Agenda item

To receive the report of the County Council’s Infrastructure Locality team.

The Committee received and considered the report from the Oxfordshire County Council Area Infrastructure Locality Team concerning updates on several projects underway in Witney.

Pedestrian crossings over Deer park Road to Windrush Place - costings had been received and S106 funds were available but there was no timescale on the completion.

The Local Cycling & Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) had been approved and implementation of the measures would begin in 2025.

Planning had been granted on the Shores Green Access road; a detailed design would follow later in the year.

Bridge Street Area Options Appraisal Report – this was subject to the West Oxon Local Plan. It reviews the merit of the proposed West End link road, given the adoption of the Oxfordshire Local Transport & Connectivity Plan. There would be wider engagement once it had been assessed and would feed into the forthcoming Witney Area Travel Plan which would also be subject to public consultation.

Burwell Meadow LTN – evidence of this was still being assessed. Concerns were raised from members about the project and its outcomes, the use of the evidence which was taken during school holidays was also questioned.

High Street & Market Square – The County Council was preparing the pre-design stage; areas were being identified for improvement over the summer. invitations to briefings would be sent shortly before engagement takes place. There would be workshops for stakeholders and one long day exhibition at the Corn Exchange.

The Committee expressed sadness, frustration, and disappointment due to the delay for businesses and residents. Apologies were offered that short term measures had not been implemented as quickly as hoped. Costs were awaited and there were internal processes which had to be adhered to. Although not commissioned, building out the pavements was the simplest solution. The main scheme was hoped to be completed by the end of 2024.

West End pedestrian crossing – The Bridge Street Appraisal would cover this area, there was no funding currently identified but the area is in the adopted LCWIP.

Woodford Way Junction revised road layout – A potential scheme would need to be reviewed and further discussion was needed with the Member who raised it.

Burford Road Signal Crossing – There was little positive to say, and the ongoing problems reflected negatively on Councils. It was supposed to be ready in April, and then in May. County Council officers had reported the issues to the utility provider and developer, and they were powerless to intervene.

Parking on Harvest Way – This would be discussed at County Council level as this was a blind corner – further details were required from the Member who raised it.

Also added at this juncture was the current Air Quality Action Plan consultation. A member raised an issue concerning the wording on free parking in the document. The Chair advised this was an error in the document.

Resolved:

1.      That, the report be noted and,

2.      That, the Chair, County Cllr A Coles contacts the County Council regarding the delay in High Street measures and,

3.      That, members add any comments to the AQAP consultation.