Signage for the Hospital energy works project

Contractors have agreed to put up signs advising cyclists to dismount when using footpaths in roads affected by the works, after we followed up a suggestion from a Lime Walk resident.

We have discussed signage with the contractors at some length, and residents have written to us complaining that traffic is U-turning at the bottom of Bickerton Road. We’ve agreed with Vital Energi that signs off Old Road will advise that the road is closed except for access. Other signs in and around Stapleton Road are also being moved.

If you see any signs that are misleading or placed incorrectly, please let us know.

First road closure in All Saints Road

First road closure in All Saints Road

 

Temporary parking arrangements during the energy works

The County has agreed with the Trust and the contractor that visitors’ parking permits will be available for residents temporarily affected by the works.

It has been agreed that 25 Visitor’s parking permits will initially be issued free of charge and resident’s will have a choice of the neighbouring parking zones for which they wish to have permits issued. If the works take longer than programmed OCC will consider issuing a second batch at that time. This arrangement is exclusively for the issue of Visitor’s permits so any persons wanting a specific Resident parking permit for a vehicle ( in their designated zone only) will need to pay accordingly as per normal protocols.

Visitor’s parking permits can be issued to any resident over the age of 17 (and regardless of whether they have a vehicle or not) upon production of a completed application form and supporting official proof of residency. This can either be a fully signed, termed, tenancy agreement, a most recent council tax bill or a bank statement/ utilities bill that is dated within the last 3 months. The application form and supporting document can either be presented in person at the Parking Shop on Speedwell Street, posted or scanned to the email address parking.shop@oxfordshire.gov.uk,

for them to be despatched first class. OCC pay all postage costs, with the exception of any requests for special delivery.

Here is the Parking Permit Application form you will need to fill in if you live in the affected areas and want to apply for visitors’ permits in advance.

Vital Energi has prepared a presentation on the various phases of the works. This can be seen on the Trust’s website (you have to scroll down to find it)

Vital Energi has set up a dedicated telephone number 0800 612 4039, and for specific questions an email address: hospitalenergyproject@ouh.nhs.uk.  Both have been established directly with the Trust project team and Vital Energi to respond to any queries related to this project.

There are signs that communication is improving from the hospitals’ Trust regarding the energy pipe works, and we look forward to working more closely with the Trust’s new communications officer who takes up position on 4 January.

We are asking that details of the above permit process are included in any impending leaflet drop by the Trust and/or contractor and will include these details in our next Focus leaflet.

There is currently on-going discussion about how the visitors’ parking permits will be funded as the County Council believes this cost should be borne by the project, not by taxpayers. The Parking Shop staff will keep a record all such additional visitors’ permits so that the total cost can be determined.

The implications of this alternative provision may mean that there is additional pressure on parking spaces In Highfield, New Headington and Central and North Headington.

 

County Council’s position statement on energy pipe project

We are publishing the Chief Legal Officer’s email dated 29/12 in full. It explains why the County Council believes it has undertaken its role (limited to granting permission) lawfully but it is not ‘legal advice’ as such. Those wishing to explore the possibility of taking legal action will need to seek their own independent advice.

  • I am not aware of all the communication that has (or has not) taken place.  Clearly officers considered they should have done more and you have received an apology.  I am not sure I can add much to that.  I believe the County did urge the Trust to undertake consultation as they are the key players in this Scheme.  Fundamentally, the County’s role is to ensure they have permission to undertake work on the Highway – not unlike many applications for permission the Council receives…
  • In terms of Vital Energi – acting for the Trust – they have not claimed statutory powers to undertake works to the Highway – such as, say, a mainstream utility company.  The route for those who are not a statutory undertaker is to seek permission to undertake work from the Highway Authority.  Vital Energi are a licensee, not a statutory undertaker.  Having said that, it is a condition of the licence that they abide by the provisions of the New Roads and Street Works Act.
  • Licence applications were originally applied for in January 2014 but these were not granted although detailed discussions did take place about the work Vital Energi wanted to undertake.  That resulted, finally, in further applications being made on the 28 October 2015 and granted on the 21 December 2015 – I can confirm that the works would be classed a ‘major works’ for the purposes of the NRSWA.
  • Ordinarily a licence holder is required to give 3 months’ notice from the date when the licence is applied for, not from when it is granted.  The County agreed start dates within that 3 month period, mainly due to the proximity of other scheduled works and to start earlier was considered to be the least disruptive option.
  • As to the Executive Arrangements Regulations, the granting of a licence is a function delegated to officers.  It would not be a key decision because the County’s Constitution and the relevant Regulations define a ‘key decision’ as one which is likely to (a) involve the County in significant expenditure (which this does not) or (b): ‘to be significant in terms of its effects on communities living or working in an area comprising two or more electoral divisions in the County’
  • As will be clear, a licence has been granted on each individual street, not for the whole Scheme.  I am not aware (although have not checked in detail) that these would involve two electoral divisions.  However, even if they did, the term ‘significant’ is defined as 25% of the people living or working in the area.  I do not believe that that threshold has been met.  As such, the grant of the licences would not be a key decision which requires an Cabinet/Executive decision.
  • In terms of the subsoil, that is really a question for the Trust.  The County’s principal concern is with the Highway fabric and as much subsoil as is needed to keep the Highway intact.  The ownership of the subsoil and notification that may need to be made to the owners of that is, as I say, a matter for the Trust undertaking the work.
  • I would not profess to know the detail of the City’s planning powers, but certainly the County’s role is restricted to granting permission under the New Roads and Street Works Act to those who wish to install apparatus  in the Highway or break open the highway for this purpose.  Accepting that communications can always be improved, I believe we have carried out that function appropriately and lawfully.  I note you are seeking your own advice on the planning issue.
  • In terms of the parking issue I can confirm this has been actively considered and the County has agreed that affected residents may apply for Visitors Permits to park in adjoining streets, outside of their designated Controlled Parking Zone.  The issue of funding of that has yet to be addressed as between the County and the Trust, but that does not affect the right of residents to apply.

