Contact: Simon Found, ext 6593 email: simon found@hants.gov.uk

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the attached Project Appraisal for the Ashurst-Lyndhurst shared use cycle track/footway scheme on the A35 Southampton Road, as detailed on page 5 of the report, at an estimated cost of £490,000, be approved, with implementation subject to approval of the 2005/06 capital programme.

(ii) That, under the powers contained in Sections 65 and 66 of the Highways Act 1980, the footway identified within the proposal as `shared use' be converted to cycle track to permit the use by cyclists and pedestrians.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment) and Aim 4 (Building Strong and Safe Communities) of the Corporate Strategy by improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists who travel between Lyndhurst and Ashurst. This shared use pedestrian/cycle route will provide an excellent link to the rail interchange at Ashurst and connect to the existing cycle network between Ashurst and Southampton.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 An option to construct a section of the cycle track/footway on the southern side of Southampton Road west of the cattle underpass was considered. However, it was rejected due to the concern for safety of cyclists having to cross Southampton Road; a busy road with traffic travelling at speeds in excess of 40 mph. The cattle underpass was considered as an alternative crossing point which would have overcome the safety concerns. However, this was rejected because the cycle track through the underpass would have to be fenced to prevent animals straying into Southampton Road, which would then have prevented Forestry Commission vehicles gaining access to the New Forest.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor J K Glen

9058Decn/SF