Decisions

To seek approval for the introduction of traffic calming features and new pedestrian crossings

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair confirmed that this scheme had been worked on for a long time and that there was support from the parish council, and the previous, and current County Councillor.

It was stated that the crossing was essential to allow for the safe crossing of the road by pedestrians.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve the following features in Drayton (nr Abingdon) as advertised:

a) Raised Zebra crossing on the B4016 High Street,

b) Raised table traffic calming feature incorporating a Zebra crossing on the B4017 Abingdon Road.

Part of the reserved matters application for the Plot 4200 of ARC Oxford include improvements to the pedestrian and cycle facility (effectively a crossing point) along Boswell Road, off Barns Road.

The cycle / pedestrian improvements are located in a public highway and adjustments to the arrangement is subject to a S278 agreement with the Local Highway Authority. The TRO is for the proposed Double Yellow Lines, which will be required to avoid blocking and congesting the proposed pedestrian crossing buildout.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair referenced a petition that was sent over and dealt with via the decision-making process.

Officers confirmed that it was a Section 106 planning obligation from the developer.

Officers commented on the specific details of the proposal and the Chair referred to the work of the LCWIP being worked towards.

It was confirmed that there would be a loss of parking spaces to accommodate double yellow lines and increased visibility splays.

Following a question from the Chair, officers stated that Boswell Road was part of the CPZ for the area.

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

RESOLVED to:

a)     Approve the following features in Boswell Road, in Oxford as advertised:

b)    b) ‘Buildout’ feature to be located on the eastern side, adjacent to the footpath linking to John Smith Drive,

c)    c) ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) parking restrictions on both the east & west sides.

To seek approval for the introduction of waiting restrictions in Adderbury and Bloxham being promoted by the Parish Council's.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting and referred to a submitted written statement.

Officers re-iterated that this was a parish council-led scheme.

The Chair referred to several consultation responses. The Chair thanked officers and agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED to:

Approve the following as advertised:

a) ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) on High Street & Croft Lane, Adderbury,

b) ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) on Courtington Lane & Workhouse Lane, Bloxham,

c) ‘No Waiting, Monday to Saturday 8am to 4pm’ (single yellow lines) on Courtington Lane, Bloxham.

NOT approve the following as advertised:

d) ‘Two-hour permitted parking, Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm, No return within one-hour’ bays on High Street & Lake Walk, Adderbury,

e) ‘30-minute permitted parking, Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm, No return within one-hour’ bay on High Street, Adderbury,

f) ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) on High Street & Lake Walk, Adderbury. (High Street & The Green).

To seek approval for the introduction and amendments to Disabled Persons Parking Places.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair noted that the purpose of these recommendations were to meet the needs of individuals.

The Chair noted the support from County Councillors in their respective areas.

Officers confirmed that the blue badge goes to the vehicle, rather than the person.

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: Station Road, Alvescot; Abbey Road, Banbury; Crouch Hill Road, Banbury; Foscote Rise, Banbury; Kings Road, Banbury; Mold Crescent, Banbury; Withycombe Drive, Banbury; Woodgreen Avenue, Banbury; Blake Road, Bicester; Hertford Close, Bicester; Leach Road, Bicester; Wear Road, Bicester; Little Green, Bloxham; Orchard Rise, Chesterton; Cornish Road, Chipping Norton; Walterbush Road, Chipping Norton; Cleveley Court, Enstone; Merton Close, Eynsham; Saywell Crescent, Eynsham; Marlborough Avenue, Kidlington; North Green, Kirtlington; Troy Lane, Kirtlington,

b) The proposed removal of Disabled Persons Parking Places (DPPP) at: Cromwell Road, Banbury; Hailey Road, Chipping Norton,

c) To not approve the provision of a DPPP at the following location: Church Street, Deddington; The Village Close, Upper Arncott; Mill Farm Lane, Witney,

d) To not approve the removal of a DPPP at the following location: Honor Close, Kidlington.

Proposals for a Zonal hybrid car club vehicle for the central area of Thame.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair stated that this gave an alternative option of transport methods.

The Chair confirmed that the scheme was funding through Section 106 monies specifically for this purpose.

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

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the introduction of hybrid Car Club vehicles in the central area of Thame for use within bays displaying a ‘TH’ prefix.

Part of the County-wide 20mph Speed Limit Project

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

The Chair referred to several submitted written statements and consultation responses, including the standard response referring to ‘concerns’ from Thames Valley Police, specifically about enforcement.

The Director of Environment and Highways took away an action to provide the formal position of the County Council on Traffic Advisory Committees (TAC).

Officers confirmed that the process of 20mph speed limit schemes begin with the support of local County Councillors through the TAC or the parish/town council. This is then brought forward to consultation after officers design detailed schemes through the application of County Council policies.

The Chair welcomed support for 20mph speed limits outside schools but pointed out that children make journeys on roads not just directly outside schools.

