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Devon County Council - Committee Report

Code No: PTE/13/55

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PTE/13/55

Cabinet

10 July 2013

Transport Capital Programme 2013/14 and 2014/15: Proposed Allocation

Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment

Please note that the following recommendations are subject to consideration and determination by the Cabinet (and confirmation under the provisions of the Council's Constitution) before taking effect.


Recommendations:

(a) Approval is sought to enhance the Place 2013/14 capital programme by 917,000 funded from developer and external contributions, 2,136,000 from external grants and 650,000 from the Infrastructure Development Fund. Enhancement is also sought to the 2014/15 budget by 2,642,000, funded from developer and external contributions, 8,164,000 funded from grants and 350,000 from the Infrastructure Development Fund. See Appendix 2 for the breakdown;

(b) That current approved budgets are allocated to the schemes laid out in this report;

(c) Within the constraints of other funding demands, a proportion of future New Homes Bonus receipts are similarly invested in the design and delivery of transport and other priority infrastructure, providing some certainty to support future delivery.

1. Summary

This report sets out the proposed capital programme for transport for the years 2013/14 and 2014/15. It includes new additions to the programme secured through external funding sources.

2. Background

The importance of transport infrastructure to Devon's economy has been recognised in the County Council's Strategic Plan and Local Transport Plan (joint with Torbay). It is also central to the plans for growth identified in the Local Development Frameworks (LDFs) and Local Plans around the County. Transport infrastructure generates growth in several ways including opening up new employment and residential developments, enabling employees to access employment opportunities and attracting visitor and tourist spend to new and improved cycle routes. Without the investment at the right time, the growth will not happen.

The cost of transport infrastructure means that it is essential to draw in external funding from a variety of sources to maximise the impact of the County Council's own resources. In many cases external funders require a local contribution of between 30 and 50%.

Cabinet approved a three year programme for the Integrated Block element of the Local Transport Plan funding in December 2011. Capital programmes for the County Council as a whole were agreed by the Cabinet in February 2012 with an updated version in February 2013. Since 2011 the County Council has bid for a number of external funding sources for transport capital schemes and has achieved a high degree of success. This is in addition to the funding secured for the South Devon Link Road and M5 Junction 29.

Funding has been awarded to or is anticipated for:

- Newcourt station, Exeter (New Stations Fund)

- Tithebarn Link Road, Exeter (Local Pinch Pinch Point Fund and Regional Growth Fund)

- Crediton Link Road (Local Pinch Point Fund)

- Bridge Road (Regional Growth Fund subject of a separate report to this Cabinet meeting)

- Exeter Airport Access (Regional Growth Fund - subject of a separate report to this Cabinet meeting)

- Dartmoor Cycle Schemes (Linking Communities Cycling in National Parks: awaiting confirmation)

- Gem Bridge / Grenofen Tunnel (Cycle West Europe)

The above funding sources total approximately 12.95m and are supplemented by contributions from other sources such as district council partners and developer Section 106 agreements. The County Council's investment in design costs has also enabled the Highways Agency to successfully secure a total of 6.4m for three schemes at M5 junctions in Devon to be built by March 2015. In addition to the external sources noted above a further 2.293m has been allocated from the New Homes Bonus grant to a new Infrastructure Development fund. Significant other contributions have been sources from Section 106 agreements and partners such as District Councils and there are continuing Local Sustainable Transport Fund programmes to 2014/15.

The total transport capital programme for Devon for the 2013/14 and 2014/15 period (excluding Highways Agency schemes but including external sources) is expected to be approximately 132.77m. The success in attracting external funds means that the County Council's approved funding can be repackaged to create match funding for further external bids and undertake other priority works.

3. Proposal

Several years of forward funded design work, land negotiations and bid development is expected to result in one of the largest transport non-maintenance programmes in many years. There are two main categories of schemes the first providing major infrastructure and the second smaller schemes that together form a significant investment in the sustainable transport network.

The total programme for Devon to 2014/15 including schemes being implemented by the Highways Agency is 144.67m. A detailed programme can be found in Appendix 1.

