Meeting documents
PTE/12/23
East Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee
26 March 2012
Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 2011 to 2026: Proposed Programme 2012/13 to 2014/15 for Devon
Joint Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment, and Head of Highways and Traffic Management
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Recommendation: It is recommended that the Committee notes the funding provisions which have been included in report PTE/11/36 (Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 2011 to 2026: Proposed Programme 2012/13 to 2014/15) which was agreed by Cabinet on 14 December 2011.
1. Summary
The report summarises the proposed programme for the Local Transport Plan 'Integrated Transport Block' and corporate funding over the next three years in the East Devon area. This will deliver significant improvements to Devon's transport network in conjunction with other funding sources, contributing to the twin priorities of economic growth and carbon reduction.
2. Background
A report was presented to Cabinet on 14 December 2011 outlining the Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan (LTP) programme for 2012/13 to 2014/15. This is attached as Appendix II for information.
Cabinet agreed to give to the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment, and the Head of Highways and Traffic Management delegated authority to vary the LTP programme as required to ensure its successful delivery.
This HATOC report summarises, under the various LTP programme headings, those provisional schemes that have been identified in the East Devon area.
All 'non-maintenance' schemes included in the LTP have been assessed against the twin priorities of economic growth and carbon reduction whilst also achieving other wider objectives relating to the environment, health and well-being and communities.
Each programme list includes an element of 'over-programming' should there be a delay in delivering particular schemes.
Sources of funding for the programme come from central government, the Invest in Devon programme and external sources, including Section 106 developer contributions.
3. Summary of Programmes for the East Devon Area for 2012/13
Highway Structural Maintenance
A 5.94M programme of structural maintenance schemes has been identified within the East Devon area for 2012/13. In addition an estimated 0.99M will be spent on preparation and management (based upon a pro-rata calculation). The detailed programme was approved by Cabinet on 14 March 2012, including the following named schemes in East Devon:
| Road | Scheme Name | County Electoral Division | Treatment Type | Estimate '000 |
| A3052 | Branscombe X to Paccombe Hill | Ottery St Mary Rural/Honiton St Michael's/Seaton Coastal | Resurface | 578 |
| A3052 | Harp Lane to Halfway Inn | Budleigh | Resurface | 201 |
| A358 | The Gables to Trinity Square | Axminster | Resurface | 275 |
| A375 | Honiton Railway Bridge to High Street | Honiton St Michael's | Patching/ Micro Asphalt | 46 |
| A375 | Synderborough House to Knapplands | Ottery St Mary Rural | Stabilisation/ Recon/Overlay | 430 |
| A396 | High Street Stoke Canon | Broadclyst & Whimple | Resurface | 68 |
Bridge Assessment and Strengthening (BAS)
Schemes in this programme provide for Bridge Assessment and Strengthening. Following analysis the following schemes have been identified for completion in the East Devon District during 2012/13. Future years' BAS programmes for 2013/14 and 2014/15 will be developed nearer the time based upon the latest up-to-date technical information on the condition of structures.
| Programme/Scheme | 2012/13 Allocation |
| B3178 East Budleigh Bridge | 30,000 |
| Bridge on unclassified road west of Colyton | 35,000 |
| Retaining Wall in Dunkeswell Chapel Cross to Percy Cross | 20,000 |
| Total | 85,000 |
Casualty Reduction
A review of collisions on Devon's roads and their cause is undertaken annually. From this review a programme of interventions are identified aimed at reducing casualties and to improve safety on key routes. These 'Casualty Reduction' schemes are then ranked in priority order based on an analysis of predicted casualty reductions likely to be achieved.
Following this year's prioritisation process, one scheme within the East Devon is currently under assessment for inclusion in the 2012/13 countywide programme. Future programmes for 2013/14 and 2014/15 will be developed based on the latest information available at the time. Further information on the finalised programme will be presented to the next HATOC.
| Programme/Scheme |
| Exeter Road/Church Road, Exmouth |
Market and Coastal Towns Rural 'Foundation' Programme Local Schemes
The 'Market and Coastal Towns Rural Foundation Programme' is primarily a programme of minor highway improvements covering locations outside of Exeter. The programme comprises a package of schemes assessed against LTP objectives that aim to encourage economic growth and carbon reduction whilst also achieving other objectives relating to the environment, health and well-being and communities.
