Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Committee Suite, County Hall, Exeter

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

Note: Due to Covid restrictions and social distancing measures, members of the press and public must contact the Clerk to book a place should they wish to attend this meeting 

Items
Note No. Item

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1.

Election of Chair

(NB: In accordance with the County Council’s Constitution, The Chair and Vice Chair must be County Councillors. County and District Councillors may vote)

Decision:

RESOLVED: that Councillor Wrigley be elected Chair for the ensuing year

Minutes:

It was MOVED by Councillor Connett and SECONDED by Councillor Dewhirst   and

 

RESOLVED: that Councillor Wrigley be elected Chair for the ensuing year.

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2.

Election of Vice-Chair

(NB: In accordance with the County Council’s Constitution, The Chair and Vice Chair must be County Councillors. County and District Councillors may vote)

Decision:

RESOLVED: that Councillor Parker-Khan be elected Vice-Chair for the ensuing year.

Minutes:

It was MOVED by Councillor Brook and SECONDED by Councillor Gribble   and

 

RESOLVED: that Councillor Parker-Khan be elected Vice-Chair for the ensuing year.

 

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3.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 206 KB

Minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2021, attached

Decision:

Member Induction/TraininRESOLVED: that the minutes of the 4 March 2021 be signed as a correct record.

Minutes:

It was MOVED by Councillor Brook and SECONDED by Councillor Connett and

 

RESOLVED:  that the minutes of the 4 March 2021 be signed as a correct record.

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4.

Member Induction/Training

Minutes:

The Committee had received induction/training material on the work of the Committee (as circulated) and on which the Head of Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste would be happy to help with any queries relating to this. (note: for Members’ reporting processes where highways issues had been identified, the designated local Neighbourhood Highways Officers were a good point of contact and/or issues could also be reported via the County Council’s website: www.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/report-a-problem/

Parking enforcement matters could also be directed to the parking link on that page)

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5.

Item raised by Councillor Cox - Air Quality (Highway Matters), Bitton Park Road, Teignmouth

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Cox has requested that the Committee consider this matter (in relation to highway matters).

 

Teignmouth Town Council has produced a short briefing on the issues and some potential actions/measures regarding air quality and traffic management in Bitton Park Road (circulated to members for information and will be available in hard copy at the meeting).

Electoral Division: Teignmouth

Decision:

(Councillor Ash, Teignmouth Town Council spoke to this item with the consent of the Committee, in accordance with Standing Order 25. Councillors Cox and Russell declared that they were members of Teignmouth Town Council and that Councillor Cox served on the Town Council’s Air Quality working party)

 

RESOLVED: that a report be made to the next meeting regarding possible traffic management actions to help towards the improvement of air quality at Bitton Park Road, Teignmouth.

Minutes:

(Councillor Ash, Teignmouth Town Council spoke to this item with the consent of the Committee, in accordance with Standing Order 25.  Councillors Cox and Russell declared that they were members of Teignmouth Town Council and that Councillor Cox served on the Town Council’s Air Quality working party)

 

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Cox had requested the Committee consider this matter.  He advised that there had been air quality concerns over a number of years along this route and that local residents needed to see that this public health matter was being taken seriously.  He would welcome continued working together by Teignbridge District Council and the County Council in discharging their respective legal responsibilities for air quality improvements, alongside the Town Council, together with a report to the next meeting.    The County Council should consider the impact of traffic management as one factor affecting air quality at Bitton Park Road and consider mitigation measures where appropriate.  

 

Teignmouth Town Council had produced a short briefing on the issues and some potential actions/measures regarding air quality and traffic management in Bitton Park Road (as circulated).  The Town Council submission referred to the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) process which had highlighted this location as an air quality blackspot area, together with the effects of road traffic emissions, site monitoring and data, traffic flow, movement and speed. The submission suggested some possible improvement measures that would not necessarily be seen as prohibitively expensive.

 

Members were sympathetic towards the issues raised and requested a report to the next meeting.

 

It was also noted that Officers advised that traffic management options could be limited on this main arterial route through Teignmouth.   This was a long standing issue, with the flow of traffic on this main route in and out of the town and the number of vehicle movements (particularly right turns), contributing to the congestion. The traffic signals were under MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation) control and the signalised crossing between First Avenue and Westbrook Avenue had replaced the previous zebra crossing some years ago for safety reasons.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Cox and SECONDED by Councillor Connett                    and

 

RESOLVED: that a report be made to the next meeting regarding possible traffic management actions to help towards the improvement of air quality at Bitton Park Road, Teignmouth.

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6.

Starcross Enhancement Scheme pdf icon PDF 2 MB

Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/21/30), attached.