Large Infrastructure Schemes

There are two main elements within this category, the first being schemes that are now ready to be constructed by the County Council over the two year period from 2013/14 totalling 135.23m. These include:

- Holsworthy Agri Centre Access (includes new roundabout and footway / cycleway access from the town): 0.9m (the subject of a separate report to this Cabinet)

- A39 Roundswell Roundabout junction improvement: 1.2m

- Crediton Link Road: 8.5m

- Tithebarn Lane Link Road, Exeter 5.2m

- Newcourt Rail Station: 1.7m

- Cranbrook Rail Station: 3.7m

- Exe Estuary Cycle Route (Clyst Bridge and Turf Lock to Powderham): 2.999m

- A380 South Devon Link Road: 119.9m (construction completed 2015/16)

- A38 Deep Lane Junction Improvement: 0.73m

The Highways Agency will be implementing a further four schemes on the M5 / A38 corridor through Devon over the same period totalling 11.9m (excluding DCC contributions) at Junction 27, Junction 30, A38 Splatford Split (the subject of a separate report to this Cabinet) and A38 Drumbridges Junction.

The second element of major scheme work in the programme is the design and preparation of future schemes. Recent experience has demonstrated that well developed schemes that have addressed the majority of key stages such as detailed design and land requirements have been successful in drawing on external competitive funding sources such as the Local Pinch Point Fund.

One such competitive fund is the devolved major scheme funding administered by the Heart of the South West Local Transport Board (LTB). The initial programme of schemes will be implemented in the period 2015 to 2019. The Devon schemes that have been submitted to the LTB are:

- A382 and Jetty Marsh Stage 2, Newton Abbot

- Alphington Park and Ride, Exeter

- Bridge Road, Exeter

- Marsh Barton rail station, Exeter (joint with Edginswell station in Torbay)

- Tavistock railway extension from Bere Alston

- A361 Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension access junction

Significant development funding is allocated in the programme to progress these schemes through design and land acquisition towards construction in the 2015-2019 period.

A further set of schemes, primarily related to growth plans in Local Plans and Local Development Frameworks (LDFs), is also being progressed.

The total cost of large scheme preparation is 2.542m over the two year period.

Other Schemes

The County Council's success in securing external funding for sustainable transport schemes has resulted in a large programme for 2013/14 and 2014/15 building on some of the major cycle route schemes noted above. A wide range of walking, cycling, bus and rail schemes will be funded from a variety of sources, Local Transport Plan Integrated Block, Section 106 agreements and the continuation of the three Government funded Local Sustainable Transport Fund programmes. These include:

- Cycle parking at schools and a large number of market and costal towns;

- Bus, rail and cycle access to rail stations (including the 620,000 improvement of Exeter Central Station forecourt);

- New and improved walking and cycling improvements in the Kingskerswell area to complement the South Devon Link Road;

- The introduction of real time bus information across Devon (in partnership with Torbay Council);

- New and improved bus waiting facilities across the County;

- Design, land and construction of further sections of strategic cycle routes including the Tarka Trail, Granite Way, Drakes Trail, Pegasus Way and Ruby Way;

- Links to strategic cycle routes including Northern Exmouth to Exe Estuary;

- New local cycle routes connecting residential areas with schools and local facilities including Sidbury to Sidford and Ogwell to Newton Abbot;

- Public Rights of Way improvements including routes diverted due to storm damage and new sections of the South West Coast Path at Strete and Watermouth Castle;

- Traffic management schemes incorporating improved walking and cycling facilities including South Town, Kenton and Redworth Junction, Totnes;

- Casualty and Severity Reduction schemes;

- Local schemes including walking, cycling and traffic management developed in conjunction with members and local communities;

- Walking and cycling routes in Exeter.

The majority of schemes will be implemented over the two year period to March 2015 but some funding will be allocated to design work and land purchase for the next batch of schemes from April 2015. The total cost of these schemes is 8.67m.

4. Consultations/Representations/Technical Data

The majority of schemes have been developed through several levels of consultation processes and wider discussions with the public and partners. Many of the larger schemes have been developed as part of Local Plan and Local Development Framework Infrastructure Plans for new development and the extensive public consultation associated with these. The County Council is also working closely with several district councils on detailed masterplans for major new developments and their associated infrastructure.

