Decisions

Part of Phase 3 Countywide 20mph Speed Limit Project.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair noted the support for the scheme from Letcombe Regis Parish Council.

The Chair referred to several detailed consultation responses with local knowledge.

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

RESOLVED:

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

A decision is sought on the proposed 20mph speed limits.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair referenced the requests from the parish council for the specific details of the scheme, as shown on the map in the agenda, and also noted consultation responses about the Faringdon Road.

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

RESOLVED to:

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

Part of Phase 3 Countywide 20mph Speed Limit Project.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair noted the good level of consultation response, which was welcomed, and stated that the scheme was a clear application of policy.

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

RESOLVED to:

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

Part of Phase 3 Countywide 20mph Speed Limit Project

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair referenced a response from the Highmoor Parish Council, which provided support for the scheme.

The Chair asked officers to continue discussions with one property which does not have good visibility from their access point.

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

RESOLVED:

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

Part of Phase 3 of Countywide 20mph Speed Limit Project

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair noted the support from the local parish council and acknowledged their disappointment relating to not being able to change the 40mph speed limit on the A1430. It was noted that this was outside the scope of this scheme.

Officers confirmed speed limits would be reviewed on A & B roads as part of a broader Vision Zero review.

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

RESOLVED to:

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

Part of Phase 3 Countywide Speed Limit Project.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair noted that the Wheatley Parish Council was supportive of the scheme, noting the comments relating to some amendments in their submission. It was noted that discussions continue with Holton Parish Council regarding the 20mph limits.

The Chair and officers confirmed that discussions would continue around enforcement with Thames Valley Police.

The Chair referenced several consultation responses relating to speeds and collisions.

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

RESOLVED to:

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

A decision is sought on the proposed 20mph speed limits.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair referenced the consultation response from TVP and that the comment did not refer to this particular scheme.

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

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits at Hardwick and Yelford as advertised.

To seek a decision on the proposed introduction of waiting restrictions on Armstrong Road, associated with a development.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

Officers clarified why no objections were made initially in 2020, as the development has not yet been built and no-one was living on Armstrong Road at that point.

The Chair referred to several of the consultation responses, but noted the context of the decision to be made, in terms of the Section 278 agreement made and agreed through the planning process.

Officers noted that blue badges are allocated to the person rather than the vehicle, and also referenced the observation period for double-yellow lines so that parking enforcement officers can distinguish between a legitimate need to be there or not.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve the implementation of parking restrictions and traffic calming features as follows:

a)    The introduction of no waiting at any time restrictions (double yellow lines) on sections of Armstrong Road as advertised.

b)    The introduction of raised tables on sections of Armstong Road as advertised.

To seek approval for the introduction of a raised table traffic calming feature on Denchworth Road, Grove.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair made the point that the decision was relating to a Section 278 agreement through the planning process. Officers confirmed that the scheme was developer funded.

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

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the introduction of a Raised Table traffic calming feature at the Denchworth Road/The Maples/Barley Way junction, in Grove as advertised.

To seek a decision on proposals for 20mph in the village and 40mph speed limit on the A44, Begbroke.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair noted the progress of the implementation of the 20mph schemes.

The Chair referenced that the overall schemes required local support, which in this case was not present relating to the 20mph part of the recommendations. Officers explained that a decision was made to include 20mph limits in the consultation as it was initially unclear if the parish council was in favour or not.

Officers and the Chair engaged in discussions around the technical details of the toucan crossing and the 40mph speed limit.

The Chair referenced the response from the Oxford Bus Company related to wider transport policies.

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

RESOLVED to:

a) To approve the proposed 40mph speed limit on the A44 at Begbroke as advertised.

b) To not approve the proposed 20mph speed limits on the village roads at Begbroke.

To seek approval for the introduction of 20mph speed limits in Asthall Leigh & Field Assarts.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair referenced the support from the parish council, and asked officers around signage moving from a national speed limit to a 20mph speed limit. Officers stated that signage would be provided for a 20mph limit.

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

RESOLVED:

a)    Approve the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits at Asthall, Asthall Leigh and Field Assarts as advertised.

As a result of road safety concerns raised regarding access for residents, and in particular school children, to and from the bus stops located on either side of the A417 Reading Road in the vicinity of the junction with The Greenway, it is proposed to provide a Puffin (signal controlled) crossing.

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

The Chair referenced the importance of local knowledge to inform schemes and thanked speakers for their contributions.

The Chair agreed to the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED:

Approve the following features on the A417 Reading Road, in West Hendred as advertised:

a) Puffin Crossing located approx. 30 metres east of the junction with The Greenway, and

b) Bus Stop Clearways at the bus stops on the north and south sides of the A417 in the vicinity of the Puffin Crossing.

