommendations as amended

RESOLVED to:

Approve the introduction of parking controls in Thame as follows:

a) The introduction of no waiting at any time restrictions on sections of Church Road, Ludsden Grove and Lupton Road.

b) The removal of no waiting at any time restrictions to be replaced by an access protection marking between N.101 & 103 Chinnor Road.

c) The introduction of permit holder only bays (TH prefix), 8am – 6pm, Monday to Saturday on parts of Church Road.

d) The formalisation of an existing disabled bay on Church Road, in front of the access to St. Mary’s Church.

e) The introduction of Shared-use permit holders or 2 hour max stay parking bays (8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday) on the east side only of North Street only, to replace no waiting restrictions.

f) The extension of properties currently eligible to apply for residents permits to also be eligible for visitor permits in High Street, Cornmarket and Upper High Street.

The meeting commenced and adjourned on 5 September was resumed in private session.

An updated report was circulated at the meeting.  The recommendations in the report were approved.

To report on a quarterly basis any executive decisions taken under the specific powers and functions delegated under the terms of Part 7.1 (Scheme of Delegation to Officers) of the Council’s Constitution – Paragraph 6.3(c)(i).  It is not for Scrutiny call-in.

Recommendations approved.

Recommendations approved.

Recommendations approved.

Approve the commencement of work to consider the options for future civil enforcement provision. 

Recommendations approved.

Recommendations approved.

Cabinet received the reports and will respond in due course.

There were no appointments to report to this meeting.

9 Citizens’ Assembly Update

Robin Tucker

13 Local Flood Risk Management Strategy Update

Cllr Lois Muddiman (Oxford City Council)

14 Civil Enforcement Procurement

Danny Yee

Claire Hamlett

Robin Tucker

There were none received.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 December 2024 were approved as a correct record.

There were none.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Tim Bearder.

A motion was passed at Council on 5 November 2024 requesting Cabinet to consider actions in response to Government means-testing of Winter Fuel Payments.

Recommendations approved

New mental health contract to be awarded 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2035. Approval for OCC budget required

Recommendations approved.

Item to note submission of Expression of Interest under Warm Homes Local Grant.  Asking Cabinet to Delegate authority to review terms and agree grant should application be sucessful.

Recommendations approved.

Agreement to the Draft Strategy in advance of public consultation.

Under the Floods and Water Management Act 2010, Oxfordshire County Council in its role as the Lead Local Flood Authority must prepare a Local flood Risk Management Strategy covering local sources of flooding.  The Council already have an existing strategy and this paper and attached strategy is an update to this strategy to cover statutory and non-statutory responsibilities and to provide a framework for managing the local sources of flooding.

Recommendations approved.

Report on variation to the capital programme for approval (as required).

Recommendations approved.

The business management reports are part of a suite of performance, risk and budget documents which set out our ambitions, priorities, and financial performance.

Recommendations approved.