The wider approach to transport investment was developed and widely consulted upon with the public and stakeholders through the joint Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 2011 to 2026, adopted by the Council in 2011.

Specific bids for funds have involved widespread consultation on potential schemes with partners including Dartmoor National Park, District Councils, Town / Parish Councils, developers, land owners and transport operators including Network Rail, First Great Western and Stagecoach.

The effectiveness of the consultation work to date has been demonstrated by the successful bids for external funding, many of which require a high degree of partnership working to succeed.

Individual schemes have been the subject of further detailed consultation with the public and relevant stakeholders. This is reflected in the relevant Cabinet and HATOC reports. The Local Schemes programme is based on requests from members and the public.

5. Financial Considerations

The package of schemes in this report totalling 132.77m is funded by a range of funding sources. Some of these have already been incorporated into the capital programme but it is recommended that this is further enhanced with the following:

Funding Source / Scheme ,000

2013/14

2014/15

Total

Local Pinch Point Fund

1,481

3,238

4,719

Regional Growth Fund

815

4,185

5,000

Linking Communities Dartmoor Cycle Network

Awaiting confirmation of bid award

Section 106 Agreements #

330

2,522

2,852

# Detailed list in Appendix 2

The breakdown of funding sources is shown in Appendix 1. The Local Transport Plan Integrated Block element of funding is approximately 10% over programmed to allow for slippage due to factors such as delays in land negotiation.

It is important that there is a continued stable funding programme for transport infrastructure in Devon beyond March 2015. The level of Government funding for transport from 2015 is uncertain pending the clarification of the Comprehensive Spending Review for the period to 2019. However it is known that there will be further opportunities to bid for funding beyond that point from a number of sources including the Local Transport Board, Single Local Growth Fund and (subject to further confirmation) European Transition funding. These and other sources such as Community Infrastructure Levy raised by District Councils will require match funding from DCC sources to make new infrastructure and therefore growth a reality.

6. Sustainability Considerations

The wider environmental, social and economic impacts of the major transport schemes and transport strategies have been considered through the development of the Local Plan / LDFs and the Local Transport Plan. Overall these are considered to be strongly positive, particularly where growth supported by infrastructure leads to direct economic and social benefits. Careful planning and understanding of environmental issues will ensure that impacts are minimised.

The detailed impacts of individual schemes will be set out in the relevant Cabinet and HATOC reports.

7. Carbon Impact Considerations

The reduction of carbon emissions as part of a high quality environment is one of the twin priorities for the Local Transport Plan alongside economic growth. This parallels the priorities in the National Planning Policy Framework and the Local Plans and Local Development Frameworks which draw on it.

8. Equality Considerations

Many of the schemes in the transport capital programme make a considerable contribution to supporting equality of opportunity. This applies to schemes of all sizes from those that reduce barriers to movement for those on foot e.g. dropped kerbs and new pedestrian crossings and cycle routes to major schemes that open up new housing and access to employment in a locality. A formal assessment of the equality impacts of the Local Transport Plan was undertaken as part of its development. A similar process is undertaken for Local Plans. Equality Impact and Needs Assessments will be undertaken for individual larger schemes and included in the relevant scheme approval report(s) to Cabinet and HATOCs.

9. Legal Considerations

The lawful implications and consequences of the proposals and recommendations have been considered and taken into account in the preparation of this report/formulation of the recommendations set out above. This process will also be applied to individual schemes within the programme and included in relevant scheme approval reports.

10. Risk Management Considerations

The programme of schemes has been designed to manage the risk of either insufficient funding being available to complete a scheme and / or the funding conditions of an external source not being met. An element of over programming is included to allow for any slippage in the programme due to factors such as land negotiations or changes to local priorities. Funding has been programmed to take account of the complexity of schemes and the ability to deliver within each financial year.