Scheme has been developed following earlier informal consultation with residents to address local concerns with traffic speeds on Westbury Crescent as well as a higher volume of traffic using the southern half of the Crescent. Scheme includes the introduction of One-Way Streets and traffic calming.

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

The Chair made reference to the point of consultations being for respondents to provide their viewpoints, before the decision-maker analyses responses and comes to a judgement. It was noted that consultation feedback in this specific scheme had led to slight alterations of the proposals.

Officers noted that the planters can be monitored, and changed if required, due to specific concerns that arise.

The Chair and officers engaged in discussion about specific details of the scheme relating to contra-flow cycling in one-way streets.

The Chair referred to several of the consultation responses.

The Chair cited the proposal as a good example of co-production with local residents, officers and local Councillors to ensure that the details are right.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve the following highway improvements on Westbury Crescent in Oxford, as advertised:

a) One-way traffic restriction (exemptions for people cycling) with eastbound traffic using the northern leg, and westbound traffic using the southern leg.

b) Traffic calming features in the form of physical planters placed on the highway at various points to narrow the road slightly, with the exception of proposed planters outside 36 and 31 Westbury Crescent which are recommended not to be taken forward.

c) ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) parking restrictions at various locations to support the traffic calming features with the exception of proposed ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) parking restrictions in the vicinity of 36 and 31 Westbury Crescent which (subject to ‘b’) would not be required to be taken forward.

To seek approval for the introduction of parking measures in the centre of Charlbury with an aim of managing commuter parking.

The Chair briefly adjourned the meeting to take advice from officers.

The meeting returned from the adjournment and the Chair invited speakers to make their contributions and responded to their points in turn.

Officers confirmed they would look at slight tweaks to the lengths of bays on Market Street to improve visibility.

Following a question from the Chair, officers confirmed that the Town Council went out and asked residents what issues they were facing in terms of parking, which provided the basis for the scheme developed.

The Chair raised consultation responses surrounding the nursery in Charlbury and asked officers to continue discussions with the nursery to address outstanding issues.

The Chair asked officers to keep the scheme under review, particularly in relation to the permit parking bays, to address concerns that arise.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve the introduction of parking controls in Charlbury as follows:

a) The introduction of parking places on Browns Lane for 30 minute maximum stay during the hours of 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

b) The introduction of parking places on Church Street for residents permit holders or 3 hours 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 and Sheep Street for permit holders or 1 hour maximum stay for non-permit holders during the hours of 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

d) The introduction of parking places on Grammar School Lane for permit holders or 30 minute maximum stay for non-permit holders during the hours of 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

e) The introduction of resident permit holders only at all times bays on Pound Hill Lane, Thames Street, Dyers Hill, Park Street, Sheep Street, Browns Lane and The Playing Close.

f) To retain and provide permit parking bays on the west side of Park Street, instead of the east side as originally proposed.

g) The introduction of residents permit holders parking only area at all times on Church Lane.

h) To remove disabled persons parking place on Church Lane.

i) The introduction of no waiting at any time restrictions on sections of Pound Hill, Nine Acres Lane, Market Street, Browns Lane, Sheep Street, Park Street, Grammar School Hill/Park Street and Dyers Hill.

j) To include all properties on Fishers Lane and Market Street in the schedule of eligible properties for the issue of a CH permit.

k) To approve minor amendments to the length of parking bays provided on Market Street in the vicinity of the access to Charlwood.

To seek approval for the introduction of a new Controlled Parking Zone, for the Hightown Road area, Banbury

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

The Chair referenced several general points about Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ’s) due to 3 items about CPZ’s being on the agenda.

Officers confirmed that restrictions that were proposed were in-line with restrictions across Oxfordshire from 8am – 6pm, but that it would be monitored.

It was confirmed that every CPZ has the same opportunity across Oxfordshire to apply for visitor permits in terms of how many you receive for free and how many could be purchased after.

Officers noted that everyone living on a street was eligible to purchase visitor permits, even if they have off-street parking.

The Chair and officers confirmed that more clarity would be welcome regarding pavement parking from the government.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve the introduction of parking controls in Hightown Road area as follows:

a) ‘Permit holder only’ restrictions, 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday on the entire lengths of Lamb’s Crescent, Lime Avenue, Kilbale Crescent and Western Crescent.

b) ‘No waiting at Any Time’ restrictions (double yellow lines) on parts of Swan Close Road, Hightown Road, Lamb’s Crescent, Western Crescent, Lime Avenue and Green Lane as advertised.

c) Include the properties from No.2– 56 (evens) and No.13-37 (odds) Hightown Road in the schedule of eligible properties for the issue of a ‘HT’ permit.

To seek approval for the introduction of a new Controlled Parking Zone, for the Cooper's Gate, Banbury.

