North Yorkshire Council
Harrogate and Knaresborough Area
Constituency Committee
12 September 2024
Harrogate and Knaresborough Active
Travel Updates
Report of Corporate Director of
Environment
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1.0
PURPOSE OF THE
REPORT
1.1
To advise the Committee of progress
to date on the delivery of Active Travel schemes within Harrogate
and Knaresborough,
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2.0
UPDATE REQUEST
2.1
Following an officer presentation at the 24 May 2024 Harrogate and
Knaresborough Constituency committee members requested a further
detailed update regarding the Active Travel schemes in progress
across Harrogate and Knaresborough. Councillors had requested
further details regarding the individual project timescales final
delivery dates. Further details of expected delivery dates and
associated budgets available can be found in Appendix A.
3.0 OATLANDS
AND WETHERBY ROAD CROSSINGS
3.1
The proposed crossing points are at the junctions of Slingsby
Walk/Oatlands Drive and Slingsby Walk/Wetherby Road. Slingsby Walk
is a key walking and cycling link on the Stray – it is one of
the only parts of the Stray where cycling is permitted at this
present time. The existing crossing points are in need of
improvement. Designs have been produced for a Tiger crossing on
Oatlands Drive and a Toucan crossing on Wetherby Road.
3.2
Stray land is required to build the crossings to the appropriate
standard. In accordance with the Stray Act, land must be dedicated
as public open space in exchange for any Stray which is to be
“enclosed”.
3.3
An initial consultation was held between 25 April and 12 May 2024,
asking the public to comment on both the crossing points and three
land exchange options. As a result of this consultation, it was
highlighted that one of the land exchange options was not suitable
since this had already been dedicated as Public Open Space as part
of the Empress Roundabout works previously. As such, a secondary
consultation was held on land exchange options only, between 24
June and 14 July. Following the conclusion of this second
consultation NYC officers are able to commence the land dedication
legal process with the Duchy of Lancaster.
3.4
Separate to this, an application has been lodged to classify the
Stray as common land. Legal advice on this matter was required, but
in August 2024 it was confirmed that the highway scheme is to be
considered under the applicable law in force at the time of the
decision (i.e., The Stray Act 1985). As such the scheme can
proceed, provided the land exchange process is adhered to. Works
were paused whilst awaiting legal advice to avoid abortive work,
however detailed design and Traffic Regulation Orders are now being
progressed.
4.0
HARLAND WAY
4.1 Resources were allocated by former Harrogate
Borough Council (HBC) for the resurfacing of Harland Way between
East Park Road, Spofforth and the outskirts of Wetherby. The route
is approximately 3km long with surface conditions and widths
varying. The current surface is unbound stone and it is proposed to
replace this like for like, but to profile the surface to improve
drainage. There are issues with vegetation overgrowing the extents
of the path narrowing its effective width. Trees also overhang the
path; these will require pruning to a height of around 3m to allow
wagons to access and egress the path.
4.2 An
initial site meeting was held with Area 6 Highways representatives,
North Yorkshire Highways and Parks and grounds on the 26 July. It
would be desirable to widen the path to the 3m required for shared
use in line with the latest LTN 1/20 guidance, however it is not
expected to be able to do this along the length of the path within
the budget allocated. As such it is proposed to widen where there
are pinch points only.
5.0
ACTIVE TRAVEL FUND (ATF) 2
– VICTORIA AVENUE
5.1
Consultants are currently working on the detailed design and expect
to have this completed no later than October 2024. It is intended
to deliver the pedestrian only scheme as soon as practicable,
depending on the outcomes of the Traffic Regulation Order process.
The works will be tendered through the civil engineering framework
as soon as the detailed designs are completed. It is intended to
commence works before the end of the financial year.
5.2
A potential phase two of the works is subject to additional funding
being awarded, details of future funding opportunities to bid for
are still unknown to date. A feasibility study for a central
bi-directional cycle track is currently in development. If this
appears viable it will be developed to a preliminary design/bid
ready status, if a funding bid is successful this would be
delivered in a second phase of works.
6.0 BILTON
CROSSING
6.1
This is a crossing point requested by cycle groups. Design was
prepared and locals were consulted on this, safety issues were
highlighted which prompted a Road Safety Assessment (RSA) to be
completed. The RSA has been completed however due to staffing
issues there have been delays in issuing the report. Upon receipt
of the report any issues highlighted will need to be rectified,
tender documents produced and passed to North Yorkshire Highways to
program the works.
7.0 KILLINGHALL
GREENWAY BUILD OUT
7.1 A discussion has taken
place with the local member regarding the proposal. An informal
engagement exercise will take place with local residents and
businesses in the area to advise them of the proposals. This has
been delayed due to resource pressures and required allocation to
the large highways’ capital and active travel delivery. A
timescale to ensure the engagement exercise is carried out before
the end of September, with a view to proceeding with any necessary
traffic regulation orders October to November has been
agreed.
8.0
OTLEY ROAD SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
MEASURES/NPIF
8.1
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. This is a package
of ten separate projects each on their own timelines with varying
consultation requirements.
8.2
Cold Bath Road Signals
Upgrades -
Implementation of the signals
upgrades does not require consultation. It is intended to link the
signals at this junction with Pannal Ash Road.
