The Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Wandsworth Council met on Tuesday 19 November 2024, discussing the Local Plan partial review, the Clapham Junction Masterplan, and the Battersea Park Area Controlled Parking Zone review. Key decisions included recommending the Executive proceed with a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Local Plan to strengthen affordable housing policies, supporting the transformation of Falcon Road bridge, and agreeing to extend the operational hours of the Battersea Park Area CPZ.

Local Plan Partial Review

The committee discussed the proposed amendments to the adopted Local Plan, focusing on strengthening affordable housing policies. The aim is to ensure new developments provide at least 50% affordable homes, with a preference for 70% social rent, and to require contributions from smaller sites. Councillor Simon Hogg, Leader of the Council, emphasised the importance of delivering genuinely affordable homes for local people, noting that over 13,000 households are on the housing waiting list. Officers presented evidence from a Whole Plan Viability Assessment, indicating that the proposed changes are achievable and would not unduly burden new developments. Councillors raised questions about the cost-effectiveness of the policy and how it would align with the London Plan. It was clarified that the proposed amendments aim to maximise social rented housing delivery while remaining within the framework of the London Plan. The committee recommended that the Executive proceed with a public consultation on the proposed amendments under Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

Clapham Junction Masterplan and Falcon Road Bridge Transformation

The committee received an update on the Clapham Junction Masterplan and the proposed transformation of Falcon Road bridge. Councillor Hogg highlighted that the underpass is widely considered an eyesore and that resident feedback has strongly supported its improvement. The project will be funded through developer contributions, with a £4.5 million budget allocated from the General Fund capital programme. A design competition, in partnership with the London Festival of Architecture, has shortlisted seven entries, with public feedback being sought. The aim is to select a design and begin construction in Autumn 2025. Councillors expressed positive support for the project, noting its potential to make a material difference to the community. Questions were raised about potential contributions from Network Rail and long-term maintenance, with officers explaining Network Rail's investment cycles and the plan for a high-quality design to minimise future maintenance costs.

Battersea Park Area CPZ Review: Outcome of Consultation

The committee discussed the outcome of a review into the Battersea Park Area Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), known as the B zone. The review was initiated due to resident concerns about weekend parking difficulties, particularly during summer months and in light of recent developments such as the Battersea Power Station site. The consultation showed significant support for extending the operational hours from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, to Monday to Sunday, 9am to 8pm, including Bank and Public holidays. This change aims to deter commuter and weekend visitor parking, prioritising residents and essential business vehicles, and improving road safety. The committee recommended that the Executive instruct officers to amend the Traffic Management Order (TMO) to implement these extended hours, subject to no upheld objections. The estimated cost for these changes is up to £120,000, to be met from existing General Fund revenue budgets.

Quiet Cycling Routes Update

An update was provided on the development of quiet cycling routes across the borough. Following an initial public consultation on 13 proposed routes, seven have been recommended for prioritisation in the first phase of implementation. These routes aim to provide safer and more attractive cycling options away from main roads. The consultation revealed overall support for the network, with most respondents being existing cyclists. Concerns were raised about pinch points, shared use areas, and the need for pedestrian improvements. The committee recommended approving a second round of consultation for the seven prioritised routes, focusing on detailed changes to ensure compliance with Cycleway guidance. Funding for these routes will come from a combination of Council resources and TfL LIP funding.

Wandsworth Corporate Plan Actions and KPIs Performance Monitoring

The Director of Climate Change, Policy and Communications, Clare O'Connor, presented the mid-year progress update on the Wandsworth Corporate Plan actions and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) relevant to the committee's remit. The report detailed the outturn at the end of Quarter 2 against agreed KPIs and actions. There were no questions from the committee on this paper, and it was noted for information.

School Streets Programme Review

The committee received an update on the School Streets Programme, which aims to create safer environments outside schools by reducing vehicle movements, pollution, and inconsiderate parking, while encouraging active travel. The report highlighted that Wandsworth has now met its target of having 50% of primary schools included in the programme by 2025. Proposals were made to progress a sixth phase of the programme, including further engagement with schools and the development of new entry treatment gateways to enhance visibility and uniformity. The committee recommended authorising the development of proposals for Phase 6 and for entry treatment enhancements, and for the Director of Place to make experimental schemes permanent, subject to successful assessment.

Local Implementation Plan (LIP) Funding 2025/26 and Three-Year LIP Delivery Plan

The committee discussed the Local Implementation Plan (LIP) spending submission to Transport for London (TfL) for 2025/26 and a three-year LIP delivery plan. The proposed programme includes full use of allocations for Safer Corridors and Neighbourhoods, cycle training, and cycle parking, as well as bids for discretionary programmes such as Safer Cycleways Network Development, Bus Priority, Rental Micromobility Parking, and Safer Streets. An expression of interest for the Better Bus Partnerships programme was also included. The committee recommended approving the schemes listed in Appendix 1 as the Council's three-year LIP delivery plan and funding submission for 2025/26, and delegating authority to the Interim Director of Place to negotiate with TfL and amend final schemes and funding values.

Budget Monitoring: Second Quarter [2024/25]

The Assistant Director of Finance and Performance (Environment and Community Services), Alex Moylan, presented the revenue budget monitoring report for the second quarter of the financial year. The committee was projecting a small overspend of £329,000 compared to the revised budget. The report detailed variances across directorates, including overspends in the Chief Executive Group due to staffing costs and project implementation, and an underspend in Parking Administration and Concessionary Fares due to a rebate from London Councils. The committee noted the report for information.