Regarding Sweetbrier Lane cycle way opened circa August 2021:-
1. Was the cycle way subject to an amended planning application? If so,
The works on Sweetbriar Lane were works in the highway by the highway Authority, which don’t need planning permission (Section 55 of the Town and County Planning Act 1990).
2. Was the final cycle way design considered by Devon County Council’s Planning Committee?
The design did not need planning, and therefore did not to go to Planning/development Management Committee.
As a highways improvement scheme with a value between 25-250K, it was however considered by the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) in October 2020, which resolved that:
RESOLVED
(a) that subject to consultation feedback, a proposed bi-directional cycle facility on Sweetbrier Lane, shown indicatively in Appendix I, is approved for construction at an estimated cost of £250,000; and
(b) that the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment be given delegated powers, in consultation with the Committee and the local County Councillor, to make amendments to the scheme details.
3. Was the final cycle way design signed for delegated powers?
The final design was agreed under delegated powers with the local member and Chair of HATOC and head of Planning Transport and Environment.
4. Was the final cycle way design presented to the monthly HATOC meeting for discussion and approval?
The final cycleway design was agreed under delegated approval. This is consistent with the approval for the scheme at the October 2020 meeting of Exeter HATOC.
In response to the correspondence following opening of the scheme, an update was taken to the October 2021 meeting of Exeter HATOC. The report included a range of options including to amend or remove the scheme, but the committee decided to retain the scheme as has been delivered. Details of the report and the decision can be found on this Devon County Council web page.
Note that HATOC meets roughly quarterly, not monthly as stated. Information about Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee is publicly available on the Devon County Council web site.