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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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76.

Election of Chair

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

Minutes:

It was MOVED by Councillor Gilbert and SECONDED by Councillor Hawkins and

 

RESOLVED: that Councillor Croad be elected for the remainder of the municipal year.

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77.

Election of Vice-Chair

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

 

Minutes:

It was MOVED by Councillor Gilbert and SECONDED by Councillor Hodgson and

 

RESOLVED: that Councillor Hawkins be elected Vice-Chair for the remainder of the municipal year.

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78.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 104 KB

Minutes of the meeting held on 5 April 2019 attached.

Minutes:

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

 

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting held on 5 April 2019 be signed as a correct record.

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79.

Highway Asset Management/Doing What Matters pdf icon PDF 5 MB

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

 

Electoral Divisions: All in South Hams

 

Minutes:

The Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste gave a presentation (attached) covering: the Annual Programme for 2019-20 (Capital Works); Design/Delivery; Cyclical Works Programmes; and Doing What Matters.

 

Doing What Matters was a different approach from a largely data led process to a more stream-lined pragmatic system-thinking approach for highways maintenance. A Programme Lead and dedicated officers had been established with an external consultant and involving the Council’s contractor piloting the Okehampton area to test the new approach working with local communities, Parishes, District Councils, local Neighbourhood Officers and Members using their combined knowledge in identifying local priorities and issues.  This was an open process and an evidence base would be built to establish the efficacy and best use of limited resources.  If successful the pilot would be rolled out to other areas.

 

Members’ discussion included:

-clarification of the highway network in Devon and areas of responsibilities (Highways England: M5, A38, A30, part A35 and Devon County Council: the remaining Devon network);

-environmental/climate change considerations within the new approach (e.g. flooding and drainage works, verge management.  Whilst DCC now only cut verges at visibility lines, local communities may wish to consider managing verges to encourage wildflowers and wildlife

https://www.devon.gov.uk/environment/wildlife/managing-verges-for-wildlife ;

-more engagement with Parish Councils over works within local areas would help utilise local knowledge and identify priorities;

-quality and monitoring of works/improved audit process to reduce repeat work (e.g. pothole repair). Flexibility within contracts to allow highway work to be done holistically (e.g. pothole clusters);

-improved data collection to help identify the level of cyclical works required (e.g. gully cleaning); and

-regulatory enforcement could be taken where necessary where the highway was being compromised (e.g. collapsed water drains).

 

N.B. presentation attached to these minutes of this meeting.

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80.

Permits for Works pdf icon PDF 248 KB

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

 

Electoral Divisions: All in South Hams

Minutes:

The Committee received a presentation from the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste on a proposed permit scheme for approving works on the highway and the introduction of statutory regulations. The presentation covered:

 

- the current noticing system for informing the County Council as Highways Authority of proposed road works;

- the Council’s statutory duty to coordinate works and reduce disruption, with anticipated greater control to scrutinise works, set conditions and encourage greater collaboration;

- the requirement for all local authorities to consider introducing a scheme by April 2020;

- the project timeline (including a period for consultation before ‘going live’ in March 2020 for statutory undertakers and Devon Highways; and March 2021 for private contractors);

- the scope covering all statutory undertakers and DCC Highway works and in phase 2 all other privately licenced works;

- types of highway works included in the proposed scheme;

- anticipated environmental benefits relating to reduction in congestion/delays and materials;  - permit charging on a not for profit basis;

- the range of conditions permitted; and - the cost benefit analysis of savings to the wider economy were £850 per day per site.  

-details of all works could be found at  https://roadworks.org

 

Discussion points raised at the meeting included:

-level of health and safety requirements to minimise the effect on traffic and road closures

-route management and early signing of diversions;

- additional costs could be recovered for any poor quality reinstatement; and 

-issues such as signage not being removed promptly and cleaning up by a contractor after work not being satisfactorily carried out could be included as requirements (with penalties) within the new application process.

 

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

 

RESOLVED:  that it be noted that the Permit Scheme Legal Order consultation was open until 6 December  2019 should Members wish to make suggestions.

 

N.B. presentation attached to these minutes of this meeting and additional information on the Scheme was available at: www.devon.gov.uk/workspermit-scheme

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81.

Annual Local Waiting Restriction Programme pdf icon PDF 4 MB

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/104) attached.

 

Electoral Divisions: Dartmouth & Marldon, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Salcombe,

South Brent & Yealmpton and Totnes & Dartington

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/104) following the advertisement of the South Hams Annual Waiting Restriction Review 2019 Traffic Order.

 

One of the advertised proposals was considered further by the Committee, i.e: ENV5714/006(A) – Crescent Road, Ivybridge.  The Chair (local County Councillor) reported that there was an alternative long standing locally agreed route to facilitate farm traffic moving through this part of the town, to avoid passing older properties which had no off road parking.  Should the proposal be agreed to proceed as advertised and monitor as recommended in the Report these local residents would be disadvantaged. 

