Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/19/36) which provides an update on the project as well as seeking approval for elements to allow the project to progress, attached.

An Impact Assessment is also attached for the attention of Members at the meeting.

(Councillors Atkinson, Biederman, Connett, Dewhirst, Hannaford and Whitton attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

The Cabinet considered the Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/19/36) which provided an update on the project and sought approval for certain aspects to allow progression of the project, circulated prior to the meeting in accordance with regulation 7(4) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

The Report followed the successful bid which had been submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in September 2018 for funding from the

Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF). The bid was for £55.1 million towards infrastructure to support development at South West Exeter. The Council was working positively with Homes England, who were acting on behalf of MHCLG, to enter into a contract for the funding.

In order to ensure the project remained on programme, the Council had been progressing those elements of infrastructure which were on the critical path, outlined below;

Eastern Junction – a new access junction to a development parcel between the Devon Hotel and Matford roundabouts, the delivery of which would ensure the junction was able to unlock both landownerships. Subject to modifications of the planning conditions, delivery of the junction by the Council would include a mechanism to ensure that both parcels could be unlocked.

Interim School Access Junction - a free school had been secured and to facilitate the delivery of this, it was necessary for the Council to deliver a suitable access.  The proposal was for a signalised junction, with sufficient capacity.

Interim School Access Earthworks - the location of the new school (above existing road level) meant earthworks were required. Earthworks were also required by the developer, therefore it was proposed to undertake these in a single contract.  As the developer would need to be recompensed, it was suggested this cost be offset against future repayments of the HIF funding, thereby being cost neutral to the Council.

Pedestrian / cycle bridge - linked to the delivery of the proposed all-through school was the delivery of a pedestrian / cycle bridge across the A379 to provide a safe crossing. The proposed design was of a skew parabolic arch, plans of which were included in Appendix I of the Report.

Peamore Park and Ride - employment development was proposed at Peamore, therefore it was proposed to deliver a roundabout to access the development as well as upgrade the electricity infrastructure. It was also proposed to try and secure land for a park and ride site. A feasibility study had been undertaken which identified a preferred option, which was included

in Appendix II. The Local Member asked (and the Head of Service agreed) that consideration be given to extending the planned cycle route (past Peamore) towards Kennford (over the A30) to prevent 'rat running' from the village to the proposed Park and Ride site.

The Report outlined the Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement proposals  ...  view the full minutes text for item 409