North Yorkshire Council

Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee

30 May 2024

Otley Road Sustainable Transport Measures – West of Harrogate (Update)

Report of the Corporate Director - Environment

1.0

1.1

PURPOSE OF THE REPORT

To update members on progress on the proposed package of measures to take forward as part of the Otley Road Sustainable Transport Measures for West of Harrogate since September 2023 ACC.

2.0 BACKGROUND

2.1 Following the decision by former NYCC BES Executive Members to re-allocate the remaining funding from the National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF) to a package of ‘Sustainable Transport Measures’ for the West of Harrogate, design works for ten individual schemes have commenced and next steps for delivery have been identified. Detailed costings will be confirmed once the detailed design and consultation exercises have been completed, therefore any costings referred to in this report are high level estimates only at this stage.

2.2 For further background and overview of NPIF fund and community engagement already undertaken please refer to Otley Road Sustainable Transport Measures – West of Harrogate Report from 14 September 2023 Harrogate & Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee.

3.0 OVERVIEW OF PROGRESS TO DATE & NEXT STEPS (BY SUB-PROJECT)

3.1 Cold Bath Road Signals Upgrades

Engaging with North Yorkshire Highways (NYH) with regard to procurement of Signals Infrastructure required to deliver the scheme, signals lead times will determine programme for implementation. No consultation required for signals upgrades.

3.2 Otley Road Bus Stop Upgrades

Liaising with colleagues in Integrated Passenger Transport and NYH with regard to scheme requirements. Walkover to be arranged with local ward Councillor and letters to be issued to residents once scheme design ready for informal consultation. Discussions with NYH have commenced to establish detailed costings for the works. Letters to be issued to residents during June 2024.

3.3 Cold Bath Road 20mph

Align Property Services (APS) our partner consultant, have been engaged to prepare a traffic calming scheme for Cold Bath Road and surrounding residential streets. At the time of writing Traffic counters are installed, once completed information from these will feed into the design. Consultation for Traffic Calming/Associated TROs will follow and be in line with statutory processes once the design has been reviewed by the NYC Traffic Engineering Team and NY Police. Consultation planned for Summer 2024.

3.4 Improve Access Arrangements Near Falcon Chiropratic

This is also included in the aforementioned design commission, APS currently developing design ready for consultation in Summer 2024.

3.5 Crossing Point Near Western Primary School

As above.

3.6 Improved crossing at PROW on Green Lane nr Ashville College

To be included within traffic calming package as part of wider 20mph scheme on Green Lane and various other streets in West Harrogate. Consultation for this element is expected to be in line with wider 20mph scheme; delivery envisaged for Summer holidays 2024.

3.7 Review Cycle Path Signing

Meeting arranged with Harlow and Pannal Ash Residents’ Association (HAPARA) to gain insight into local residents’ ideas for this element, separate on site “Ride-over” arranged with Harrogate District Cycle Action (HDCA) Group to link this to distinct Cycle priorities exercise. Expect this element to be implemented towards the end of overall NPIF program with the exception of any quick wins which can be identified.

3.8 Harrogate Grammar 20mph

Traffic counts currently being undertaken which will inform traffic calming design – works funded through NPIF but delivered as part of wider 20mph scheme. Anticipated delivery Summer 2024 subject to a successful consultation exercise.

3.9 Improved Cycle Parking/Public Realm Cold Bath Road

Included within APS design commission – planning permission required for Parklet implementation therefore again expect delivery late within NPIF program.

3.10 Patching/Resurfacing Rosset Cycle Path

Design has been produced by Area 6 team and is included within Capital Programme for Summer 24 delivery.

4.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

4.1 Funding remaining from the NPIF fund for this package was reported in the BES Executive Member report dated 10th February 2023 as being £565,000. Since this date, further Section 106 contributions and contractor recharges has seen the amount available to spend on the package of measures proposed in Table 1 go up to £797,918.

4.2 Around £60,000 was required to deliver outstanding matters on Phase 1, the vast majority of which has now been delivered with the exception of some minor drainage works; program to be confirmed.

Estimated costings for the individual projects are set out below:

Works Element	Estimated costing
Cold Bath Road Signals Upgrades	200000
Otley Road Bus Stop Upgrades	75000
Cold Bath Road 20mph	100000
Improve Access Arrangements Near Falcon Chiropratic	5000
Crossing Point Near Western Primary School	10000
Improved crossing at PROW on Green Lane nr Ashville College	10000
Review Cycle Path Signing	10000
Harrogate Grammar 20mph	75000
Improved Cycle Parking/Public Realm Cold Bath Road	10000
Patching/Resurfacing Rosset Cycle Path	10000
Total	505000

4.3 The total estimated value of the works is therefore £565000 when outstanding works from Phase 1 are included. It should be noted that the construction estimates are high level at this stage and subject to change following detailed design. The estimated £232900 remaining will be required to cover all design, supervision, contractors prelims, survey, TRO and ancillary costs associated with delivering the projects on site. Should any funds remain once all works have been completed a further assessment will be done to see if any additional schemes meeting NPIF objectives could be delivered from the remaining monies.