11. Public Health Impact

The programme of schemes continues the County Council's significant on-going investment in delivering high quality walking and cycling routes alongside effective public transport options. This includes targeted improvements to offer walking and cycling opportunities to a larger part of the population and particularly for regular short journeys such as school and employment. The investment in leisure cycle routes and Public Rights of Way forms part of the strategy to introduce residents and visitors to regular levels of activity which then regularly lead to greater activity for utility journeys. Together these will make a major contribution to improving public health in Devon.

12. Options/Alternatives

Schemes in the programme have been assessed against a range of criteria. These include their fit with the policies and strategies in the Local Transport Plan, County Council Strategic Plan and Local Plans / LDFs as well as deliverability and value for money. There is a particular emphasis on schemes that contribute to economic growth, public health and carbon reduction. A number of local schemes have been developed directly in conjunction with the local community. Some external funding sources are targeted at specific schemes or groups of schemes.

13. Reason for Recommendation/Conclusion

This programme of investment in transport infrastructure has been developed to ensure value for money against the County Council's objectives of economic growth, improving public health and carbon reduction. Deliverability has also been a key consideration.

Dave Black

Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment

Electoral Divisions: All

Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth: Councillor Andrew Leadbetter

Cabinet Member for Highway Management and Flood Prevention: Councillor Stuart Hughes

Strategic Director, Place: Heather Barnes

Local Government Act 1972: List of Background Papers

Contact for enquiries: Andrew Ardley

Room No. AB2 Lucombe House

Tel No: (01392) 383528

Background Paper

Date

File Reference

Nil

aa280613cab Transport Capital Programme 2013-14 and 2014-15

sc 03 030713


Appendix 1

To PTE/13/55

All figures are ,000

Note that budgets have been reprofiled to match planned spend and will not therefore reconcile to the latest approved budget.

Funding Sources ,000

2013/14

2014/15

Total

Integrated Block

6,709

7,156

13,865

LPPF

1,481

3,238

4,719

External

6,690

11,423

18,113

S106

2,694

5,298

7,993

Corporate

11,763

13,966

25,729

Cap Receipts

0

481

481

Invest in Devon

1,164

880

2,044

LSTF Access to Stations

263

90

353

LSTF Access to Employment

395

250

665

LSTF Access to Education

120

100

220

DfT Dartmoor (Linking Communities)

To be confirmed

DfT Major Scheme

43,872

16,526

60,398

LPSA

186

0

186

New Stations Fund

0

741

741

Regional Growth Fund

815

4,185

5,000

Cycle West (Europe)

20

0

20

New Homes Bonus Infrastructure Fund

1,150

350

1,500

Total

68,075

64,694

132,769


Countywide Programme ,000

2013/14

2014/15

Total

Smarter Travel - South West Smartcard Project

20

0

20

Countywide Bus Real Time Information System (Back office)

50

161

211

Countywide Bus Real Time Information System (On-street signing)

50

100

150

Countywide Bus Real Time Information System (bus priority at traffic signals)

50

100

150

Devon Metro Station Programme - Exeter Central Rail Station Forecourt

620

0

620

Devon Metro Station Improvements - Access To Morchard Road Station

5

0

5

Devon Metro Station Programme - Newton Abbot bridge access - Jacobs

15

25

40

Devon Metro Station Programme - Barnstaple Station forecourt improvements

30

0

30

Devon Metro Station Programme - Exmouth Public Transport Interchange

65

80

145

Devon Metro Station Programme - Pinhoe Rail Station Car Park

18

30

48

Devon Metro Station Programme - Old Rydon Lane - Newcourt Station footpath upgrade

