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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Follaton House, Plymouth Road

Contact: Fiona Rutley 01392 382305  Email: fiona.rutley@devon.gov.uk

Items
Note No. Item

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61.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 96 KB

Minutes of the meeting held on 23 November 2019 attached.

Minutes:

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting held on 23 November 2018 be signed as a correct record.

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62.

Standards Monitoring

Minutes:

Mrs A Mayes MBE who was attending in her capacity as a Co-opted Member of the County Council's Standards Committee to observe and monitor compliance with the Council’s ethical governance framework was welcomed to the meeting.

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63.

Items Requiring Urgent Attention - Dartington Parish Council Correspondence

Items which in the opinion of the Chairman should be considered at the meeting as matters of urgency.

Minutes:

(An item taken under Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972).

 

The Chairman had decided that the Committee should consider this item as a matter of urgency, as the local County Councillor reported on recent further representations made to her by Dartington Parish Council seeking clarification regarding their requested traffic calming and  pedestrian crossing and following this Committee’s site visit on 23 November 2018.

 

The Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste reported that following the site visit some remarking had been ordered and the date for the works would be checked.  Whilst Dartington’s location and problems associated with the village straddling an arterial A road were recognised, pedestrian and vehicular numbers currently did not meet the usual criteria for a pedestrian crossing however any further development was likely to.  Section 106 developer contributions for this would therefore be expected for any future applications and Officers would also investigate the conditions of any already existing Section 106 agreements.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Croad, SECONDED by Councillor Hawkins and

 

RESOLVED: that Officers investigate Section 106 developer contributions and also formally respond to the Parish Council’s correspondence.

 

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64.

Petitions/Parking Policy Reviews

[An item to be taken under s18  of the Traffic Management Act 2004 relating to any reviews of parking policy sought in line with the Council’s Petition Scheme (http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=416&MId=2487&Ver=4&info=1

Minutes:

There was no petition from a member of the public or the Council relating to the South Hams.

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65.

Road Safety Report

Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment to report.

 

(Electoral Divisions: All in the South Hams)

 

 

Minutes:

The Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment presented an overview for both Devon and the South Hams and detailed analysis of police collision data (2017 validated) for fatal and serious injury incidents, together with trends, contributory factors, schemes, initiatives and strategies to mitigate against and reduce risk and promote safety.

 

Data collection and analysis was considered separately for Devon network junctions and Highways England network.

 

Across Devon:-

-the overall casualty trend for Devon in the last five years was decreasing (2285 in 2017), even though the collision trend was rising;

-numbers of the most severe injuries were, however, rising (31 fatalities and 384 serious injuries in 2017);

-the highest number for each in over five years. KSI (Killed and Seriously Injured) numbers principally affect car occupants, 55% of the total; 

-collision rates (per mile travelled) for motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians were high; and

-whilst casualties in the 16-25-year age group were most prevalent, the casualty rate per mile travelled for older drivers was similar to younger drivers and needed to be seen in the context of an aging population. 

 

In the S Hams:-

-the overall casualty trend was falling over time;

-as with other districts, the trend for both serious injuries and fatalities was rising.  Slight injuries were falling;

-the pattern of serious and fatally injured casualties was similar to that of Devon as a whole, with car occupants making up most of the numbers; 

-however, motorcyclist KSIs were 35% of the total, compared with 24% for the county as a whole; 

-KSI collisions peaked in the pm commuter period as was typical for Devon.  However, unlike the county profile South Hams did not have a smaller, morning commuter peak but rather showed a steady increase throughout the day. July the peak month for KSIs, and Summer was the peak season mainly involving local drivers, not visitors to the area;

-there were no observed clusters of fatal incidents at single locations on the Devon network in the South Hams and 50% of fatalities occurred on the Highways England network;

-KSIs by electoral division level reflected the population areas and busiest routes, including Highways England (South Brent & Yealmpton had the highest and Ivybridge had the lowest KSIs); and

-A380 Marldon Way between the Torbay boundaries was ranked 10 worst /144 across Devon and the B3213 Ivybridge Urban Area was ranked 7 worst /124 across Devon.