Officers confirmed that TRO’s can be made on unadopted roads, and that Kingsmere Road was included in the scheme.

Officers confirmed that the Council took its own approach in the October 2021 policy compared with the Department for Transport guidance.

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

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Bicester as advertised.

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

The Chair stated that his job was to test the recommendations in the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) against Council policy and government guidance, not to rewrite the plan.

The Director of Environment and Highways suggested an amended recommendation (b) to give greater flexibility should issues arise regarding schemes having to be removed or inserted into the plan, as well as reflecting the scope of the role of the Cabinet Member in that process.

Officers confirmed that the amendment of existing bus services would have to be in agreement with the bus companies.

Officers noted that the approximate price per bus per bus route was £200,000.

The Chair noted the weight restrictions in place over Donnington Bridge and reflected that bridges across Oxfordshire needed repair but there was limited funding available.

The Chair was supportive of requests to publicise the MyBus ticket more prominently.

The Chair was pleased to see a coherent approach to enhancing the budget, based upon the principles outlined in the LTCP.

The Chair noted that a service from Reading to Sonning Common demonstrated good partnership working.

The Chair thanked County Councillors and members of the public for their engagement, which demonstrated the importance of bus services.

Officers confirmed that if any amendments were to be made, that decision would be brought back to a Delegated Decisions meeting.

The Chair thanked officers, speakers and agreed to recommendations as amended.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the Oxfordshire Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) Delivery Plan for 2025/26 and its submission to the Department for Transport; and

b)    Delegate authority to the Director of Environment & Highways to approve the implementation of individual projects contained in the BSIP Delivery Plan for 2025/26 and to make any changes in scope and funding across the approved programmes as needed to the programme in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport Management.

Cllr Phillips, as the member for Barton, Sandhills & Risinghurst, addressed concerns about reduction of bus services for children attending Wheatley Park School, and concerns about the safety of their children who would need to cross the dual carriageway without a pedestrian crossing. Cllr Phillips also raised concerns over the safety of the cycle path.

Kimberly Morgan highlighted systemic failings by Oxfordshire County Council in supporting SEND children, referencing 13 cases upheld by the Local Government Ombudsman. She emphasised the need for a fit-for-purpose action plan and trauma-informed approaches, urging the Committee to ensure the proposed policies genuinely meet the needs of SEND children.

Anita Steptoe shared her experience as a mother of a child with autism and developmental delays, detailing the failures in handling her son's EHCP and the distress caused by inadequate support. She called for an apology from the Council and urged the Committee to ensure no other parent endures similar hardships.

Claire Brenner, speaking on behalf of the Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) working group, discussed the need for detailed, comprehensive guidance on EOTAS, expressing concerns about the current draught policy and its lack of clarity. She emphasised the importance of trauma-informed approaches and urged the Committee to ensure the policy and guidance are co-produced with parents and reflect their needs.

Neil Barry, speaking as a parent of a former Woodeaton student, described the decline of Woodeaton Manor School, attributing it to the exodus of over fifty staff members and the failure of the interim governing board. He referred to early visits by the Chief Executive of the Propeller Academy Trust and alleged conflicts of interest among governors.

Melody Drinkwater addressed the Committee on behalf of Oxfordshire SEND Parent Action and set out the group’s concerns about the Council's response to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) directive for section 19. She emphasised the trauma experienced by the SEND community and called for measures to mitigate harm and address unmet needs. Ms Drinkwater expressed disappointment with the lack of co-production in the latest plan and urged the Committee to consider an extraordinary meeting with stakeholders before the next Cabinet meeting in July.

Katie Squires described her son's experience at Woodeaton Manor School. Initially supportive, the school faced issues when the headteacher took leave, leading to staffing problems and reduced timetables. High staff turnover caused disruption, triggering her son's anxiety and self-harm. Essential therapies ceased, and parent communication declined. Ms Squires withdrew her son, who lacked alternative provision for seven months. She called for accountability and highlighted the impact of this situation.

Nadine Haigh shared her experience as a full-time caregiver to two teenagers needing EOTAS packages. She requested a short-term deferral of the draft EOTAS policy for genuine consultation with parents.

D/Cllr Sally Whiteman explained that she had sat on the Committee until the May 2025 election and expressed concerns about the lack of communication from Woodeaton about future plans and lack of transparency over the dealings of Woodeaton.  She encouraged the Committee to ensure they scrutinised the issue in full.

Emma Bliss discussed the severe impact of trauma and burnout on families needing EOTAS. She described the catastrophic effects of trauma on children, including loss of basic abilities and constant distress. Ms Bliss criticised the EOTAS policy for not mentioning trauma and stressed the importance of a trauma-informed approach.

Tressa Verrier highlighted that parents generally want their children in school and criticised schools for failing to meet children's needs, leading to crises and the need for alternative provision. Ms Verrier shared her personal experience of her son being ignored by his school, resulting in him walking out and eventually refusing to return. She emphasised the importance of the action plan arising from the Section 19 report kicking in quickly to save children and reduce costs for the local authority.