To determine the programme, potential minor schemes were initially identified by the Neighbourhood Highway Teams in liaison with local communities and local members. This resulted in the production of a 'long list' of schemes across the County. Each of these schemes has subsequently undergone a cost-benefit analysis to determine its priority ranking. This analysis takes into account the impact of the scheme in achieving LTP objectives and the scale of benefit to local communities (i.e. the number of people likely to benefit) against the cost and difficulty of delivering the scheme. As a result, those schemes which deliver greater benefits for less investment and which are relatively easy to implement will be prioritised over more difficult and costly schemes.
Following the prioritisation process the following provisional schemes have been identified for the East Devon area in 2012/13:
East Devon District:
2012/13 Market and Coastal Towns Rural Foundation: Local Schemes
| Provisional Schemes | Scheme Details | Preliminary Estimate |
| Honiton Ernsborough Lodge | Dropped crossing to enable residents from the home to cross the road | 1K |
| Clyst St George Bus Shelter | New Bus Shelter, was originally included as part of the M5 Junction 30 scheme | 5K |
| Aids to Movement: District wide | Provision of dropped kerbs, etc. to facilitate movement for those with mobility difficulties | 10K |
| Seaton Colyford Road | A pedestrian crossing point to access the Stop Line Way | 15K |
| Ottery St Mary bus stops | New bus stop at Paternoster Row. Shelter and hard-standing at Butts Hill | 4.5K |
| Axmouth pedestrian improvements | Pedestrian improvements in village centre | 28K |
| Fair Oak Close Clyst Honiton Bus Kerbs | Install bus kerbs at existing bus stop outside Sparex | 1K |
| Sidmouth High Street | A build out, to physically prevent people from parking on the DYLs no loading area | 5K |
| Exmouth, Imperial Road | Pedestrian Crossing on Imperial Road, Exmouth, between St Andrews Road and Victoria Road | 40K |
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| Estimated Year 1 Expenditure | 109.5K |
This 2012/13 programme is the first year of a three year long programme which is being developed. This programme will be subject to regular review and change to ensure that objectives are being met and that value for money is being achieved. Typically additional new schemes may be identified and added if considered to be of a higher priority.
Based on scheme information currently available it is anticipated that within the East Devon District there will be approximately 88.5K investment in 2013/14 (year 2) and a further 43.5K in 2014/15 (year 3). Appendix I gives a list of indicative schemes and associated estimates.
Market and Coastal Towns Rural 'Foundation' Programme Larger Schemes
There are several schemes in this programme within the East Devon HATOC area focussed on increasing levels of walking and cycling:
The Sidbury to Sidford walking and cycling route will enable people living in Sidbury to make the short journey into Sidford and Sidmouth safely without the need to use a car. The current route requires people to walk along the A375 which has no pavements or verge. The proposed route will connect with the existing Sidford Sidmouth section of the National Cycle Network. Users will be able to access local facilities such as the post office and shops in Sidford as well as the leisure network. The route will be particularly beneficial for young people in Sidbury, allowing them to access Sidmouth College safely by foot or bike in conjunction with the proposed new link into the college (see below). The scheme will be delivered across the three year period of the programme with total funding available of 610,000.
The Sidmouth College walking and cycling link will provide a direct access into the College from the Sidford/Sidbury Sidmouth cycle route, avoiding the busy entrance to the site. The route will be through the college grounds. The link is expected to be delivered during the 2012/13 financial year with available funding of 50,000.
The Courtlands Cross (Exmouth) and Woodbury to Exton walking and cycling links are part of the strategy to link residential areas directly to the Exe Estuary walking and cycling route. They will enable residents to safely access the route for utility and leisure journeys and encourage visitors to explore locations off the main route.
The Courtlands Cross link will connect northern parts of Exmouth to the route. It will also create a more direct and attractive link to the National Trust property at A la Ronde. Route options are currently being considered in conjunction with the National Trust with available funding of 70,000.
The Woodbury to Exton link, anticipated to be delivered in 2012/13 with available funding of 125,000, will connect the village to the cycle trail and the rail station at Exton. As well as offering onward cycle links to Exeter and Exmouth, the connection with the rail station will enable users to leave their bike at the station or take it on the train to a wider range of destinations. Improved cycle parking facilities at the station are being investigated.