Principal targeting arising were:

-Young and novice drivers, Older drivers, Motorcyclists, Business drivers, Cyclists; and

-initiatives to support and positively change driver attitude and behaviour, including high risk groups and repeat offenders.

 

Devon Dashboard training was also being arranged for Members.

 

Road safety data was available at https://new.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/safetravel/road-safety/

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Croad, SECONDED by Councillor Hawkins and

 

RESOLVED:  that Members welcome the road safety report, initiatives and development of the Devon Dashboard.

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66.

Annual Local Waiting Restriction Programme (minute *51) pdf icon PDF 96 KB

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/33) attached.

(Electoral Divisions: All in the South Hams)

 

Minutes:

The Committee received the Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/33). The Report updated on progress with the 4th year of this project, which was a countywide initiative to rationalise existing parking arrangements, intended to deliver only non-contentious proposals unlikely to attract substantial objection.

Early consultation was being held with local Councils and local County Councillors prior to advertising with the aim of streamlining the administrative process and to enable works to be carried out during the better weather months.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Croad, SECONDED by Councillor Hawkins and

 

RESOLVED: that work on the annual waiting restrictions programme process for 2019/2020 be noted.

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67.

Yealmpton Pedestrian Crossing Proposal (minute *49(a)) pdf icon PDF 424 KB

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/34) attached.

(Electoral Division: South Brent & Yealmpton)

 

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/33) on proposals to help pedestrians to cross the A379 Fore Street and provide a safe school crossing for a new development of some 100 houses.

 

Members approved a previous crossing proposal on 23 November 2018 but following a meeting with local residents and concerns expressed, it was considered that the crossing should be moved further east, as now presented. 

 

This proposal had been developed following representations from Yealmpton Parish Council and Yealmpton Primary School and was supported by both the Parish Council, school and the local County Councillor. However the local County Councillor asked Officers to check that the Parish Council had been consulted on the proposed location of the bus stop.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Hosking, SECONDED by Councillor Croad and

 

RESOLVED:  that the Scheme as shown on drawing No. B18012/5 in Appendix I, be approved for implementation, subject to details being agreed by the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste in consultation with the Chair and the local County Councillor.

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68.

Stopping up of public highway at land adjacent to the A379, Slapton pdf icon PDF 2 MB

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/37) attached.

(Electoral Division: Kingsbridge)

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/37).  Following the realignment of the A379 and agreement to construct the new road resulting from storm damage, it was proposed that the original length of road (as shown in Appendix I of this Report) was stopped up to no longer form part of the public highway. 

 

An application could be made to the magistrates’ court for a stopping up order on the land adjacent to the A379, Slapton, as the land was not needed for public use and was unnecessary as public highway, thus removing an unnecessary burden on the authority.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Croad, SECONDED by Councillor Hawkins and

 

RESOLVED: 

 

(a) that the extent of highway land adjacent to the A379, Slapton, as detailed in Appendix I of

Report HIW/19/37 was not needed for public use; and

 

(b) that subject to the outstanding consultation responses from the Parish and District Councils referred to in section 4 of Report HIW/19/37, Devon County Council makes an application to the magistrates’ court for an Order under Section 116 of the Highways Act 1980 that the said highway land be stopped up.

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69.

Western Bypass Crossing, Plymouth Road, Totnes - Appraisal (minute *49(b)) pdf icon PDF 7 MB

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/35) attached.

(Electoral Division:Totnes & Dartington)

 

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/35) following a letter and 64 signature petition presented to this Committee’s last meeting following a collision when a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle.  This requested an additional light-controlled crossing on the north arm of the junction between the Western Bypass and Plymouth Road in Totnes. 

 

There had been no other pedestrian collisions recorded at or near this junction in the past five years.  An injury collision was recorded in 2014 involving a car hitting the back of a motorcyclist in queueing traffic on the west side of the junction.

