Report of: Planning Services Business Manager and Built Environment Business Manager

To: Central, South and West Area Committee

Date: 8th August 2006 Item No: 14

Title of Report : THAMES TOWPATH CYCLE LINK - LOCK TO WHITEHOUSE ROAD

Summary and Recommendations

Purpose of report: This report seeks committee approval to the proposed improvements to the to Whitehouse Road footpath link.

Key decision: No

Portfolio Holder: Councillor J Fooks & Councillor J Goddard

Scrutiny Responsibility: Environment

Ward(s) affected: Hinksey Park, Jericho & Osney.

Report Approved by: Legal & Democratic Services - James Pownall Finance & Asset Management – Emma Burson Planning Policy Manager – Mark Jaggard Built Environment Business Manager – John Hill

Policy Framework: City Councils vision: • Improving the environment were we live and work • Improving transport and mobility • Providing more and improved affordable leisure activities. Oxford Local Plan 2001-2016 • Policy TR.5 – Pedestrian and Cycle Routes

Recommendation(s): The Committee is recommended to approve the scheme.

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Background 1. Sustrans are promoting the use of the towpath between the Botley Road and Radley as a suitable north-south route for cycling in Oxford. Improvements have previously been made to the Thames towpath south of down to the crossing of Hinksey Stream. And beyond that a cycle track adjacent to the railway line to Sandford Lane in Kennington. The County have nearly completed improvement to the towpath between Folly Bridge and Donnington Bridge. 2. Sustrans have on two previous occasions attended the meetings of this Committee to explain their vision for the towpath, and also to seek support for proposals to improve the section between Osney Lock and White House Road (shown on attached map). Following Committee’s previous indication of support, City and Sustrans officers have drawn up specific proposals, which are shown, on Drawing C0404/01 - to be displayed at the meeting.

Scheme Details 3. The scheme comprises: a. Improving the towpath surface from Osney Lock to the Bullstake Stream footbridge using crushed rock bound with a bitumen binder to produce a more durable base. b. Renovating the footbridge parapet railings. c. Widen and Re-grate the ramp from the railway bridge into Park and lay a new macadam pavement. d. Widen the existing Grandpont footpath from the railway bridge to Gasworks Bridge and up to White House Road using crushed rock bound with a bitumen binder. e. Create a new ramp adjacent to Gasworks Bridge back down onto the towpath and lay a new macadam pavement. f. Improving the towpath surface from Gasworks Bridge as far as Riverside Court using crushed rock bound with a bitumen binder to produce a durable base. g. The width of all sections would be 2 metres wide, which will enable cyclists and pedestrians to pass comfortably. h. All sections will have a finished surface of local pea gravel similar to that recently laid south of Folly Bridge. Finance 4. A scheme for the Thames Tow Path is included in the Council’s Capital Programme totalling £38k. The scheme is funded from a developer contribution arising from development of the former Blackwells site Osney Mead – erection of a building to provide 4450 sq m of commercial floor space/design studio/marketing, storage distribution and offices. Sustrans are contributing up to £25k towards the scheme and will pay City Works direct. The total funds available to be used

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towards this scheme are £63k. The scheme will be completed this financial year. 5. The estimated cost of the scheme is as follows:

Footpath Construction Works £44,000 Landscaping Works £1,500

Traffic Management Costs £4,000 Total Cost of Works £49,500

Fees £6,500 Contingencies £7,000

Total £63,000 6. The Planning Policy Manager confirms that the expenditure of the developer contribution on this scheme is consistent with the terms of the legal agreement (specified below)

Name and contact details of authors: Lorraine Freeman 252178 [email protected] Steve Smith 252764 [email protected]

Background papers: Legal agreement relating to: Former Blackwells Site, Osney Mead (98/01445/NO)

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