Countywide programmes for cycle parking in market and coastal towns and schools, Public Rights of Way local schemes, bus waiting infrastructure improvements and park and change sites are also included over the three year period. They may include locations in East Devon, subject to further development work.
Exeter 'Foundation' Programme Larger Schemes
The Exeter Foundation Programme extends to cover the Cranbrook area in East Devon to enable a logical planning of infrastructure in this area. A considerable level of investment has already been made in sustainable transport infrastructure this area during 2011/12 including cycle links to and from the Redhayes Bridge and bus lanes on the route to Cranbrook. These complement the on-going Junction 29 and Clyst Honiton Bypass major schemes.
The Clyst Honiton to Waterslade Lane footway/cycleway scheme is expected to be constructed in 2012/13 at a cost of 170,000, design work having been completed in the current financial year. This, together with the improvements to the old A30 east of the Clyst Honiton Bypass will provide a direct link between Clyst Honiton and the new primary school at Cranbrook which is scheduled to open in September. It will also complete the off-road walking and cycling link between Cranbrook and Redhayes Bridge, forming part of the Cranbrook to City Centre cycle route which is under development.
Market and Coastal Towns and Rural Devon and Exeter Targeted Capital Investment Programmes
The Targeted Capital Investment (TCI) programmes are targeted at schemes that open up economic growth, particularly where it is essential to enabling new development. Schemes will be progressed through design and planning stages to be ready for construction as internal and external funds are identified.
Funding of around 100,000 is being made available for the development of schemes in this programme within East Devon.
Work will continue to progress schemes in the district's 'West End' that will open up development at the Science Park, Skypark and Cranbrook. These include the Tithebarn Lane and Blackhorse Lane links which connect with further infrastructure in the Monkerton area (integral to the Monkerton urban extension) to provide through links to the rest of the network including a priority route for buses.
Work will also be progressed on the Dinan Way link in Exmouth to enable future construction through developer funding subject to confirmation in the East Devon Local Plan.
Countywide Foundation Programme
East Devon will also benefit from the planned investment in bus services across Devon through the introduction of smartcard facilities and real time information over the next three years. Smartcard facilities should be available on most services by the end of 2012/13 and real time information on bus running should be available by the end of 2014/15.
Corporate Medium Term Capital Plan Funding and Invest in Devon Programmes
The Medium Term Capital Plan includes funding for the construction of the Clyst Bridge on the Exe Estuary walking and cycling route. Funding of 4.491m is available over the next two financial years.
There are four schemes with on-going funding in the Invest in Devon programme. Work is continuing to progress the Stop Line Way walking and cycling route between Seaton, Axminster and the Somerset border. There is available funding of around 1,055,000 over the next few years with the next stages for construction including the completion of the section between Seaton and Colyford.
2012/13 will see the completion of the Exeter to Broadclyst walking and cycling route with available funding of around 143,000.
Improvements costing approximately 25,000 will be made in Ottery St Mary in 2012/13 to complement the works completed on the Connect 2 cycle and walking bridge, improving connections to the town centre.
The Colyton tabletop, designed to create a safe walking route to the building that has recently been constructed for the Pre School, Youth Club and Scouts, will be constructed in 2012/13 at a cost of around 14,000.
East Devon District: Summary 2012/13 Programme
The table below summarises the anticipated highway investment within the East Devon area for 2012/13:
| Programme/Scheme | 2012/13 Allocation |
| Highway Structural Maintenance - Resurfacing | 5,939,000 |
| Highway Structural Maintenance Preparation & Management pro rata estimate | 997,000 |
| Bridge Assessment and Strengthening | 85,000 |
| Casualty Reduction | To be advised. |
| Market and Coastal Towns and Rural Devon Foundation Programme - Local Schemes | 109,500 |
| Market and Coastal Towns and Rural Devon Foundation Programme Larger Schemes | 255,000 |
| Exeter Foundation Programme Larger Schemes | 170,000 |
| Market and Coastal Town and Rural Devon and Exeter Targeted Capital Investment (TCI) programmes | 100,000 |
| Corporate Medium Term Capital Plan and Invest in Devon programmes | 3,677,000 |
| Total | 11,332,500 |
4. Sustainability Considerations
The objectives and strategies of the Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan aim to improve travel choices and reduce unnecessary use of the private car as a contribution to improving Devon's environmental, social and economic well being.
5. Carbon Impact Considerations
The programmes in this report have been designed bearing in mind the effect on carbon emissions and overall have a positive impact.
6. Equality Considerations
An Equality Impact and Needs Assessment (EINA) was undertaken for the Local Transport Plan 2006-2011, which set out the 2010/11 programmes. No negative impacts were identified.
7. Legal Considerations
There are no specific legal considerations arising from this report. Specific considerations arising from individual schemes will be reported as part of the scheme approval process.
8. Risk Management Considerations
The programmes have been designed to maximise their deliverability taking into account factors such as land.
Risks associated with individual schemes will be reported as part of the scheme approval process.
9. Options/Alternatives
The programmes set out in this report have been developed to maximise the efficiency of transport across all modes, whilst following the principles of the strategies set out in the Local Transport Plan. The programmes are under continuous review to reflect transport need and changing circumstances.
10. Reason for Recommendation/Conclusion
The recommendations promoted in this report have followed the principles and objectives set out in "Devon on the Move". The programme proposed in this report continues the implementation of the agreed objectives throughout the East Devon area as part of the Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 2011 to 2026.
Dave Black
Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment
Lester Willmington
Head of Highways and Traffic Management
Electoral Divisions: All in East Devon
Local Government Act 1972: List of Background Papers
Contact for enquiries: Andrew Ardley
Room No. AB3 Lucombe House
Tel No: (01392) 383528
| Background Paper | Date | File Reference | |
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| None |
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aa080312edh
sc/cr/12-13 to 14-15 programme east devon
04 hq 160312
Appendix I
To PTE/12/23
East Devon District: Market and Coastal Towns Rural Foundation: Minor Schemes
| 2012/13 Schemes | Scheme Details | 000's |
| Year 1 Schemes - 2012/13 |
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| Honiton Ernsborough Lodge | Dropped crossing to enable residents from the home to cross the road | 1 |
| Clyst St George Bus Shelter | Bus Shelter, was originally included as part of the M5 Junction 30 scheme | 5 |
| Aids to Movement: District wide | Provision of dropped kerbs, etc. to facilitate movement for those with mobility difficulties | 10 |
| Seaton Colyford Road | A pedestrian crossing point to access the Stop Line Way | 15 |
| Ottery St Mary bus stops | New bus stop at Paternoster Row. Shelter and hard-standing at Butts Hill | 4.5 |
| Axmouth pedestrian improvements | Pedestrian improvements in village centre | 28 |
| Fair Oak Close Clyst Honiton Bus Kerbs | Install bus kerbs at existing bus stop outside Sparex | 1 |
| Sidmouth High Street | A build out, to physically prevent people from parking on the double yellow lines | 5 |
| Exmouth, Imperial Road | Pedestrian Crossing on Imperial Road, Exmouth, between St Andrews Road and Victoria Road | 40 |
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| Year 1 Sub-Total | 109.5 |
| Year 2 Schemes - 2013/14 |
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| Aids to Movement: District wide | Provision of dropped kerbs, etc. to facilitate movement for those with mobility difficulties | 10 |
| A3052 Sidmouth bus shelter | Provision of Bus Shelter and Hard Standing outside Donkey Sanctuary | 4 |
| Otterton, bus shelter | Provision of wooden bus shelter and hardened area | 8 |
| Budleigh Salterton, South Parade | Pedestrian link between the town centre and the seafront, along the side of Raleighs wall | 30 |
| Sidmouth Mill Street | A build out, to physically prevent vehicles over 6'6 from abusing the width limit | 8.5 |
| Uplyme footway to Crogg Lane | 30m of footway constructed on road with associated priority system and crossing point | 20 |
| Ayelsebeare, bus shelter | Provision of wooden bus shelter and hardened area | 8 |
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| Year 2 Sub-Total | 88.5 |
| Year 3 Schemes - 2014/15 |
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| Aids to Movement: District wide | Provision of dropped kerbs, etc. to facilitate movement for those with mobility difficulties | 10 |
| Axminster Lyme Road, Bus stop | Bus stop in Lyme Road near Fieldings | 3.5 |
| Newton Poppleford Toll House | Scheme proposal is to surface the PROW on Farthings Lane, and provision of street lighting | 30 |
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| Year 3 Sub-Total | 43.5 |
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| Market & Coastal Towns Local Schemes 3 Year Programme Total | 241.5 |
Appendix II
To PTE/12/23
PTE/11/36
Cabinet
14 December 2011
Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 2011 to 2026: Proposed Programme 2012/13 to 2014/15 for Devon
Joint report of the Head of Planning, Transportation, and Environment, and Head of Highways and Traffic Management
Recommendation: It is recommended that:
(a) the proposed allocation of Local Transport Plan Integrated Block funding for the years 2012/13 to 2014/15 is approved;
(b) the programme is updated on an annual basis to reflect the latest priorities and circumstances;
(c) the Heads of Planning, Transportation and Environment, and Highways and Traffic Management, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, be given delegated authority to vary the programme as required.