 

Options to improve provision for pedestrian crossing movements at this signal controlled junction were detailed in Section 3 of Report HIW/19/35.  The implications on safety and traffic flows would need to be carefully assessed as part of a feasibility study. Although the requested crossing would benefit pedestrians crossing the junction on the northern side, there was a negative impact for vehicles causing additional delays for traffic movements and traffic congestion at the junction.  There did not appear to be sufficient existing road width to add a staggered crossing and any scheme had to comply with equality considerations.

 

Any feasibility assessment would need to be commissioned and funded through Section 106 contributions from local development and delivery dependent upon costs and identifying funding.

 

The local County Councillor commented on South Hams District Council’s Air Quality Management Action Plan for Totnes and an improved pedestrian crossing facility would help to encourage more school children and people to walk. 

 

Members had reservations about any option which could significantly impact on traffic flows through the junction, given current pressures including peak times and the summer tourist season.  However this was to be balanced against pedestrian safety and other environmental considerations for Totnes.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Hodgson, SECONDED by Councillor Hawkins and

 

RESOLVED:  that Option C be investigated (ie:- the addition of a straight through crossing on both sides of the junction, enabling pedestrians to cross in one movement, but impacting on traffic flows through the junction). 

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70.

Residents Parking Scheme at Shinners Bridge and Spedding Cottages, Cott Road, Dartington (Petition)(minute *50)

Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste to report.

(Electoral Division: Totnes & Dartington)

 

Minutes:

The Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste reported that the request for six parking places for residents experiencing difficulties with parking within a reasonable proximity to their properties.  The 2019/20 programme was already committed and whilst recognising parking in this part of Dartington, this request did not meet current policy.   Although this could be considered in a future year’s programme it was not likely to find priority in isolation.

 

The local County Councillor considered this was a component part of a village centred focus, it was supported by the Parish Council and could support village hall users. There were examples of vehicles being left for unreasonably extended periods.  There could be S106 money to fund this small scheme.

 

Members exercised caution in considering any request for resident’s parking as it often displaced vehicles elsewhere.  Any request should be considered within the same policy criteria.   However if there was funding available other than from the County Council,  Members would support the local County Councillor and Parish Council, but would not support further action if any displacement issues arose from this. 

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Hodgson, SECONDED by Councillor Croad and

 

RESOLVED:  that this residents’ parking scheme request be approved on the basis that S106 funding was available and no further funding was likely for the County Council to address any potential displacement.

 

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71.

A384 Huxham's Cross Estate, Dartington (minute *55) pdf icon PDF 2 MB

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/36) attached.

(Electoral Division:Totnes & Dartington)

 

Minutes:

(The Chairman, having exercised his discretion and in the spirit of the County Council’s Public Participation rules and with the consent of the Committee, invited Ms Korda to speak on this issue, in favour of traffic calming and speed reduction measures).

 

The Committee considered the Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/36), arising from the Committee’s highways site visit to Dartington, Member comments regarding traffic issues on A384 at Huxham’s Cross,  including alleged excessive speeding and discussions at the last meeting. 

 

Subsequent to the last meeting a petition had been received, signed by 14 Huxham’s Cross estate residents expressing concern that the road was very dangerous to people, the young, school children, older and animals, requesting traffic calming and speed reduction measures.

It did not feel safe for the public trying to access the footpath, cycleway and bus stop. Visibility, lack of pavement and a safe place to cross were also a factor.

 

The local County Councillor supported local residents (some 47 households at Huxham’s Cross) and a village centre approach to traffic calming and speed reduction.

 

The Report stated:-

 

-it was not current policy to introduce 20mph on roads serving a strategic function although a task group was reviewing Policy on local speed limits;

 

-traffic calming such as road humps or speed tables were not appropriate on principal roads such as the A384; and

 

-due to the regular receipt of this type of request the County Council and Police had a joint Speed Compliance Action Review Forum (SCARF) procedure. The Huxham’s Cross site and the associated speed related concerns had therefore been assessed in a consistent manner with other sites across the county highway network in accordance with the agreed SCARF procedure but not deemed appropriate for any action.

