Agenda item

Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/19/49) seeking approval to construct a Park and Change facility, near Exeter Science Park, attached.

An Impact Assessment is also attached for the attention of Members at this meeting and can be found here https://www.devon.gov.uk/impact/park-and-change-facilities-nr-exeter-science-park/.

(Councillor Hannaford 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/19/49) seeking approval to construct a Park and Change facility, near Exeter Science Park, 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 explained that the Park and Change site was on the eastern side of Exeter Science Park and was part of the successful National Productivity Investment Fund bid package, which was also delivering the Moor Lane roundabout improvement, Exeter

cycle route improvements and the expansion of the Co-Bikes electric bike1 hire scheme. It was receiving funding from the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone, which also had

funded an enhanced bus service to Exeter Airport and the Long Lane improvements,

recently approved by Cabinet.

There had been significant growth in housing and jobs on the eastern edge of Exeter, which   collectively would put increased pressure on the A30/Honiton Road approach to M5 Junction 29, therefore the proposal sought to reduce the impacts of car-borne journeys by specifically intercepting private car trips before they impacted on the worst part of the network in terms of congestion and air quality.

The scheme was shown in full in Appendices 1 and 2 of the Report. The scheme would provide 300 parking bays, including bays for disabled people and some dedicated to electric cars, charging points, secure cycle lockers and a new dock for electric bikes.

A new footway/cycleway along the southern side of Anning Road from the Park and Change

entrance to Babbage Way would be constructed, to allow cyclists to connect into the E4

cycle route and a path providing access to the old A30. The connecting paths would enable onward access to Exeter Business Park, Sowton Industrial Estate and the city centre via Redhayes Bridge over the M5.

The site would have approximately 15-minute frequency buses and improved crossing points.

There would be extensive landscaping and planting (trees, hedges, grass and thicket) to enhance the habitat for wildlife, as well as improving the appearance and security for people making use of the car park.

The overall construction cost of the proposal was estimated to be £2,241,787, of which £0.440m related to the acquisition of land and the Report outlined the relevant funding sources.

The Head of Service’s Report also incorporated an Impact Assessment circulated for the attention of Members this meeting. https://www.devon.gov.uk/impact/park-and-change-facilities-nr-exeter-science-park/. The positive impacts of the proposal included increasing participation in active travel, a safe and secure environment and improved journey time reliability as well as the environmental considerations in ensuring the scheme integrated with the landscape setting and enhanced the habitat for wildlife, extensive landscaping and planting, surface water and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). It was also proposed to use LED lanterns for good control and reduction of sky glow or obtrusive light.

Overall, the scheme would improve access to retail, leisure and employment opportunities in Exeter and the developments East of Exeter, relieve pressure on the A30 corridor, improve journey time and support strategic housing and jobs growth on the eastern edge of the city.

The Assessment recognised that the facility was targeted at people using a car on the A30 and therefore could be considered exclusive of those people who did not own a car.

A Construction Environmental Management Plan had also been prepared, which placed

requirements on the contractor to manage the impacts on air quality; ecology; waste;

landscape; site; noise; sustainability; traffic; water; and energy.

The matter having been debated and the options and/or alternatives and other relevant factors (e.g. financial, sustainability, carbon and climate change impacts, risk management, equality and legal considerations and public health impact) as set out in the Head of Service’s Report and referred to above having been considered:

it was MOVED by Councillor Davis, SECONDED by Councillor Hart, and

RESOLVED

(a) that the construction of a Park and Change site near Exeter Science Park, as shown in Appendices 1 and 2, at an estimated cost of £2,241,787 be approved; and

(b) that delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment,

in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure Development & Waste and relevant local Members, to make minor amendments to the scheme details.

[NB: The Impact Assessment referred to above may be viewed alongside Minutes of this meeting and may also be available at:  https://www.devon.gov.uk/impact/park-and-change-facilities-nr-exeter-science-park/].