1. Summary
The report sets out the proposed programme for the Local Transport Plan Integrated Block funding over the next three years. This will deliver significant improvements to Devon's transport network in conjunction with other funding sources, contributing to the twin priorities of economic growth and carbon reduction.
2. Background
The Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan strategy document was adopted by the County Council at its meeting on 17 February 2011 with the accompanying Implementation Plan for Devon being approved by Cabinet on 9 March 2011. The 2011/12 programme was also approved by Cabinet at the same meeting.
The Local Transport Plan is one of the key strategy documents that form the basis of the Council's Strategic Plan, the revised version of which (2011-2015) is expected to be published shortly. Both plans highlight the importance of the twin priorities of economic growth and carbon reduction whilst also achieving other objectives relating to the environment, health and well-being and communities.
The Government allocated a total of 19.025m in Integrated Block funding over the four year period from 2011/12 to 2014/15. This was awarded as cash grant as opposed to borrowing approvals which has had benefits in terms of spending flexibility and reducing the impact on the authority's capital borrowing limits. 4.106m of the funding is being spent in the current financial year of 2011/12 leaving 14.919 for the remaining three financial years. The grant level is confirmed for 2012/13 but indicative only for 2013/14 and 2014/15. LTP Maintenance Block capital funding is awarded separately and totals 100.005m over the three year period.
The Integrated Block is only one element of the authority's capital spending on transport. For the three year period in question, the Medium Term Capital Plan (MTCP) includes in the region of 15m for transport related projects funded by unsupported borrowing, capital receipts and Investing in Devon monies. In addition to this there will be funding from the Access to Work LSTF bid. This will be supplemented by other streams of funding as they are awarded or negotiated during the period including S106 contributions, external contributions from partner bodies and local authorities, European funding and two additional planned bids for LSTF funding (Two Moors and Access to Rail Stations). The authority has a track record of successfully generating additional funding from local, national and international sources and this is expected to continue despite the challenging economic conditions.
The Government has made it clear in a number of announcements and decisions that they see investment in transport infrastructure as a priority for enabling economic growth and that capital funding will be made available through a variety of funding streams. In addition the authority will receive 20% of New Homes Bonus funding direct from Government although no decisions have been made on what proportion will be spent on transport. The nature of contributions from development will be changing with the advent of the Community Infrastructure Levy and as District Councils, in close discussion with the County Council and other infrastructure providers, produce charging schedules.
In total there is an indicative level of around 32m in capital investment in transport schemes in the next three years which will be supplemented by the additional sources noted above. These figures do not include awards for major schemes including that at Junction 29 of the M5 currently under construction, and the joint bid with Torbay for the South Devon Link Road which was approved in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Autumn Statement. In addition Crediton Link Road will be delivered in this period.
3. Proposal
A three year programme has been developed to enable more efficient forward design and consultation on schemes that may take several years to develop whilst also giving a clearer picture of how schemes will work together to deliver the LTP strategy. This also enables better utilisation of funding sources by matching schemes to each one and combining funding sources as required. The greater certainty has been made possible by the award of cash grant for the Integrated Block rather than borrowing approvals by the Department of Transport. Cabinet will be asked to approve any significant changes as necessary.
