To receive a report from the Head of Planning and Regeneration providing an update on the funding and delivery of the new grade separated A361 junction to serve the Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension.
Minutes:
The Committee had before it and NOTED a report * of the Head of Planning and Regeneration providing an update on the funding and delivery of the new grade separated A361 junction to serve the Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension.
She outlined the contents of the report by way of presentation highlighting the grade separated junction on the A361 and the approved plans of phase 1 of the left in and left out junction, the roundabout onto Blundells Road and the proposed 2nd phase with the establishment of the new over bridge on the A361. She stated that conditions for planning permissions granted had been discharged and that lawful commencement was taking place; the junction had been intended to be built out in its entirety however there had been funding issues which had required a review of the project. An updated time limited funding package had therefore been put in place which was outlined in detail in the report, to secure the junction that the Eastern Urban Extension depended on. She highlighted the changes to the S106 and conditions following amendments to the scheme that had to take place and the proposed timescales. She further explained the funding package that had been put in place which would deliver Phase 1 of the scheme the left in, left out southern slips (LILO) and the link to Blundells Road and would allow for construction to take place. The 2nd phase of the junction did not form part of the package and further bids for funding would be required.
The Head of Planning and Regeneration and Mr Sorenson (Devon County Council – Highways Authority) answered questions posed in public question time:
Changes to the masterplan – the triggers for highway infrastructure were based on the original funding scheme, as the original package had failed, there had been a need to revisit this, the masterplan was not flawed, but had to respond to a change in circumstances. With the completion of the LILO, access to the site would be by the southern slips.
Mr Sorenson provided the table of projected flows both base flow and flows with build our of development within Area A together with the left in left out junction
|
Base |
|
Future |
|
|
Total Increase |
|
|
Am |
PM |
AM |
PM |
|
Am |
PM |
Blundells road adjacent to school westward |
299 |
679 |
441 |
711 |
|
380 |
270 |
Blundells road adjacent to school Eastward |
492 |
391 |
571 |
458 |
|
79 |
67 |
Halberton Westward |
178 |
273 |
179 |
271 |
|
1 |
-2 |
Halberton Eastward |
351 |
254 |
375 |
283 |
|
24 |
29 |
Flows through Halberton were considered as not significant in planning terms and the increases would be less than seasonal variations from committed developments and agricultural activity.
The roundabout triggers remained unaltered and development would deliver contribution in sufficient time to deliver improvements to capacity at Lowman Way and Heathcoat roundabouts. Gornhay Cross had been modelled and would not have any capacity issues.
The Highway Authority confirmed that both the junction design and the traffic calming design and installation have been safety audited.
The Highway Authority considered that capacity along Blundlells Road was acceptable and that the already installed traffic calming was mitigation to the amenity and safety concerns of pedestrian crossing the Blundells Road, further traffic calming was planned as part of the developments of both Area A and Area B.
The Highway Authority confirmed that it would not be reviewing the roundabout option on the A361 for the reasons previously given it also confirmed that for the northern part of the junction the Highway Authority would be seeking to make a bid for funding in the Autumn with likely response to the request following in April.
The Highway Authority also explained the reason for the increase in costs from the original estimate of £15 million to £18 million due to full detail design fees and changes to accommodate residents
The air quality issues had been assessed at planning application stage, the western end of Blundells Road was sensitive and traffic improvements had been requested at Horsdon roundabout to reduce queuing. He informed the meeting regarding the stages of traffic calming at Blundells Road and the remedial works that were taking place. He added that the build out rate on the site was proposed at 100 per year and that by the time the whole site had been built out the northern junction should be in place. With regard to the planting scheme, the completed scheme may not be in place by July 2018 because of the seasons.
The Head of Planning and Regeneration reiterated the proposed funding scheme that had been put together on a multiagency basis. This was reiterated by the Chief Executive who explained the triggers for occupation of the dwellings which could not take place until the LILO was in place. The DCC works to commence the junction slips to the south would allow their use as a construction haul route negating the need for Chettiscombe Trust land construction vehicles to use Blundell’s Road.
With regard to the surfacing of the A361 in the vicinity of the development, the south side would be completed as part of the development, the north side would be delayed and would be progressed as part of phase 2 of the project. The acoustic fencing and bunding would take place as part of Phase 1 of the scheme but that the planting would need to be phased. Public consultation had taken place previously on thejunction and that the meeting today was open to the public. With regard to the area south of Manley Lane, the Chettiscombe application did not include that land.
Consideration was given to:
· Why the Local Authority was involved in the funding for the LILO
· Cash flow for the project
· The construction traffic and haul route for the site
· The viability of the site
· Available funding
· The lengthy and protracted discussions that had led to a mechanism to deliver the infrastructure
· The views of the local residents and whether Phase 2 would ever been completed
· Why a roundabout could not be progressed on the A361 and the Highway Authority’s view
Notes:
i) Cllrs N V Davey, D J Knowles and C R Slade spoke as Ward Members;
ii) *Report previously circulated copy attached to minutes.
Supporting documents: