Agenda item

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

Members received and considered the report of Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) together with verbal updates from officers.

West Oxfordshire Lowlands Movement and Place Plan

Officers advised that consultation on the draft Plan had concluded, with over 300 responses received. Consultation feedback was being reviewed ahead of consideration by the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee in September and adoption later in 2026.

Members also heard from the Chair of Witney Chamber of Commerce who advised that 309 responses had been received to their own survey, suggesting that convenience rather than cost was the main factor influencing car use, whilst improved footpaths could encourage greater levels of walking. Members highlighted the importance of robust parking, transport and economic data to support future policy decisions and suggested that further analysis of parking behaviour within the town would be beneficial.

It was agreed that the Chamber of Commerce survey findings would be shared with OCC officers for consideration as part of the review process. Members welcomed the survey and thanked the Chamber for providing additional evidence to support future transport planning.

Access to Witney – Shores Green

Officers advised that completion of the scheme had been delayed slightly and was now expected to open on 17 July 2026. The Committee was informed that additional time was required to complete remedial works and remove temporary traffic management before opening.

Officers further advised that work on the redesignation of the A4095 and associated signage changes would continue following completion of the junction works, together with monitoring of traffic patterns across the town.

The Parish Transport Representative asked whether the bus shelter at South Leigh turn would be reinstated following its removal during the works. Officers agreed to seek an update and report back.

Members welcomed the update and looked forward to the final completion of this long-awaited improvement.

Fiveways Roundabout

Officers advised that the Vision Zero crossing scheme on the Welch Way arm of the roundabout would now be delayed until after completion of the Witney High Street works to avoid conflicts with diversion routes and traffic management.

King George V Recreation Ground Path

Members were advised that construction of the new path was expected to take place during the school summer holiday period to minimise disruption.

The Committee requested that a copy of the approved design be circulated to Members.

Witney Paths and Crossings

Officers advised that progress had been made in resolving procurement issues affecting the Madley Park and Windrush Place path improvement schemes, with a preferred procurement route identified and discussions underway with a contractor regarding delivery. Members welcomed the update and requested a further update once a revised programme had been agreed.

Barnard Gate Experimental Traffic Regulation Order

The Committee received an update regarding the no right turn experimental traffic regulation order at Barnard Gate. Members raised concerns regarding signage, compliance and enforcement, noting continued observations of vehicles undertaking prohibited movements. Concerns were also raised regarding cycling connectivity at the junction and whether further measures may be required.

Line Refreshing Programme and Highway Maintenance

The Committee received an update on the ongoing programme of road marking, pedestrian crossing refurbishment and highway maintenance works across the town. Members welcomed the progress being made and noted that resurfacing of Newland to Church Lane remained within the current programme, although construction dates had yet to be confirmed. Members requested that updates on future works continue to be provided where practical.

Resolved:

1.      That, the updates from OCC officers be noted;

2.      That, the Witney Chamber of Commerce survey findings be shared with OCC officers for consideration as part of the Movement and Place Plan review;

3.      That, OCC officers provide an update on the reinstatement of the South Leigh Turn bus shelter; and

4.      That, further updates on the Witney Paths and Crossings programme be brought to a future meeting of the Committee.