Electoral Division:  Exminster & Haldon

 

 

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

(a) that a Traffic Regulation Order for new double yellow lines and single yellow lines on the Strand and banning of the right turn out of New Road be advertised and if no significant objections received, be made and sealed;

 

(b) that the proposed footway widening on the A379 shown in Appendix II be trialled and if successful included as part of the works in (c);

 

(c) that the proposed improvements shown plan J19020_010 included in Appendix I, is approved for construction at an estimated cost of £70,000;

 

(d) that the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment be given delegated powers, in consultation with the Chair of HATOC and the local County Councillor, to make minor amendments to the scheme details; and

 

(e) that further consideration be given to the introduction of a weight limit on the highway on the Mamhead route due to traffic congestion difficulties caused by large vehicles using the route

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/21/11) regarding proposed enhancements to active travel and improving traffic flow in Starcross. The proposals had been consulted on and could be delivered alongside proposed maintenance works providing a cost effective improvement to The Strand.

 

The local County Councillor welcomed the Report’s proposals as a good step towards improvements in this area, to proceed with now. In the longer term he referred to the number of consultation responses requesting traffic signals through Starcross, which he supported (section 10 of the Report, which also included the Officer reason why this was not considered suitable). 

 

The local County Councillor was also concerned at the number of large vehicles on the Mamhead route despite an advisory light vehicles only sign and requested a weight limit except for access to be introduced.   However he would be keen that any consideration of this did not impede the delivery of the current Report’s proposals.  Officers advised that taking into account existing signage and that there were no structural or environmental constraints, a change could not be recommended.

 

Members also asked that further consideration be given to the best time to carry out the trial referred to in the Report (to take account of seasonal variations e.g. tourism) and Officers advised this could be further considered taking into account other factors (e.g. other works timescales).

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Connett and SECONDED by Councillor                     Dewhirst and

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a) that a Traffic Regulation Order for new double yellow lines and single yellow lines on the Strand and banning of the right turn out of New Road be advertised and if no significant objections received, be made and sealed;

 

(b) that the proposed footway widening on the A379 shown in Appendix II be trialled and if successful included as part of the works in (c);

 

(c) that the proposed improvements shown plan J19020_010 included in Appendix I, is approved for construction at an estimated cost of £70,000;

 

(d) that the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment be given delegated powers, in consultation with the Chair of HATOC and the local County Councillor, to make minor amendments to the scheme details; and

 

(e) that further consideration be given to the introduction of a weight limit on the highway on the Mamhead route due to traffic congestion difficulties caused by large vehicles using the route.

7.

Shaldon Road, Newton Abbot - Request for extension of 30mph speed limit (minute 104) pdf icon PDF 632 KB

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and

Waste  (HIW/21/53), attached.

 

Electoral Divisions:  Newton Abbot South, Teign Estuary

 

 

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

(a) that the County Council’s policies on speed limits be noted; and

 

(b) that the speed limit on this stretch of Shaldon Road referred to in Report (HIW/21/53) be reduced to 30mph in view of the dangers to adults and children using this road (noting this would be referred to Cabinet as a departure from policy).

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/21/53) which included traffic speed data and details of a site meeting held on 18 March 2021, following consideration at previous meetings, as requested by the former local County Councillor for this division, to reduce this section of road from 40mph to 30mph.

 

The Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste reported that as there were only 3 legal accesses onto the highway  and that the layout of the residential developments demonstrated it was not intended that vehicles access should be via back gardens and therefore did not meet the criteria for a 30 mph speed limit.  The speed survey indicated motorists were broadly compliant with the existing speed limits and collision data did not support a change. The current speed limit regime on Shaldon Hill was therefore considered to be correct for this environment.

 

Members were advised that any request for a reduction to 30mph would be a departure from policy and would therefore need to be referred to Cabinet for decision.

 

The local County Councillor advised that she supported her predecessor’s request for 30mph along this section. 

 

There was support for 30mph amongst a majority of Members for reasons including pedestrian safety, the support of the parish council and former local County Councillor and that this might be considered an exceptional location.  However other Members expressed some caution when considering all the factors, the potential for setting a precedent and that 30mph did not meet policy criteria.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Dewhirst and SECONDED by Councillor Connett and

 

RESOLVED: 

 

(a) that the County Council’s policies on speed limits be noted; and

 

(b) that the speed limit on this stretch of Shaldon Road referred to in Report  (HIW/21/53) be reduced to 30mph in view of the dangers to adults and children using this road (noting this would be referred to Cabinet as a departure from policy). 

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8.

Rapid Charging Teignbridge (StreetHUBZ) On-street Electric Vehicle Charging Bays pdf icon PDF 4 MB

ReportoftheChiefOfficerfor Highways,InfrastructureDevelopment and Waste (HIW/21/54), attached.

 

Decision:

 

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a) that work on the Electric Vehicle Charging Scheme be noted; and

 

(b) that the recommendations contained in Appendix II to Report (HIW/21/54) be approved.