5.0 LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

5.1 A number of the proposals within this report will require Traffic Regulation Orders. When designs are complete officers will commence the statutory legal process including consultation on the making and/or amending of any Traffic Regulation Orders currently in place.

5.2 Proposals being developed may require vertical calming measures and as such these would also be subject to consultation as required under The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999.

5.3 In making these proposals the Council has had regard to its duty pursuant to Section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to secure the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of vehicular and other traffic including pedestrians. Further consideration will be given to this duty when considering the responses to the consultation exercises. If objections are received in relation to the TRO schemes consideration will also need to be given to holding of a public inquiry.

6.0 EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS

6.1 Consideration has been given to the Council’s Public Sector Equality Duty and the potential for any adverse impact arising from the recommendations of this report. Officers believe that the recommended options to deliver from this report do not have any adverse impacts on any of the protected characteristics identified in the Equalities Act 2010 or NYC’s additional agreed characteristics. The completed Equalities Impact Assessment screening form can be found in Appendix A.

7.0 CLIMATE CHANGE IMPLICATIONS

7.1 Consideration has been given to the potential for any adverse impacts on climate change arising from the recommendations of this report. A climate change assessment has been completed and included as Appendix B to this report. It is the view of officers that the recommendations included in this report do not have any adverse impacts on Climate change; once the works are implemented there should be a benefit as the measures encourage modal shift away from car use.

8.0 RECOMMENDATION

8.1 That Members consider this update and note its content.

APPENDICES

Appendix A - Equalities Impact Assessment Screening Form

Appendix B - Climate Change Assessment

BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS - Otley Road Sustainable Transport Measures – West of Harrogate – 14 September 2023 – Harrogate and Knaresborough ACC

Karl Battersby

Corporate Director – Environment

County Hall

Northallerton

30 May 2024

Author of Report - Jasmin Gibson Improvement Project Delivery Manager

Person Presenting Report – Jasmin Gibson Improvement Project Delivery Manager

Initial equality impact assessment screening form This form records an equality screening process to determine the relevance of equality to a proposal, and a decision whether or not a full EIA would be appropriate or proportionate.
Directorate	Environment
Service area	Highways And Transportation
Proposal being screened	Otley Road Sustainable Transport Measure – West of Harrogate
Officer(s) carrying out screening	Jasmin Gibson
What are you proposing to do?	The report provides an update on the projects for delivery through the remaining monies from the National Productivity Investment Fund
Why are you proposing this? What are the desired outcomes?	To provide a safe and sustainable transport network along the Otley Road Corridor to support sustainable travel and reduce congestion.
Does the proposal involve a significant commitment or removal of resources? Please give details.	No
Impact on people with any of the following protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010, or NYC’s additional agreed characteristics As part of this assessment, please consider the following questions: · To what extent is this service used by particular groups of people with protected characteristics? · Does the proposal relate to functions that previous consultation has identified as important? · Do different groups have different needs or experiences in the area the proposal relates to? If for any characteristic it is considered that there is likely to be an adverse impact or you have ticked ‘Don’t know/no info available’, then a full EIA should be carried out where this is proportionate. You are advised to speak to your directorate representative for advice if you are in any doubt.
Protected characteristic		Potential for adverse impact				Don’t know/No info available
		Yes		No
Age				X
Disability				X
Sex				X
Race				X
Sexual orientation				X
Gender reassignment				X
Religion or belief				X
Pregnancy or maternity				X
Marriage or civil partnership				X

People in rural areas				X
People on a low income				X
Carer (unpaid family or friend)				X
Are from the Armed Forces Community				X
Does the proposal relate to an area where there are known inequalities/probable impacts (for example, disabled people’s access to public transport)? Please give details.		No – although some of the proposals will seek to improve accessibility to existing infrastructure, such as amendments to bus stops.
Will the proposal have a significant effect on how other organisations operate? (for example, partners, funding criteria, etc.). Do any of these organisations support people with protected characteristics? Please explain why you have reached this conclusion.		No
Decision (Please tick one option)		EIA not relevant or proportionate:	ü		Continue to full EIA:
Reason for decision		Answer with regard to potential for adverse impact section is no throughout
Signed (Assistant Director or equivalent)		Barrie Mason
Date		20/05/24

Climate change impact assessment

The purpose of this assessment is to help us understand the likely impacts of our decisions on the environment of North Yorkshire and on our aspiration to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2030, or as close to that date as possible. The intention is to mitigate negative effects and identify projects which will have positive effects.