 

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

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a) that the work on the annual waiting restrictions programme process for 2019/2020 be noted;

 

(b) that the recommendations contained in Appendix II to Report (HIW/19/104) be approved, subject to the proposals for ENV5714/006(A) – Crescent Road, Ivybridge not proceeding.

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82.

Lane past Stanton Cottage, Loddiswell - Stopping up of public highway pdf icon PDF 315 KB

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/105) attached.

Electoral Divisions: Salcombe

 

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/105) on a request from a landowner to apply for a stopping up order so the land in question no longer formed part of the public highway. 

 

This land was not needed for public use and was unnecessary as a public highway.  All costs would be met by the applicant.

 

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

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a) that the Committee confirm that the extent of highway land at Stanton Cottage, Loddiswell,

as detailed in Appendix I of Report HIW/19/105, is not needed for public use; and

 

(b) that subject to consultations referred to in section 4 of Report HIW/19/105, 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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83.

Item under SO23(2) Satnavs and issues arising on the Highway

In accordance with Standing Order 23(2) Councillors Hawkins and Reeve have requested that the Committee consider this matter due to difficulties experienced at Dittisham and Moreleigh.

Minutes:

The Committee noted that, in accordance with Standing Order 23, Councillors Hawkins and Reeve had asked that the Committee consider difficulties experienced at Dittisham and Moreleigh:-

 

(a)  Road from Moreleigh Fork at Shorts Lane to A381 at Stanborough

 

The Local District Councillor reported that this had been a long standing concern of the Parish Council and it was felt that satnavs were directing motorists to access the main road on a blind corner.  The Local County Councillor and other Committee members also concurred with the local concerns.

 

Officers had previously advised the Parish Council that as no accidents had been recorded at the junction at Stanborough no action was recommended at this stage and this would not qualify for highways budget funding.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Gilbert, SECONDED by Councillor Reeve, and

 

RESOLVED:  that a Traffic Regulation Order be advertised for one way northbound between the A381 at Stanborough and the access to Martin Pears Engineering subject to external funding up to £5,000 being confirmed.

 

(b) Dittisham Village

 

The local County Councillor reported on a recent incident of an articulated lorry ignoring signage and other information, resulting in significant damage to property.  He advised that the Parish Council continued to be concerned that satnavs were continuing to encourage HGVs to use the village roads.

 

Officers advised that there had been 2 incidents in the last 12 months since improved signage and they were continuing to monitor the situation. 

 

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

 

RESOLVED:  that the feasibility of any further appropriate signing be investigated.

 

 


84.

Item under SO23(2) Littlehempston cycle and foot path (Minute *72, 5 April 2019)

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 long outstanding issue of  public access across the South Devon Railway (SDR)  pedestrian bridge, which had been built several years ago funded by 50% public funds.

 

Local Members, Littlehempston Parish Council and local community groups continued to press for this as a key link for a public right of way linking all Parish north of the River Dart with Totnes and to help promote locally sustainable travel for the public and tourism for the area.  The HATOC had been disappointed with the outcome of discussions held at senior level between the railway and Council over the summer and that the public use of the  SDR owned bridge had not been able to be agreed.   It was suggested that an alternative crossing point and bridge would be beyond the scope of funding by the local community.

 

Whilst SDR had expressed security and safety issues, this Committee wished to work with the railway to find a solution for local residents and tourists alike.  However given the protracted timeframe, members felt that if necessary compulsory purchase should also be considered.  Officers reported their views that security and safety issues could frustrate any compulsory purchase and that, at this time, the scheme could not be supported as a priority within the County Council’s Cycling and Multi Use Strategy.

 

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

 

RESOLVED:  that given the lack of progress over time, Cabinet be recommended to investigate the public use of the pedestrian railway bridge by compulsory purchase if necessary, given its importance and benefit as a public amenity.    

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85.

Actions Taken Under Delegated Powers pdf icon PDF 62 KB

Report of the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste (HIW/19/106) on actions taken under delegated powers on Traffic Regulation Orders since the last meeting, attached.

Electoral Divisions: Ivybridge and Bickleigh & Wembury

Minutes:

The Committee received the Report of the Head of Highways, Capital Development & Waste (HCW/19/106) setting out action taken under delegated powers on advertised Traffic Regulation Orders since the last meeting at:-

 

Erme Road Ivybridge; Langage Power Station area, Sparkwell; and Down Thomas.

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86.

Dates for Future HATOC Meetings

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

 

Friday 3 April 2020

Friday 3 July 2020

Friday 6 November 2020

Friday 19 February 2021.

 

Please use link below for County Council Calendar of Meetings

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

Minutes:

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

 

Friday 3 April 2020

Friday 3 July 2020

Friday 6 November 2020

Friday 19 February 2021.

 

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


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