Details re the visitors’ parking permits follow in the next email.

We have asked for further details regarding the “proximity of other scheduled works” which was referred to above, so that we can understand why the period of notice of less than 3 months for major works was considered to be the least disruptive option – we are expecting a further email on this later in the week.

We have also queried the dates on the temporary traffic order notices issued on 29/12/15 – there is a discrepancy between dates displayed in notices on street and those on the TTRO for All Saints Road, and the end date for the Sandfield Road works is currently listed on the TTRO as Tuesday 22 April – it’s likely that this should read Friday 22 April but we are asking for clarification.

 

Energy pipe update

Ruth attended a liaison meeting arranged by the Trust on 22 December along with some local residents, the Trust, a representative from OXTRAG (transport and access matters for the disabled) and the contractors.

Some matters are becoming clearer. Letters from the contractors to residents in affected areas two weeks in advance of the works will show a map of where the works will be, will specify the house numbers affected, will indicate the date when works will be happening, and will indicate where alternative parking might be found. There will be collection points either end of the works where those with mobility issues can alight or be picked up by car. Footpaths will be accessible throughout the works and there is a process for emergency vehicles to gain access to properties at all times. The contractors are aware of the need to retain access to Latimer Grange, McMaster House, St. Luke’s and The Brambles and have made a specific plan for the Latimer Road phase.

Some elements of the project are not so clear, and we have been in daily contact with City and County Council officers and others for further information on the following:

  • Has process been followed correctly?
  • Does this sort of scheme definitely not need planning permission?
  • Does this sort of scheme require lengthier consultation?

In the meantime there are further unanswered questions:

Parking

It appears that the Trust and the contractors are doing as much as they can to identify alternative parking spaces for those in affected roads either on private or Trust land. A temporary replacement car park may be set up on the area of grass at one corner of the JR’s site off Sandfield Road near Cuckoo Lane for use by those displaced from Sandfield Road and Latimer Road, this is being investigated but couldn’t be operational till February at the earliest. They are also talking to pubs and the universities about making additional parking space available.

There is a further option being explored that may mean that residents who have to park elsewhere may be given visitor permits; funding for this is as yet unclear and it would be done via the Parking Shop in Speedwell Street.

Insurance

Anyone who will have to temporarily park their car on-street, as opposed to off street, may be in breach of their insurance contract in the unlikely event that the vehicle should sustain damage. Advice is that owners should ring their insurance companies and let them know they will be parking on-street for a temporary period – it is possible that some insurance companies might charge for this temporary change to the contract and others won’t but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Further action

We are awaiting legal advice from both Councils. We would encourage the submission of planning applications if at all possible; while it is likely that such applications would get permission, this would provide an opportunity for residents to give their comments and enable planning officers to ensure that tight conditions are placed on the works on issues important to local people, including:

  • alternative parking
  • disabled access
  • communication with residents and councillors
  • traffic management
  • start and finish times for working
  • construction access plan

The County’s view is that the need for planning permission is overridden by the section 50 licence which has apparently been obtained by the Trust and the contractor, but we have asked for clarification on this.

The next liaison group meeting will take place during the second week of January. Our next Focus leaflet will be produced w/b 11 January and delivered during the weekend of 16/17 January by our volunteers, but we shall try and update you on the blog in between. Our next Ward Focus meeting will take place on Tuesday 26 January from 6:00-7:30pm, venue to be arranged.