 

Members recognised the difficulties for the residents and organisations at Huxham’s Cross

and noted that if some locally raised funding could be identified, appropriate gateway treatment on entering the area could be considered.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Croad, SECONDED by Councillor Hodgson and

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a) that concerns regarding vehicle speeds on the A384 at Huxham’s Cross Estate, Dartington and associated requests for enforcement and speed reduction measures had been considered through the Speed Compliance Action Review Forum procedure and the SCARF outcome to take no further action be noted;

 

(b) notwithstanding SCARF’s consideration in (a) above, a gateway treatment in advance of Huxham’s Cross estate access entering towards Dartington village be investigated.

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72.

Item under SO23(2) Traffic Management of Large Vehicles at A385 Station Road (Builders' Merchants), Totnes

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Hodgson has requested that the Committee consider this matter.

 

Minutes:

The Committee noted that, in accordance with Standing Order 23, Councillor Hodgson had asked that the Committee consider the ongoing traffic congestion and access problems resulting from deliveries by very large vehicles to the builders’ merchants.

 

Members considered that this was a difficult location for this type of organisation, which had grown over time since planning permissions and conditions were granted some years ago.   

 

The local County Councillor also asked whether any possible alternative access around the back of the site could be explored.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Hawkins, SECONDED by Councillor Hodgson, and

 

RESOLVED:  that Officers investigate and hold discussions with the organisation concerned if appropriate to see if deliveries and traffic using the site could be better managed.

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73.

Item under SO23(2) Littlehempston Cycle Path (minute *53*)

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Hodgson has requested that the Committee consider this matter.

Minutes:

The Committee noted that, in accordance with Standing Order 23, Councillor Hodgson had asked that the Committee consider this to ascertain the latest position, following the Member meeting with the Head of Planning Transportation and Environment held in February 2019 (referred to minute 53 of the last meeting).

 

Officers reported that the Head of Planning Transportation and Environment had subsequently requested a meeting with South Devon Railway but had received no response.  A further formal approach would be made.

 

Members advised that 50% of Devon County Council funding had been made for the building of the pedestrian bridge and considered the pedestrian bridge could be a key link for a public right of way linking all Parishes north of the river Dart with Totnes.  The County Council wished to work with local interested parties to help promote locally sustainable travel for the public and tourism for the area and South Devon Railway and to support South Hams District Council’s Clear Air Strategy.

 

The local District Councillor reported further that public access had been long outstanding and requested prompt action for this amenity for local residents and the public. He requested an invitation to any further meeting involving Members.  

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Croad, SECONDED by Councillor Hodgson, and

 

RESOLVED: that Officers make further enquiries regarding ownership of the bridge and press for a meeting with South Devon Railway at the earliest opportunity.

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74.

Item under SO23(2) Air Quality Management Action Plan (minute *54)

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Hodgson has requested that the Committee consider this matter.

 

Minutes:

The Committee noted that, in accordance with Standing Order 23, Councillor Hodgson had asked that the Committee note the current position.

 

Following public consultation last year on the Clean Air Strategy extensive comments were received from Totnes and Dartington and surrounding parishes.  These were considered and a final draft revised plan sent to Devon County Council prior to its consideration and adoption by the District Council after May 2019.

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75.

Dates for Future HATOC Meetings

Meetings to be held at 10.30am at Follaton House, Totnes:-

 

Friday 5 July 2019

Friday 29 November 2019

Friday 3 April 2020.

 

Please use link below for County Council Calendar of Meetings

http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

Minutes:

Members noted the dates of future meetings, in line with the Councils calendar;

http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

 

Meetings to be held at S Hams District Council offices, Follaton House, Totnes at 10.30am:-

 

Friday 5 July 2019

Friday 29 November 2019

Friday 3 April 2020.

 

 

 


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