The three year integrated block programme has been developed from the principles and priorities set out in the LTP strategy document and the accompanying Implementation Plan. The sub-programmes that will deliver these are set out below with further detail in Annex 1. The sums shown include an element of over programming for slippage of around 10%.
Targeted Capital Investment (TCI) programme - 6.215m
This element of the programme is focussed on schemes that make a significant contribution to achieving growth and carbon reduction and which are integral to the Infrastructure Plans supporting the significant economic growth planned across Devon in the next 15 to 20 years. There are two elements to the programme forward design including land acquisition and scheme implementation.
Forward Design - 2.665m
As noted in the draft Strategic Plan, Devon faces the twin challenges of a significant planned growth in population and generate sustained economic growth over the next 15-20 years whilst also maintaining and improving a high quality environment and quality of life that themselves are important conditions for economic growth in the county. The County Council is working closely with District Councils to plan the required infrastructure that enables development and growth. This relationship, including the Duty to Co-operate, is reinforced by the draft National Planning Policy Framework and the Localism Bill that has recently received Royal Assent.
The programme builds on the TCI programme begun in the current 2011/12 financial year, bringing a number of schemes towards readiness for implementation when funding becomes available. This includes traffic surveys and modelling, geotechnical, structural and soil surveys, flood risk assessments, consultation, environmental assessments and planning / Transport and Works Act approvals as appropriate.
Particular emphasis is given to schemes that will unlock growth in key employment centres where these are allocated sites in adopted or emerging Local Development Framework (LDF) Core Strategies or Local Plans. The programme is split into two sections one for Exeter / East of Exeter and the other for Market and Coastal Towns and Rural areas.
The Exeter TCI design programme will continue to progress infrastructure that will support the delivery of Cranbrook and the urban extensions to the east of the city. These developments and the supporting infrastructure have been identified in the Exeter LDF Core Strategy which has now been approved by an Inspector as sound. New and improved rail stations are within the Countywide Foundation programme.
Outside Exeter further progress will be made with key infrastructure schemes that will enable housing and economic growth in key locations such as Tiverton, Barnstaple and Newton Abbot as well as Exmouth, Totnes, Tavistock, South Molton and Bideford. These include progressing the proposed extension of the rail line between Bere Alston and Tavistock towards a Transport and Works Act application, junction improvements on the A361 and A39 between South Molton, Barnstaple and Bideford and access roads and other improvements in Cullompton, Tiverton and Okehampton.
Scheme Implementation 3.55m
Schemes will be brought forward for implementation as funding packages are assembled. Schemes that include funding from the proposed three year Integrated Block programme will include that in Exeter City Centre at London Inn Square (along with supporting works on surrounding routes), improving the Bridge Road corridor to provide two lanes outbound and the first phase of the Alphington Park and Ride scheme, subject to planning approval, which was supported by the inspector for the Exeter LDF Core Strategy. The additional Park and Ride site, in conjunction with the Devon Metro rail package, continues the implementation of the strategy to cater for growth in travel to the city centre through non-car modes. The intention is that once the proposals for new railway stations (e.g. Cranbrook, Newcourt) have been taken through the design phases using LTP funding, their implementation will be funded by the adjacent development.
The London Inn Square scheme will be funded in partnership with Exeter City Council and will represent an important step in the continued strengthening of the city centre's economic role, building on the opening of the John Lewis store later in 2012.
A number of TCI schemes outside Exeter including A361/A39 junctions in North Devon, M5 Junction 27, A3052/A376 Clyst St Mary and development related schemes in Teignbridge could potentially be brought forward for construction if there is slippage.
Foundation Programme - 10.851m
The foundation programme is focussed on the implementation of enhancements to the sustainable transport network and is closely linked to the Local Sustainable Transport Fund's programme. The programme is split into three elements Countywide Foundation, Exeter Foundation and Market and Coastal Town and Rural Devon Foundation programmes.
Countywide Foundation - 2.295m
Step changes in Devon's public transport network form the basis of this programme. This includes an extensive programme of forward design work to progress the implementation of new rail stations at Newcourt and Marsh Barton towards fruition, investigation of track capacity improvements on the Waterloo line and a range of station facility and access improvements across the Devon Metro area. This is likely to include Exeter Central, Newton Abbot and Barnstaple and complements improvements being funded by the rail industry and Department of Transport. The provision of improved interchange facilities with other transport modes is a key priority of this programme.