30

200

230

Devon Metro Station Programme - Newcourt

50

1441

1491

Devon Metro Station Programme - Marsh Barton

60

0

60

Devon Metro Station Programme - Cranbrook Station

2000

1786

3786

Devon Metro Station Programme - SWML Study

40

0

40

Exeter St Davids Forecourt Shelter

12

0

12

Devon Metro Station Programme - Exeter Central New North Road Bus Interchange

25

25

50

Devon Metro Station Programme - Eggesford Car Park

5

0

5

Devon Metro Station Programme - Exeter St Thomas access improvements

25

35

60

3,170

3,983

7,132

Market and Coastal Town and Rural Devon Programme - Large Schemes ,000

Scheme

2013/14

2014/15

Total

Notes

Crediton Link Road

5,000

3,568

8,568

A39 Roundswell Roundabout

500

950

1,450

A38 Drumbridges Junction

800

500

1,300

DCC contribution to Highways Agency scheme

Holsworthy Agi-Centre Access

150

758

908

Access junction and footway / cycleway

A38 Deep Lane Junction

55

675

730

Scheme Preparation

1,253

1,061

2,314

A361, Heywood Road junction; A39 Bickleigh Road junction; A39 Rumsam Roundabout; A39 Portmore Roundabout;A361 Barnstaple - South Molton;A361 Borners Bridge junction;B3232 Roundswell Employment Access; Pathfields Phase 4 access, South Molton; Cullompton Eastern Distributor Road, M5 Junction 28; Axminster Relief Road; Dinan Way, Exmouth; A379 Clyst St Mary; A382 / Jetty Marsh, Newton Abbot; A303 improvements, Devon, Bere Alston - Tavistock rail line extension; Okehampton Relief Road; Decoy Industrial Estate access road and cycle route.

M5 Junction 28

543

35

578

Exe Estuary Cycle Route

2,999

0

2,999

Kingsteignton to Newton Abbot cycle route (Connect 2)

160

0

160

Wray Valley Cycle Route (Moretonhampstead to Bovey Tracey)

0

1,958

1,958

Wray Valley Cycle Route (Bovey Tracey to Newton Abbot excluding A38 bridge)

Subject to confirmation of Linking Communities Bid

A38 Cycle Bridge, Heathfield

Subject to confirmation of Linking Communities Bid

Dawlish - The Strand Regeneration (Phase 1)

600

0

600

South Devon Link Road

54,132

39,252

93,384

The Strand, Exmouth

130

0

130

Teign Estuary Cycle Route

152

780

932

Stop Line Way cycle route

624

0

624

Ruby Way cycle route

98

0

98

Exeter to Broadclyst cycle route

136

0

136

Exeter to Crediton & Tiverton

21

0

21

Ottery St Mary Cycle Bridge

39

0

39

Taw and Seven Brethren Pedestrian / Cycle Bridges, Barnstaple

60

0

60

Completion of previous year schemes including Barnstaple Western Bypass

421

0

421

58,008

51,493

109,501

Market and Coastal Towns and Rural Devon Programme - Other Schemes ,000

Scheme

2013/14

2014/15

Total

Notes

A379 Corridor

34

0

34

Powderham, Starcross, Exminster traffic management and pedestrian / cycle facilities

Bus waiting infrastructure improvements

98

50

148

Bus shelters - Ivybridge, Clyst St George, Cockwood A379, A379 Cofton, Wilder Road Ilfracombe

Car Clubs

75

0

75

Various locations - additional vehicles and parking faciilities

Casualty and Severity Reduction

125

125

250

Schemes to be identified

Completion of schemes from 2012/13

75

0

75

Various

Dartmoor Cycle Network

Subject to confirmation of Linking Communities Bid

Bridestowe Station, Clearbrook Ramp, Grenofen Link, Drakes Trail to Princetown, Moretonhamsptead to Okehampton, Chudleigh to Wray Valley, Meldon Viaduct improvements, Allbrea improvements (Granite Way), Round Dartmoor Way, Dartmoor Taxis cycle scheme, cycle parking, signage and car park upgrades, Okehampton to Exeter on road signage, Rattlebrook Railway cycle route, Okehampton (east) to college, town centre and Granite Way via Fatherford bridge, Pegasus Way, Launceston to Dartmoor on road signage,.

Highway Improvements

725

0

725

Totnes Redworth Signals, Cullompton Station Road / High Street, Totnes Coronation Road / Station Road traffic management and pedestrian crossing, A39 Westaway Plain Junction, Barnstaple

Invest in Devon

94

0

94

Local community schemes

Local Walking and Cycling Improvements

1,000

981

1,981

Kingskerswell Newton Road corridor / vilage centre, walking and cycling access to schools, Barnstaple Longbridge to rail station, Kenton South Town, South View Road footbridge Willand, Belle parade Crediton, Sidbury - Sidford, cycle parking in market and coastal towns, Ogwell to Newton Abbot,.