 

 

 

Temporary Traffic Orders for energy pipe works

Here is the wording of the TTRO:

OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

Section 14(1) & (7)

Notice of Temporary Traffic Order Oxford, Various Roads Headington Temporary Traffic Prohibitions

Date of Order: 29 December 2015 Comes into force: 4 January 2016

This Order is being introduced because of works to install ducting for a hot water steam system, communications and high voltage electricity for a joint hospitals energy link – which is anticipated to take variously until the end of June 2016 to complete. The effect of the Order, when appropriate traffic signs are displayed is to temporarily prohibit parking/waiting and to close to traffic various sections of road and junctions as follows, and the works to progress as shown below:

Closures                                           Dates             Diversion

All Saints Road Between Latimer Road andStapleton RoadLatimer Road from

All Saints Road for approximately 15 metres north-westward

Stapleton Road from

All Saints Road for approximately 15 Metres

 Monday 4 to Sunday 17 January To access Stapleton Road:All Saint Road, Lime Walk, Old Road and vice versaTo access Latimer Road:

All Saints Road, Lime Walk, A420 London Road and vice versa

To access All Saints Road (West):

All Saints Road, Lime Walk, Old Road. Bickerton Road and vice versa
Stapleton Road – Entire length progressively in stages north to south between All Saints Road and Old Road Monday 11 January to Tuesday 15 March All Saints Road, Lime Walk, Old Road, Bickerton Road  and vice versa
Latimer Road – Phase 1.Between A420 London Road and Latimer GrangePhase 2. Between Latimer Grange and All Saints Road Monday 21 March to Thursday 30 June A420 London Road, Lime Walk, All Saints Road and vice versa for both Phases
Sandfield Road –North to south in three phases: Phase 1. Between Woodlands Road and Beech Road Monday 1 February to Tuesday 22 April Sandfield Road, A420 London Road, Headley Way, Woodlands Road and vice versa
Phase 2. Between Beech Road and the southeast property line of No.1 Sandfield RoadPhase 3. Between the Southeast property line of No 1 Sandfield Road and the junction withA420 London Road As above when appropriate traffic signs are use A420 London Road, Headley Way, Woodlands Road, Sandfield Road and vice versa.

 

All Resident Permit Parking, Shared Parking, Disabled Parking and other Restricted Time Parking Bays at the following locations on both sides of the road and footway will be suspended when shown by appropriate traffic signs and cones. As the works progress parking bays will be made available.

Parking Prohibitions                                                         Dates

All Saints Road – Between Latimer Road and Stapleton RoadLatimer Road – from All Saints Road for approximately 15 metresStapleton Road – from All Saints Road for approximately 15 Metres

 

 Monday 4 to Sunday 17 January 2016
Stapleton Road – Entire length progressively in stages north to south betweenAll Saints Road and Old Road Monday 11 January to Tuesday 15 March 2016
Latimer Road – Phase 1.Between A420 London Road and Latimer GrangePhase 2. Between Latimer Grange and

All Saints Road

 Monday 21 March to Thursday 30 June 2016
Sandfield Road – Progressively north to southPhase 1. Woodlands Road to Beech Road Monday 1 February to Tuesday 22 April 2016
Phase 2. Between Beech Road and the southeast property line of No.1 Sandfield RoadPhase 3. Between the southeast property line of No.1 Sandfield Road and junction with A420 London Road As above when appropriate traffic signs are use

Exemptions are included for emergency services, the works and essential access.

This Order will remain in force for a maximum period of 18 months or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner.

The relevant parts of the following Traffic Regulation Orders (as amended) will be temporarily suspended as required for the duration of the works: The Oxfordshire County Council (Headington West) (Controlled Parking Zone) Order 2000;The Oxfordshire County Council (Headington Central) (Controlled Parking Zone and Various Restrictions) Order 2005;The Oxfordshire County Council (Disabled Persons Parking Places – Oxford) Order 2010.

Traffic Regulations Team (Ref. ACP/T3091/T3092/T3093/T3094) for the Director for Environment & Economy, Speedwell House, Oxford OX1 1NE. 0845 310 1111.

There are maps of the road closure areas in .pdf form, please click on the required link to view and please credit Headington Lib Dems if you will use this information in any social media message

001 All Saints Road Part 1 002 All Saints Road Part 2 007 Latimer Road Part 1 008 Latimer Road Part 1 019 Stapleton Road Sandfield Rd Part 1 (2) Sandfield Rd part 2 (2) Sandfield Rd part 3

 

Trust apologises for poor comms with residents over energy project

Last night’s public meeting was well attended with over 100 people turning up.

Residents received an apology for the lateness of the communication.

All residents were given the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers who were from the Hospitals’ Trust and from the contractor, Vital Energi.

