Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on 23 March 2016 (previously circulated).

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 23 March 2016 be signed as a correct record.

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

There was no item raised as a matter of urgency.

Presentation by the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste    

The Head of Highways, Capital Development and Waste reported on the Cabinet’s decision to award the County Council’s Highways Term Maintenance Contract to Skanska Construction UK Limited, as a single lot bid for the County Council (for the period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2024, with extension options to 2027); and transitional arrangements would be made at the appropriate time.

Report of the Head of Highways, Capital Development and Waste (HCW/16/70) attached   

The Committee received the report of the Head of Highways, Capital Development and Waste

(HCW/16/70) on changes to the Community Road Warden Scheme in light of feedback since the scheme’s introduction 2 years ago. The scheme guidance was being simplified and updated, and its scope widened to include the option to undertake minor carriageway surfacing repairs, and a process to apply for financial grants towards materials, labour and equipment introduced. The intention was to relaunch the scheme through a number of local parish and town council events to be held during November.  The Chairman also reported comments received from Councillor Leech, addressed below.

Members’ discussion points with the Head of Service included:

·         funding from the County Council and bidding from Towns and Parishes after other  sources had been explored (for example TAP funding, locality budgets or Invest Devon funding) which would be subject to scrutiny by officers, and potential for Parishes to share resources

·         logistical issues in relation to purchase and order of in-fill for potholes noting that notifiable pothole repairs would continue to be carried out by the Council’s contractor 

·         the relatively low number of Road Warden Agreements (21 to date, with more expected shortly, from some 450), noting that not one Town Council had signed-up formally

·         disposal of residual waste (which would be chargeable at recycling centres) and scope for development of community composting

·         potential for more flexible Chapter 8 training ‘out of normal’ hours by the current and other providers

·         the Scheme’s aim to promote self-help by communities in addition to the work carried out by the County Council, noting the limited resources available 

·         insurance arrangements and that no claims and been submitted in respect of any work carried out by volunteers operating under the Scheme.  

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/16/19) attached

(Councillor Marsh declared a personal interest in this matter by virtue of being a Trustee of the local Allotment Association)

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/16/19) on objections to the advertised Traffic Regulation Order relating to rationalisation of Limited Waiting Bays in the Okehampton town centre and installation of a Limited Waiting Bay in Exeter Road (South East of De Brionne Heights); and examining the potential for Residents’ Parking. The Chairman also reported representations received from Councillor Leech.

It was MOVED by Councillor Ball, SECONDED by Councillor Sellis and

RESOLVED

(a) that the responses to the advertised Traffic Regulation Order be noted;

(b) that the Traffic Regulation Order be sealed and implemented as advertised, in accordance with the recommendations detailed in Section 5 of report HIW/16/19 subject to the following amendments:

(i) proposed Limited Waiting Bay in Exeter Road to the South East of De Brionne Heights:  defer consideration pending a further review by officers in consultation with the local County Councillor and report to a future meeting; and

(ii) proposed removal of double yellow lines in Castle Road: defer consideration pending further discussions between the Officers and local County Councillor and report to a future meeting;   

(c) that the issue of Residents Parking within the Town of Okehampton be re-examined if evidence can be produced by the local community that sufficient demand for such a scheme exists.

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Ball has requested that the

Committee consider this matter.

Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste to report

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Ball had requested that the Committee consider proposals for 20 mph limits in Okehampton.

The Chairman referred to emerging evidence as to the efficacy and safety impact of 20 mph limits; and the Neighbourhood Highway Group Manager reported that national guidance on policy was awaited from the Department for Transport, expected by 2018, which would help inform future County Council policy. In the interim current arrangements and policy were applicable.   

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Benson has requested that the

Committee consider this matter.

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Benson had requested that the Committee consider proposals for TROs in West Devon and in Bere Alston in particular and the consultation process involved.

The Committee noted that arrangements for a managed process (including consultation with local members) for proposals emanating from local residents,  members, local highway officers or other interested parties had been presented at the last meeting (22 March 2016, Minute *44 refers), along with a schedule of priorities (in accordance with agreed criteria), including proposals for Bere Alston.  

[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 (https://new.devon.gov.uk/democracy/guide/constitutionparts2-4/part-4-section-7-petition-scheme/).

There was no petition from a member of the public or the Council relating to the West Devon

District.

The Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/16/43) is attached for information, approved by the Cabinet at its meeting on 14 September 2016 (Cabinet minute 70 refers)

The Committee received the Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment

(PTE/16/43) approved by the Cabinet at its meeting on 14 September 2016 (Cabinet Minute 70 refers) on the revised Capital Programme for 2016/17 to reflect changes in scheme costs, funding sources and timing. The Chairman reported on written questions received from Councillor Leech about proposals for local walking and cycling – cycle parking in Market and Coastal Towns (£100,000) and it was noted by the Committee that there were proposals included in this budget for Okehampton at 3 sites to be implemented in the current financial year.  

16 March (Tavistock), 17 July (Okehampton), and 7 November (Tavistock) 2017 and 9 March (Okehampton) 2018.

Meetings will start at 10.00 am and alternate between Kilworthy House, Tavistock and Town Council Offices, Okehampton.

County Council Committee dates available on the website:

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

16 March, 17 July, and 7 November 2017 and 9 March 2018

County Council committee dates available on the website:

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