The Chair had invited Oxfordshire Parent Carer Forum to address the Committee, with Jules Francis-Sinclair, the Co-Chair, raising concerns about the Section 19 response's lack of clarity, transparency, and accountability. She noted that the Council had admitted confusion about its duties, leading to legal issues. Ms Francis-Sinclair criticised the action plan's development without proper consultation and harmful language in documents. She called for a formal apology, meaningful co-production, and improved oversight of Section 19 and EOTAS guidance. 

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair noted the support for the scheme from the local County Councillor.

The Chair confirmed that, if approved, the scheme would be subject to monitoring after implementation to address any issues that arise.

The Chair noted the specific issue of churches regarding parking schemes and that funeral hearses were exempt from double yellow lines restrictions.

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

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of three additional sections of ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ on the north side of Church Road in Wheatley, as advertised.

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

The Chair confirmed that the Council was working with Thames Valley Police, and the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to address the issue of speeding on the A420. The Director of Environment and Highways noted that the PCC had committed to introduce speed cameras on the A420. Officers confirmed that the PCC’s proposals would include this stretch of road.

It was noted by the Chair that this scheme was a welcome step, but that further improvements were also needed.

The Chair referenced several consultation responses.

Officers confirmed that the 20mph speed limits scheme was completed, but that reviews would be undertaken across the county to address specific concerns and to get feedback from parish and town councils.

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

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the 40mph speed limit on Oaksmere in Appleton, between its junction with the A420 & the new 20mph speed limit terminal, and,

b)    Approve the 50mph speed limit on the A420, between the existing 50mph limits at Tubney Wood & Parklands Manor (ex. Besselsleigh School), as advertised.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair noted the support of the scheme from the local County Councillor.

The Chair noted the scheme was part of a planning approval process from 2017 and that the scheme intended to make the best of constraints at the site.

The Chair referenced several consultation responses.

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

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the extension of the existing ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ parking restrictions on the southern side of Canada Lane in Faringdon, and

b)    Approve the introduction of a `Build-out` traffic calming feature on the southern side of Canada Lane adjacent to ‘Devon House’, as advertised.

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

The Chair read out a submitted written statement.

Officers confirmed that Bardwell Rd already had minor side road entry treatments, and it was felt Belbroughton Rd would benefit from this scheme.

The Chair referenced coach parking on Charlbury Rd by Oxford High School.

The Chair noted that the intention of the proposals was to reallocate road space to pedestrians and cyclists.

Following a question regarding the compatibility of the scheme with cycling tracks on Banbury Rd, officers confirmed that no funding was available in the short-term and felt the proposed scheme complimented the cycling tracks.

Officers noted that they were investigating the rain gardens being used as sustainable drainage as part of the design process.

The Chair stated that the Council’s 20mph speed limits project had concluded, but that Oxford was not actioned during the 3-year period due to the closure of the Botley Rd. It was confirmed that the plan is still to bring forward a proposal for 20mph speed limits in Oxford. This would further help safety in relation to the proposals.

Officers stated that emails of support for the scheme had been received from My Vision Oxfordshire.

The Chair noted that the Council was told by the government on where and how to spend the money available from the Safer Roads Fund.

The Chair referenced several consultation responses.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve the following highway improvement measures for implementation, as advertised and shown in annex 1 and 2:

a) Continuous crossing points, known as side road entry treatments on the following roads:

i. Belbroughton Road,

ii. Linton Road,

iii. Rawlinson Road,

iv. Norham Road,

v. Bevington Road,

vi. Radcliffe Road,

vii. Iffley Turn (South),

viii. Westbury Crescent, and

ix. Courtland Road (North & South junctions), with variation to the design on the following roads with bus routes - St. Margarets Road, and Cornwallis Road.

b) Extension of the existing ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) parking restrictions on:

i. the southern side of Radcliffe Road by approximately 7.5 metres, and ii. the northern side of Westbury Crescent by approximately 8 metres.

c) Install solar studs along the cycle routes to more clearly separate the cycleway from the carriageway.

d) Improvement works to pedestrian refuge islands.?

e) Delegate the approval of final design of the scheme to the Director of Environment and Highways in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport Management.

The Cabinet Member approved the recommendations.

RESOLVED to:

a)    approve the extension of commissioned contracts and call-off contracts related to the Primary Care Dynamic Approved Provider List Agreement (DAPL) for the provision of Long Acting Reversible Contraception, NHS Health Checks, and Drug Use Shared Care services by Primary Care for a period of one year from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027; and

b)    delegate authority to the Director of Public Health in consultation with the Head of Legal and Deputy Monitoring Officer and s.151 Officer to extend the current DAPL contracts and associated call-off contracts for 12 months from 1st April 2026.