This document should be completed in consultation with the supporting guidance. The final document will be published as part of the decision making process and should be written in Plain English.

If you have any additional queries which are not covered by the guidance please email climatechange@northyorks.gov.uk

Version 2: amended 11 August 2021

Title of proposal	Otley Road Sustainable Transport Measures
Brief description of proposal	Development towards the implementation of highway improvements schemes including reduction in speed limits, traffic calming, improved crossing facilities and alterations to bus stops
Directorate	Environment
Service area	Highways & Transportation
Lead officer	Jasmin Gibson
Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment	Heather Yendall completed previous CCIA in August 2023, this is largely unchanged
Date impact assessment started	2/5/2024

Options appraisal

Were any other options considered in trying to achieve the aim of this project? If so, please give brief details and explain why alternative options were not progressed.

Per previous CCIA completed by Heather Yendall August 2023:

The original proposal was to construct the next phase of the cycleway on Otley Road, Harrogate between the junction of Cold Bath Road/Arthurs

Avenue/Otley Road to the junction with Beech Grove/Otley Road. A consultation took place in between October – December 2022 and a report was

presented to the Executive Member for Highways and Transportation on 10th February recommending the implementation of this cycleway is not

taken forward and to instead develop a package of sustainable transport measures for the West of Harrogate. This recommendation was

subsequently approved.

What impact will this proposal have on council budgets? Will it be cost neutral, have increased cost or reduce costs?

Please explain briefly why this will be the result, detailing estimated savings or costs where this is possible.

Per previous CCIA completed by Heather Yendall August 2023:

The proposal will be cost neutral as the package will be funded from the National Productivity Investment Fund for the Otley Road Corridor.

How will this proposal impact on the environment? N.B. There may be short term negative impact and longer term positive impact. Please include all potential impacts over the lifetime of a project and provide an explanation.		Positive impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant)	No impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant)	Negative impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant)	Explain why will it have this effect and over what timescale? Where possible/relevant please include: · Changes over and above business as usual · Evidence or measurement of effect · Figures for CO₂e · Links to relevant documents	Explain how you plan to mitigate any negative impacts.	Explain how you plan to improve any positive outcomes as far as possible.
Minimise greenhouse gas emissions e.g. reducing emissions from travel, increasing energy efficiencies etc.	Emissions from travel	x			The purpose of the scheme is to enhance sustainable transport measures along Otley Road corridor, West of Harrogate.	No negative impacts identified at this stage but appropriate surveys before and after will be undertaken to ensure the correct measures are delivered and a positive environmental impact is maintained.	Improved engagement with the public to support the take-up of more active travel options and to continue with the delivery of other strategic transport projects in Harrogate Town Centre which will encourage more take up of the infrastructure being created. Ensure monitoring post implemented.
	Emissions from construction		x		There is likely to be no impact but it will depend on the final designed package of works. Civils work will be required but our contractors will work to package work together and minimise travel.	Works will be packaged together wherever possible to ensure efficiency of delivery.
	Emissions from running of buildings		x
	Emissions from data storage		X
	Other		X
Minimise waste: Reduce, reuse, recycle and compost e.g. reducing use of single use plastic			X
Reduce water consumption			X
Minimise pollution (including air, land, water, light and noise)		X			Proposals will assist in facilitating modal shift to more sustainable modes of transport over time.
Ensure resilience to the effects of climate change e.g. reducing flood risk, mitigating effects of drier, hotter summers
Enhance conservation and wildlife			X
Safeguard the distinctive characteristics, features and special qualities of North Yorkshire’s landscape			X
Other (please state below)

Are there any recognised good practice environmental standards in relation to this proposal? If so, please detail how this proposal meets those standards.

It is proposed that when developing the ‘Otley Road Sustainable Transport measures’ that this is developed in line with appropriate government guidance;

- Active Travel: local authority toolkit (updated August 2022)

Summary Summarise the findings of your impact assessment, including impacts, the recommendation in relation to addressing impacts, including any legal advice, and next steps. This summary should be used as part of the report to the decision maker.

Design work has now commenced on the proposed measures in the Otley Road Sustainable Transport Package to address a wider

scope of active travel modes and address safety concerns along the Otley Road Corridor.

Following the design and costing of proposals, these will be presented to Environment Corporate Director in consultation with the Executive Member for

Highways and Transportation for approval and to begin construction. A further climate change impact report will be included in that report.

Legal implications have been considered and it should be noted that proposed Traffic Regulation Orders will be required for the development of these

measures.

Sign off section

This climate change impact assessment was completed by:

Name	Jasmin Gibson
Job title	Improvement Project Delivery Manager
Service area	Highways & Transportation
Directorate	Environment
Signature
Completion date	09/05/24

Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature): Barrie Mason

Date: 20/05/24