The programme also includes provision for the creation of a modern countywide real time information system for bus routes, including the upgrading of the current Exeter system to the latest standards. This will offer a wide range of benefits including the provision of up to date information to bus users wherever they are in Devon, bus priority at traffic signals to improve punctuality and reliability and the ability for operators to have much greater control over and information on bus running, both in real time and analysing historic performance. The system is expected to offer reliability benefits compared to the one currently in use in Exeter. The opportunities for an integrated system with Plymouth and Torbay will be explored.
Exeter Foundation - 1.275m
This programme will continue to build on the success of the Cycle Exeter (Cycle Demonstration Town) project by continuing to invest in the increasingly popular network based on primary and secondary routes as identified in the Local Transport Plan. Links to employment areas will be a particular focus with supporting funding anticipated from the LSTF Access to Work programme including revenue based measures such as travel planning that are essential to its success.
The Foundation programme will also support a number of smaller local schemes that make a difference to communities as well as continued investment to reduce the number of accidents through casualty and severity reduction schemes, the majority of which benefit pedestrians and cyclists.
The Exeter area will benefit from the rail investment programme in the Countywide Foundation programme.
Market and Coastal Town and Rural Devon Foundation Programme - 7.281m
A key part of this programme builds on the past and planned further investment in strategic walking and cycling routes through the corporate capital and Invest in Devon programmes. It aims to spread the success and culture of the Exeter cycling project to the market and coastal towns by making cycling as attractive and practical option as possible for utility based journeys such as employment and education as well as providing access to green infrastructure, supporting access to town centres and economic growth through tourism. It includes a programme of investment across many towns and rural areas completing key missing links on the strategic network, linking towns and villages to strategic routes and ensuring cycle parking is available in a consistent and well planned manner.
Investment in sustainable accessibility is planned for the Kingskerswell area to complement the South Devon Link Road major scheme that received confirmation of funding in November. This will include design and consultation and initial construction phases on both changes to the current main corridor through the village and the proposed valley cycle route connecting to both Torbay and Newton Abbot.
Investment in car sharing and car club facilities, in conjunction with facilities for walking and cycling, will extend choice of travel options for sustainable modes, reduce congestion, improve accessibility and contribute to economic growth by reducing personal and business travel costs. In addition there is an intention to develop Park and Change sites on the edge of market towns that could become multi-modal interchanges including cycle parking facilities and bus stops. In some limited circumstances additional new sites may be considered. It is possible that there may be opportunities to encourage the development of electric car usage by using car clubs as a focal point.
Funding has been set aside for supporting economic growth in town centres through well targeted enhancement and similar schemes that create an attractive environment for business, leisure users and shoppers. Schemes will often be progressed in conjunction with other partners and / or planning proposals.
The investment from the Integrated Block element of the LTP is anticipated to be supported by other sources of funding including the LSTF Access to Work programme covering the Exmouth, Exeter, Newton Abbot and Totnes areas.
There will be continued investment in the Casualty and Severity Reduction programme. In addition there will be a focussed programme of investment in bus waiting facilities, complementing commercial investment on key corridors. There will also be a fund for local small scale schemes where identified as a priority by communities and local members.
4. Consultations/Representations/Technical Data
The Local Transport Plan was the subject of extensive consultation with both the public and key stakeholders across Devon during its development. The programme has been developed based on the final plan and an analysis of scheme deliverability and affordability. The programme is also strongly guided by the development and objectives of the Local Development Frameworks/Local Plans which will themselves have been the subject of extensive local consultation and independent examination.
There has been, or will be, detailed consultation as appropriate on individual schemes as they are progressed towards implementation.
The three year programme will be reviewed continuously to take account of changing circumstances and feedback from stakeholders, partners and the public.