There appears to be a further delay in responding to residents because the project team at the Trust has a vacant post to fill, but residents and councillors stressed the need to have much more detailed information as quickly as possible.

The Trust has stated that residents in affected areas will be notified by letter at least two weeks in advance of work starting in their area.

The speakers agreed to hold regular meetings with a residents liaison group and we are setting dates for this today

If anyone wishes to join this residents and contractors liaison group, please let Ruth or Roz know

Your Councillors are working on the following issues:

  • set dates for liaison meetings before Christmas
  • ask the County Council for assistance with temporary relaxation of parking on DYLs or ask if temporary resident parking permits can be issued while works are ongoing in closed off roads
  • enquire who is liable for damage caused to cars parked on street rather than off road in terms of insurance claims, also whether residents need to inform their insurance companies that this change of arrangements is being made and whether this request would incur a charge
  • investigate arrangements for disability access while works are happening outside the property
  • ask the Trust and Vital for a copy of the impact assessment made prior to the works
  • liaising with the Trust’s energy team on financial information supporting the project

Oxford Brookes University has offered to make parking space available for residents overnight at Headington Hill Campus.

120m of trench will be open at any one time. Each section of works will be fenced off, dug, the pipes will be welded together in 12m lengths and laid in the trench with the cable, the trench will be closed and backfilled, then onto the next section

There are plans to keep a disabled parking pick up point available at the end of the trench, and a turning point there is also being considered.

Emergency vehicles will be given access at all times. Refuse collections will continue but earlier than usual, and residents should move their bins to the gate by 7am for collection.

Works will be carried out between 8am and 5.30 pm. Contractor parking is confined to the hospital compounds.

Issues and problems should be reported to the following contacts, preferable accompanied with a photo:

hospitalenergyproject@ouh.nhs.uk

01865 220600

@ouh_estates #energy

copy to Roz, Ruth and Altaf (see contact details above)

.pdf maps of road closures will be posted on this site later today

Public meeting about the hospitals’ energy project

PUBLIC MEETING

Wednesday 9 December

7:00-9:00 pm

All Saints Church House, New High Street, OX3 7AL

​Works are due to start on trench digging in residential roads from 4th January but there has been an embargo on communications until the press launch earlier this week.​

We know our residents are worried because they don’t know what’s going to happen or when, and there will be a number of road closures during which no through traffic will be allowed, although footpaths will still be accessible.

We are pleased to say that reps from both the hospitals’ trust and the contractors have agreed to come along and answer questions from the public, so it should be a very lively meeting

The Trust has published answers to our residents’ list of questions on their website

We are sorry there hasn’t been much notice of this meeting but we want to hold it as soon as possible given the levels of anxiety shown at last week’s Ward Focus meeting

 

Road closures latest (hospital energy project)

As you know, councillors were very concerned that a number of major roads would be closed at the same time during the energy project works.

County Cllr Roz Smith took up cudgels on our behalf and has received the following welcome news from the County Council:

After discussing at length  there will not be two sets of traffic lights at the same time on Old rd and London rd, however to avoid using three way lights on London rd we will use two way lights when Latimer Road is closed. We have been in contact and had meetings with Vital Energi (contractors for the project) and we are in contact with them on daily basis.

Reaction to hospital energy project briefing

All three Headington councillors attended the briefing today and asked questions about the project.

Fibre optic cables and high voltage cables will be laid within the trench containing the energy pipes.

Roads will be closed at either end while works are being carried out, however footpaths will remain open. The timetable for road closures has been discussed with Oxfordshire County Council and are as follows:

All Saints Road 4/1/16-27/1/16

Stapleton Road 11/1/16-15/3/16

Old Road 23/2/16-13/4/16 (part: controlled by traffic lights)

Sandfield Road 1/2/16-22/4/16

London Road 9/3/16-14/4/16 (part: controlled by traffic lights)

Latimer Road 21/3/16-30/6/16

When complete road closures take place, roads will be closed from either end with no through traffic.

We gave your 20 questions (see earlier post) to the Trust’s Director of Planning and Information and he has undertaken to post the answers up on the website as Frequently Asked Questions

We are trying to arrange a public meeting at All Saints Church House, New High Street on Wednesday 9 December from 7:00-9:00pm and will confirm this shortly. The Trust and Vital Energi (the contractor) have been invited to this meeting which is being arranged with assistance from Highfield Residents’ Association and have expressed interest in attending

We remain concerned that road closures are so long, and that several main routes will be closed at the same time. We are also concerned that Access to Headington roadworks may coincide with the energy project works. At this time we have no information about alternative arrangements for parking for affected residents and there are many questions still unanswered. We note that the Trust has apologised for the lateness of its communications – we believe that much of the anxiety by residents could have been minimised if consultation had happened months ago when the road markings were first apparent.