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

Following a question from the Chair addressing concerns raised by speakers, officers made the point that their opinion would not encourage further obstructive parking. With regards to concern over competition over parking places, officers noted that most residents have off-street parking.

The Chair referenced several consultation responses and photographs sent in by residents, which were useful in detailing specific local points.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve the introduction of parking controls in Cooper’s Gate as follows:

a) The introduction of permit holder only restrictions, 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday on Coopers Gate from its junction with A361 Southam Road for its entire length (excluding areas not part of the public highway) (except where no waiting restrictions apply).

b) The removal of existing single yellow line restrictions, Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm to allow permit holders to park within these sections of road.

c) To retain the existing single yellow lines, 8am – 6pm on the sections of Coopers Gate, opposite No.128 and No’s 75/76.

Periodically, the County Council carries out consultations to make changes to permit eligibly for individual dwellings which are associated with planning conditions, often through change of use or HMO's.

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting.

The Chair referenced the three categories of measures to be decided upon:

-       Exclude from eligibility for resident and visitor parking permits.

-       Exclude from resident parking permits but allow visitor permits.

-       Deferrals.

The Chair noted that some of these decisions come as a result of agreed planning consent.

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

RESOLVED to:

Approve the following proposals in respect of eligibility for parking permits within various Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) in Oxford:

a) Exclude from eligibility for resident's parking permits and residents' visitors' parking permits the following properties:

i.               Cowley Centre East – No.244 Barns Road,

ii.             East Oxford – No.100a Bullingdon Road,

iii.            Headington North – No.9 Blackthorn Close

iv.            Headington Quarry – No.1a York Avenue,

v.             Lye Valley – a) No. 85 The Slade, and b) 5 Glebelands,

vi.            Marston North – No.14 Salford Road,

vii.          Northway – a) No.2 Sutton Road.

b) Exclude from eligibility for resident's parking permits only (visitors' permits allowed) the following properties:

i.               Headington Central - Lime Walk - Nos.91 & 91A, No.93 (Flats 1 & 2), No.95, and No.97 (Flats 1-3).

ii.             Headington Quarry – Nos. 132a,132b and 132c Old Road,

iii.            North Summertown – No.30 Davenant Road,

iv.            Summertown – No.312A Woodstock Road.

c) Defer a decision on the eligibility for resident's parking permits and residents' visitors' parking permits for the following property:

i.               Northway – 6 Gouldland Gardens.

Under the County Council's policy to rollout new CPZs across Oxfordshire, a new scheme is being promoted to reduce opportunities for commuter parking and to reduce car use within the city.

The Chair invited speakers to make their addresses and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair read out a written submission from Littlemore Parish Council.

Officers clarified that the proposed scheme was not 24/7, but that the operating hours were from 8:30am to 6:30pm, 7 days a week.

The Chair referenced proposals which formed part of the 2024/25 budget.

The Chair referred to an issue relating to business permits for Church Cowley St James Primary School, which officers confirmed had been resolved.

The Chair pointed out that transport policies could not be seen in isolation from other policies more widely that affect key sectors in the city.

The Chair asked about the synergies between the recommendations, and officers confirmed that they could be taken forward separately if one recommendation was approved and the other not, should that be the decision that was taken.

The Chair referenced several consultation responses and confirmed they are taken into account when making decisions.

The Chair re-iterated that CPZ’s were the policy of the County Council and were confirmed in LTCP5 (Local Transport and Connectivity Plan 5) and formed part of the 2024/25 budget.

The Chair referenced previous decisions regarding CPZ’s in neighbouring areas and stressed the need for consistency.

The Chair thanked officers for their work, thanked speakers for their contributions and agreed to defer recommendation a) and approve recommendation b).

RESOLVED to:

Defer:

a)    Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) Monday to Sunday 8am – 6.30pm permit holders or 2 hours for non-permit holders in Littlemore North,

Approve:

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

Request to approve appointment of a contractor to deliver Union Street Phase 1.5 & 2 works following completion of the feasibility study.

The Chair remarked that this project reflects a very sensible asset rationalisation of the staff working in Children’s Services and provision of a better office for them in an area where there is a great deal of need for their services. The Chair agreed to the recommendations in the report.

The Cabinet Member for Finance RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the release of funding greater than £1m for the provision of construction services to carry out upcoming design and construction works as part of the Phase 1.5 & 2 Asset Rationalisation Project at the Blackbird Leys Children and Family Centre, Union Street, Oxford.

b) Approve delegation of the authority to procure and award the contracts for the upcoming design, early works and construction works to the Director of Property & Assets in consultation with the Head of Legal and Deputy Monitoring Officer.