LSTF Access to Education Schemes

120

100

220

Local schemes

LSTF Access to Employment Schemes

263

20

283

Local Schemes

Community Schemes

495

0

495

Local Schemes

Public Rights of Way Improvements

150

100

250

Diversion of routes following storm damage, new and improved bridges and local partnership schemes

Watermouth Castle SWCP Diversion

260

0

260

Strete - new section of SWCP

350

0

350

Strategic Cycle Network - Rural Connections

20

250

270

Torrington to Tarka Trail; Woodbury to Exe Estuary Trail.

Strategic Cycle Network - Rural Routes

260

500

760

Tarka Trail, Willingcott to Knowle; Tarka Trail Meeth to Hatherleigh; Tamar Trails to Tavistock; Totnes - Newton Abbot.

Strategic Cycle Network - Urban Routes

40

500

540

Newton Abbot - Torbay via via Kingskerswell; Dawlish Exeter Road to town centre; Newton Abbot cycle hub

Strategic Cycle Routes - Urban connections

82

248

330

Northern Exmouth to Exe Estuary Walking and Cycling Link

Town Centre Improvements

0

50

50

To be confirmed

4,889

3,985

8,874

Exeter - Large Schemes ,000

Scheme

2013/14

2014/15

Total

Notes

Bridge Road

500

520

1,020

Exeter Airport access road

115

1885

2,000

Cumberland Way to Tithebarn Lane Bridge Link Road

200

5,000

5,200

London Inn Square

50

0

50

East of Exeter Phase 2

1,007

30

1,037

Exeter Library Public Realm

140

0

140

Scheme Preparation

190

300

490

M5 Junction 30, Exeter Bus Station, Alphington Park and Ride, Blackhorse Lane Link Road, Moor Lane Roundabout improvements, East of Exeter signage, Cumberland Way to Pinhoe link, Alphington public real enhancement, Science Park spine road.

Exhibition Way Link Road

25

20

45

2,267

7,755

10,022

Exeter - Other Schemes ,000

Scheme

2013/14

2014/15

Total

Notes

Highway Management

35

0

35

Bus Improvements (priority access)

23

0

23

Exeter Aids to Movement

25

0

25

Road Safety Audits of 2013/14 schemes

4

0

4

HGV routeing

18

0

18

Casualty and Severity Reduction

100

100

200

Walking and Cycling Schemes

250

250

500

2014/15 schemes

100

100

200

470

450

920


Appendix 2

To PTE/13/55

Enhancements to the Capital Programme

2013/14

2014/15

Total

k

k

k

Cycling - Wray Valley Trail - Bovey to Newton

120

120

Redworth Junction, Totnes

250

250

Ogwell & Broadlands to NAB town centre - walking/cycling scheme

25

65

90

Deep Lane - improvements to or remodelling of the Junction of the A38 Trunk Road

55

675

730

Bridge Road

520

520

Tithebarn Lane Bridge Link Road to Cumberland Way

942

942

A39 Roundswell roundabout

200

200

Total Section 106 contributions

330

2,522

2,852

Junction 28 Improvement, Cullompton

471

471

LSTF Access to Stations

77

90

167

Okehampton East to College Town centre Cycle Route

35

35

Clearbrook Ramp cycle scheme

30

30

Exminster traffic management / ped routes

4

4

Total External Contributions

587

120

707

Total Developer and External Contributions

917

2,642

3,559

Crediton Link Road LPPF

1,481

1,480

2,961

Tithebarn Link Road LPPF

1,758

1,758

Newcourt Station - NSF

741

741

Bridge Road RGF

500

500

Tithebarn Link Road RGF

200

2,300

2,500

Airport Link Road RGF

115

1,885

2,000

Cycle West signage grants

20

20

Total Grants

2,316

8,164

10,480

A39 Roundswell roundabout

500

500

Holsworthy Agri Centre access

150

350

500

Total Infrastructure Development Fund

650

350

1,000

TOTAL EXTERNAL FUNDING

3,883

11,156

15,039