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/21/54), considering representations made to the statutory consultation on the proposed electric vehicle charging bays within the Teignbridge area (locations advertised in Appendix 1 and objections with recommendations for each location set out in Appendix II to the Report).  Common comments received relating to various sites referred to the installation of charging points within car parks and whether the infrastructure was needed.   However, this followed a 2019 successful funding bid to government investment in science and research, enabling Devon County Council and a consortium of private sector partners to install and operate on-street electric vehicle charge points. The environmental and public health impacts of the scheme were positive, reducing emissions and providing cleaner air, with the infrastructure enabling more residents to switch to electric vehicles.

 

Members broadly welcomed the Report, with the exact position of a couple of locations queried.  

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Wrigley and SECONDED by Councillor Brook and

 

RESOLVED: 

 

(a) that work on the Electric Vehicle Charging Scheme be noted; and

 

(b) that the recommendations contained in Appendix II to Report (HIW/21/54) be approved.

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9.

Land adjacent to Road past Lower Cator Farm, Widecombe in the Moor - Stopping up of public highway pdf icon PDF 493 KB

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and

Waste (HIW/21/55), attached.

Electoral Division:  Bovey Rural

 

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

(a) that the extent of highway Land adjacent to Road past Lower Cator Farm, Widecombe in the Moor, as detailed in Appendix I, is not needed for public use; and

 

(b) that subject to the consultations referred to in section 4, Devon County Council make 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.

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/21/55), following a request from a landowner for the land in question to no longer form part of the public highway.  The report stated that no objections had been received and all costs would be met by the applicant.   The land was not needed for public use and was unnecessary as public highway, there were no good reasons for not making an order in accordance with the process.  

 

In response to questions, Officers further advised the highway was part of a gravelled driveway serving two cottages in a remote location and therefore this highway land had no further impact (e.g. on traffic flows or public parking).

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Brook and SECONDED by Councillor Parker- Khan and

 

RESOLVED: 

 

(a) that the extent of highway Land adjacent to Road past Lower Cator Farm, Widecombe in the Moor, as detailed in Appendix I, is not needed for public use; and

 

(b) that subject to the consultations referred to in section 4, Devon County Council make 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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10.

Bovey Bridge, Fore Street, Bovey Tracey - Pedestrian Proposal pdf icon PDF 113 KB

 

Devon County Council Officers have met with Bovey Tracey Town Council and have considered a proposal for a change to the pedestrian route to improve access to the Co-op car park on Bovey Bridge.  The Town Council have commissioned a Stage 1 Road Safety Audit. No funding has currently been identified for the proposal (Plan attached).

 

Electoral Division:  Bovey Rural

 

Decision:

RESOLVED: that this matter be deferred, with a report to a future meeting as necessary when funding was identified.

Minutes:

The Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste reported that following a request from the local County Councillor, Devon County Council Officers had met with Bovey Tracey Town Council and considered a proposal for a change to the pedestrian route to improve access to the Co-op car park on Bovey Bridge. The Town Council had commissioned a Stage 1 Road Safety Audit. No funding had currently been identified for the proposal. (A plan was also attached to the agenda).

 

The local County Councillor would welcome progress due to local concern and hoped that funding could be made available.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Connett SECONDED by Councillor Dewhirst  and

 

RESOLVED:  that this matter be deferred, with a report to a future meeting as necessary when funding was identified.

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11.

Item raised by Councillor Cox - Teignmouth, Bitton House Parking

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Cox has requested that the Committee consider this matter, following an extraordinary meeting of Teignmouth Town Council held on 20 July 2021 which considered the implementation of pay and display parking.

Electoral Division: Teignmouth

 

 

Decision:

(Councillors Cox and Russell declared they were members of Teignmouth Town Council, which owned the land in question)

 

RESOLVED: that this matter be deferred pending legal opinion and appropriate Officer action thereafter.

Minutes:

(Councillors Cox and Russell declared they were members of Teignmouth Town Council, which owned the land in question)

 

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillor Cox had requested the Committee consider this matter, however he reported that due to developments he wished to defer this matter for further clarification as to how this matter should be progressed.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Cox and SECONDED by Councillor Brook                    and

 

RESOLVED: that this matter be deferred pending legal opinion and appropriate Officer action thereafter. 

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12.

Calendar of Meetings

Please use link below for County Council Calendar of Meetings;

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

 

Meetings to be held at 10.30am. All meetings normally held at Teignbridge District Council, Forde House, Newton Abbot – however please check venue in the current situation.

 

2021/22:

Thursday 4 November 2021

Thursday 3 March 2022.

 

 

 

Minutes:

Meetings to be held at 10.30am. All meetings normally held at Teignbridge District Council, Forde House, Newton Abbot – however please check venue in the current situation.

 

2021/22:

Thursday 4 November 2021

Thursday 3 March 2022.

 

Please use link below for County Council Calendar of Meetings; http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1