Delegate authority to the Director of Environment & Highways in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Head of Legal Services & Deputy Monitoring Officer to award an NEC4 ECC (Option C) in respect of the construction / delivery of the A34 Harwell Layby (part of the wider A34 Lodge Hill Interchange scheme)

The Chair introduced the item to the meeting and invited officers to provide a summary of the report.

Officers confirmed that the project linked to the wider A34 Lodge Hill Interchange scheme. The recommendation was to delegate the award of a contract to Balfour Beatty Group Limited in respect of the construction and delivery of the A34 Harwell Layby, which would deliver some time and cost efficiencies.

Officers confirmed that the scheme was to ensure appropriate layby provision within the vicinity of the works.

Following a question from the Chair, officers noted that the scheme had specific timelines from the Draft Funding Agreement with Homes England, and this was necessary to ensure the deadlines were met.

The Chair was assured by officers that this would fit in with the deadlines for the wider A34 Lodge Hill Interchange scheme.

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

RESOLVED to:

a)    Delegate authority to the Director of Environment & Highways in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Head of Legal Services & Deputy Monitoring Officer to approve the award of a works contract to Balfour Beatty Group Limited in respect of the construction / delivery of the A34 Harwell Layby (part of the wider A34 Lodge Hill Interchange scheme).

Veronica Barry (Executive Director: Healthwatch Oxfordshire) and Katharine Howell (Senior Research and Projects officer: Healthwatch Oxfordshire) were invited to present a report on a Healthwatch Oxfordshire project on 'People's Experiences of Leaving Hospital in Oxfordshire'. Karen Fuller (OCC Director of Adult Social Care) and Victoria Baran (OCC Deputy Director of Adult Social Care), were also present to answer the Committee’s questions.

The Senior Research and Projects Officer introduced the Healthwatch update on people’s experiences of leaving hospital in Oxfordshire. The project involved collaboration with various system partners, including OUH, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (OH), Age UK Oxfordshire, Carers Oxfordshire, and patient groups. The focus was on understanding people's concerns about the new model of moving people out of hospitals and bringing support closer to home. The aim was to incorporate patient voices into the development and response to these changes.

The Committee had made six recommendations in January 2024 around ensuring adequate support for people leaving hospital, which were acknowledged as having a mixed picture of progress. One of the key recommendations was the creation of a discharge leaflet, which was now in the final stages of production and expected to be available soon. The Director of Adult Social Care mentioned that the recommendations from January were in progress, with a focus on improving communication and engagement with the community. The leaflet had been co-produced with residents and patients to ensure it was accessible and meaningful.

The Committee was assured they would receive a written update in January 2025 on the progress of the previous recommendations.

Officers noted the improvements in reablement. The rate of full independence after reablement was 57% in 2021, below the national average of 77%. It rose to 76% in 2023-2024 and was now about 72.5%. Overall, 85.3% of people benefited from reablement, including those with reduced care needs. This improvement showed the effectiveness of the discharge to assess process.

Members requested an update of recruitment and retention, and whether the service was on target in this area. Officers acknowledged that there was currently good availability of care providers in the market, with very few people waiting over 48 hours for a discharge to assess package. The main challenges were not related to care availability but to other factors such as organising equipment for home or coordinating with informal carers.

Concerns were raised about the potential impact of national insurance changes on care providers, but it was noted that the Council had given above-inflation increases to care providers and pays above the national living wage.

Members were curious as to the working relationship between the Council and Healthwatch, and whether there was good communication between the two bodies with regular meetings.

Officers highlighted that there was a good working relationship with Healthwatch, with ongoing engagement and collaboration throughout the process. Officers from Healthwatch had been actively involved in meetings and discussions, providing feedback and insights as they progressed. The report and recommendations from Healthwatch were based on continuous communication and collaboration with the Council and other system partners.

It was proposed to bring back a written response in January 2025, updating the Committee on the recommendations made in January 2024 and the new recommendations from Healthwatch. The Director of Adult Social care suggested working with the Health Scrutiny Officer to simplify and format the update, focusing on quick wins and significant impacts. The update would include progress on the January recommendations and incorporate some of the new recommendations from Healthwatch.

To ensure the policy is up to date and appropriate governance arrangements in place.

To approve the policy.

The key changes are as follows:

• Inclusion of references to the Council’s ambition of becoming a partner and place shaper of choice, in particular, highlighting the Chief Executive and directors’ key roles in this context – see para. 1, page 2, and para. 23, page 6.
• Addition of practical guidance sections within the body of the policy, rather than as an appendix, pages 5 and 7.
• Addition of a paragraph setting out the responsibilities regarding the completion of the declaration form, and submission to the Governance Team inbox – see para. 30, page 8.
• Change to using titles only, for example Monitoring Officer.
• For the sake of consistency across other Governance policies, we have opted for Officer rather than Employee, however we do state that the policy covers all employees under a contract of employment with the council.