5. Financial Considerations
This report sets out the proposed programme to be funded from the Integrated Block element of the Department of Transport's Local Transport Plan grant. An over programming allowance of around 10% has been made to account for potential slippage in delivery due to issues such as land. This funding will be complemented by other sources such as LSTF Access to Work, S106 and external contributions, as well as being combined with corporate capital and Invest in Devon funding where appropriate. Bids are currently being developed for two further Local Sustainable Transport Fund packages in partnership with other authorities: 'Two Moors' with Somerset County Council and Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks and 'Access to [rail] Stations' with Sustrans and a grouping of other local authorities. Any successful awards will be announced by the Government in June 2012 with funding for the 2012/13, 13/14 and 14/15 financial years.
Design and consultation work for larger schemes in the TCI programme will enable bids or negotiations for other sources of funding from various sources including New Homes Bonus, Local Development Framework or Local Plan Infrastructure Plans and external grants or awards. It is important that schemes are as ready for construction as possible as this is often a key criteria in awarding funds.
6. Sustainability Considerations
The LTP was developed around the twin priorities of economic growth and carbon reduction whilst also reflecting the closely linked importance of a high quality environment and positive social impact.
The programme set out in this report promotes economic growth in a number of ways: preparing for schemes that will unlock housing and employment growth, reducing local congestion, improving the accessibility and environment of town centres and improvements to the accessibility of employment opportunities. Family and business budgets will also benefit from opportunities for lower cost and more flexible travel.
The programme and individual schemes will be designed to minimise any direct impacts on the historic and natural environment and some will enable actual enhancement. A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Health Impact Assessment (HIA) were produced as part of the Local Transport Plan's development.
Several schemes form part of Air Quality Action Plans designed to address identified air quality problems in a number of locations around the County. Air quality improvements are one element of the LTP's strategy to improve health levels in Devon, supporting the significant contribution that will be made by the investment in walking and cycling.
There are positive social benefits from improvements in access to green infrastructure, increasing local travel options and access to services and employment.
7. Carbon Impact Considerations
The programme set out in this report is expected to have a strong positive carbon impact. Many of the schemes will contribute towards reducing the number of short car trips in and around urban areas, particularly those associated with employment and education. The capital investment is supported by revenue based measures developed with LSTF funding. Measures are included to encourage more efficient use, and therefore reduced carbon generation, of cars through car sharing and car clubs, the latter making walking, cycling and public transport use more practical for many journeys.
Highways based measures such as junction improvements will reduce carbon generation through lower levels of congestion.
8. Equality Considerations
An Equality and Impact Needs Assessment (EINA) was undertaken for the LTP strategy as a whole. Individual schemes or groups of schemes may require their own specific EINAs depending on their scale.
9. Legal Considerations
There are no specific legal considerations related to this programme but these will need to be addressed on a scheme by scheme basis as they are developed. Any considerations for a specific scheme will be reported through the appropriate committee or Cabinet member.
10. Risk Management Considerations
No specific risks have been identified in relation to the overall programme other than the financial considerations noted above. Risks associated with individual schemes will be addressed through the appropriate approval process.
11. Options/Alternatives
Alternative strategies and implementation options were considered as part of the development of the LTP, resulting in the final adopted Strategy and Implementation Plan documents. Schemes have been assessed for their fit with the strategy and their deliverability. The programme will be reviewed annually to ensure that it reflects the latest circumstances and the availability of matching or alternative funding.
12. Reason for Recommendation/Conclusion
The proposed programme is consistent with the LTP Strategy and Implementation Plans and the emerging Strategic Plan and delivers positive outcomes across Devon which are good value for money.
Dave Black
Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment
Lester Willmington
Head of Highways and Traffic Management
Electoral Divisions: All
Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport: Councillor Stuart Hughes
Strategic Director, Place: Heather Barnes
Local Government Act 1972: List of Background Papers
Contact for enquiries: Andrew Ardley
Room No. AB3 Lucombe House
Tel No: (01392) 383528
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aa2911cba LTP3
hk 04 051211
Annex 1
To PTE/11/36
Summary of Integrated Block Programme 2012/13 to 2014/15
Note: Totals include an allowance of around 10% over programming for slippage
Countywide Foundation Programme 2012/13 to 2014/15
Market and Coastal Town and Rural Devon Foundation Programme 2012/13 to 2014/15
Market and Coastal Town and Rural Devon Targeted Capital Investment Programme 2012/13 to 2014/15
Exeter Foundation Programme 2012/13 to 2014/15
Exeter Targeted Capital Investment Programme 2012/13 to 2014/15