Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Lead Officer/Team Leader – Place, Planning and Coordination West.

The Committee received updates from Oxfordshire County Council on a range of transport projects and initiatives.

Movement and Place Plan

Members were advised that consultation on the West Oxfordshire Lowlands Movement and Place Plan had closed and responses were being reviewed. The Committee noted that the West End Link Road had been removed from the emerging plan following cost and value for money assessments. Members welcomed the offer from OCC for a separate councillor briefing on the matter.

Access to Witney (Shores Green Junction)

The Committee noted that the junction was now fully operational and that traffic monitoring would continue over the coming months. Members welcomed the improvements delivered which included the resurfacing of the upper part of Oxford Hill however, they highlighted signage concerns at the Oxford Hill approach.

Deer Park & Madley Park Paths and Crossings

The Committee noted progress with procurement and project governance for the long-awaited delivery of the projects. Members were advised that final programme details were expected shortly, with the intention of commencing works as soon as possible.

King George’s Field Path

The Committee welcomed completion of the path improvement scheme and noted that further investigation would be undertaken into reports of the initial surface water pooling.

Church Green Traffic Issues

The Committee noted the response from Oxfordshire County Council regarding speeding concerns and signage within the conservation area. Members discussed whether additional investigation may be warranted should further concerns be raised by residents.

Witney High Street Improvement Scheme

The Committee received a detailed update on progress with the High Street Improvement Scheme from the Programme Lead and noted that works remained on programme, with completion anticipated in early November 2026.

Members were advised that progress had continued across a number of workstreams, including drainage infrastructure, paving, utility diversions and preparation for the installation of street furniture and landscaping.

The Committee noted that a temporary full closure of part of the High Street was likely to be required to facilitate essential drainage works and that discussions were continuing regarding the timing of these works and the associated traffic management arrangements.

The representative from Witney Chamber of commerce led the discussions on the impact of the works on businesses, residents, public transport operators and visitors to the town centre. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of clear and timely communication regarding changing traffic arrangements, road closures, pedestrian routes and bus stop locations.

Members welcomed reassurances that efforts were being made to maintain access to businesses throughout the construction period but expressed concern that some recent scheme amendments had not been widely communicated before becoming public. In response, the officer acknowledged the importance of continued engagement with local stakeholders and advised that further updates would be issued as the project progressed.

The Majority of the discussion focussed on the public realm aspects of the scheme. Members considered the news for revised planting proposals and opportunities to increase the amount of landscaping, greening and biodiversity within the completed streetscape. The Committee welcomed the intention to improve the appearance of the town centre while recognising the practical constraints associated with underground services, maintenance requirements and pedestrian movement however felt that greater planning could have helped elevate these issues or provided alternative solutions earlier and within the scope of the project.

The Committee also welcomed the co-ordination of carriageway resurfacing with  the works and highlighted the importance of ensuring that the finished scheme delivered a coherent and high-quality environment throughout the High Street.

Members sought assurances regarding arrangements for major forthcoming events, including Remembrance Sunday and the Christmas Lights Switch on. Officers advised that planning was continuing with the relevant stakeholders to minimise disruption and ensure that key events could proceed safely.

The Committee further noted that temporary bus stops and shelters remained in operation during the works and discussed the importance of ensuring that these facilities remained accessible, adequately signed and that the bus stops were protected from inappropriate parking.

During the wider discussion on public transport, bus operators reported that service diversions associated with the High Street works had generally operated successfully and that close liaison with the project team was essential. The Committee welcomed this collaborative approach and thanked the operators for their efforts in maintaining services during the construction period.

In closing Members recognised that, although the works had inevitably caused disruption, the project represented a major investment in Witney town centre and there was broad support for ensuring that the final scheme delivered lasting improvements to accessibility, public realm quality, sustainability and the overall attractiveness of the High Street.

Resolved:

1.       That, the update be noted and

2.       That, a councillor briefing be arranged in respect of the West End Link Road and

That, ongoing engagement with businesses, residents, public transport operators and other stakeholders continue throughout the remainder of the High Street/Market Square project.