The lead time between instructing design and
site implementation is approximately 6 months. Design to be started
in August 2024 – potentially February 2025
delivery.
8.3
Otley Road Bus Stop
Upgrades -
Site visits have been
undertaken, Area 6 Highways team currently preparing a price for
the works. This will determine how many new shelters/live update
signs can be installed.
Once this is confirmed engagement with residents
can commence and a site walkover with the local councillor can be
arranged. Works can then be ordered. Delivery timescale is
dependent on lead times for live update signage and contractor
availability.
8.4
Cold Bath Road 20mph
- Speed surveys are now complete, and discussions
have been had with North Yorkshire Police. Traffic calming is
required only on Cold Bath Road (between Otley Road and Queens
Road) and Beech Grove. Remaining streets within the proposed 20mph
zone already have low vehicle speeds and so a 20mph can be
implemented with signage only. Consultation on the
proposals/Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) is anticipated to be
during September – October 2024.
The TRO process timescales depends on whether
objections are received.
8.5
Access Arrangements at Falcon
Chiropractic -
Signals upgrade works to be completed in before end of 24/25
financial year. The bin location is to be amended at the same time.
Raised table previously proposed on existing crossing is not
required since vehicle speeds are already compliant with the
existing 20mph zone.
8.6
Crossing point Western Primary
School -
Design has been produced and TRO
consultation will be in September/October.
Implementation governed by TRO
outcomes/legal/contractor availability.
8.7
Improve Crossing point from PROW
Green Lane Ashville College - Design
has been produced and TRO consultation will be in
September/October.
Implementation governed by TRO
outcomes/legal/contractor availability.
8.8
Review signing for cycle
paths. -
This is linked to cycle priority
work led by the transport planning team; delivery will be towards
end of NPIF program.
8.9
20mph Harrogate Grammar and
surrounding streets
- The design has been
produced and TRO consultation will commence in September/October.
The implementation is governed by TRO outcomes and resource
availability of contractors.
8.10
Cycle parking/improved public
realm Cold Bath Road
- Requires planning
permission so delivery would be towards end of the overall NPIF
program. Feasibility work is still ongoing.
8.11
Patching/resurfacing Rosset
Cycle Path -
Vegetation cutting back/weed
spraying complete July 2024. This will be delivered by North
Yorkshire Highways in Quarter 2 of 2024.
9.0 HTIP-
HIGHWAYS TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN
9.1 HTIP2
study report is currently being reviewed internally by officers for
comment. Once the report has been reviewed the findings will be
report back to members in autumn / winter.
10.0 SCHEMES
IN DEVELEPMENT
10.1 Bilton to Hornbeam Park - cycle route -
Following sign off on 09 August
2024, approvals are now in place from the Corporate Director to
spend £40k from the AC Development Fund to take the existing
WSP feasibility designs up to a prelim design stage. There would
also be a contribution from Active Travel England Capability
funding – this is a 5km long route with a number of
challenges and constraints. Officers and consultants are currently
undertaking a scoping exercise to de-risk the scheme prior to
investing £150k on developing this to bid ready
status.
11.0 A59 MISSING
LINK
11.1
Following sign off on 09 August 2024 approvals are now in place
from the AC and Corporate Director to spend £10k from the AC
Development Fund to fund a feasibility study and a preliminary
design for the 200m long missing section of cycle path on the A59
between Knaresborough and Harrogate golf club. Design works are
currently ongoing to develop to bid ready status in anticipation of
future funding pots announcement. Whilst design work is likely to
take one month, a finish date will be guided by the completion of
topographical survey which needs to be complete before design works
can progress.
12.0 HARROGATE CYCLE NETWORK DEVELOPMENT
PRIORITISATION
12.1 Key stakeholder engagement on the Harrogate
cycle priorities is underway and is estimated to be complete by the
end of September. Work on the Knaresborough cycle priorities is
progressing well with initial assessment and sifting of 80 routes
complete. Next step for the Knaresborough work will be a site visit
and further dialogue with internal teams to finalise a top 10,
before seeking key stakeholder views.
13.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
13.1 The
purpose of this report is for updates only, separate reports are
submitted when appropriate to ensure the financial implications of
each individual project is considered. The approved budgets
available for each project and the source of funding has been
identified in Appendix A.
14.0 LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
14.1 The
purpose of this report is for updates only, separate reports are
submitted when appropriate to ensure the legal implications of each
induvial project is considered.
14.2
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.
14.3
Several 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. 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.
15.0 EQUALITIES
IMPLICATIONS
15.1 The purpose of this report is for updates only,
separate reports are submitted when appropriate to ensure the
equalities implications of each induvial project is
considered.
15.2 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 B.
16.0 CLIMATE CHANGE
IMPLICATIONS
16.1 The purpose of this report is for updates only,
separate reports are submitted when appropriate to ensure the
equalities implications of each induvial project is
considered.
16.2 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 C 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.
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17.0
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RECOMANDATION
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17.1
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That the Area Committee notes
the updates provided.
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APPENDICES
Appendix A -
Harrogate and Knaresborough Active Travel schemes
progress
Appendix B
- Initial equality impact
assessment screening form
Appendix C -
Climate change impact assessment
Karl
Battersby
Corporate
Director of Environment
County
Hall
Northallerton
Author of
report: Melisa Burnham, Area Manager, Highways and
Transportation
