PR 3166
CONSULTATION PLAYS KEY ROLE IN CHOICE OF PARK AND RIDE PREFERRED SITE
A preferred location for the proposed south Winchester park and ride site has been announced by Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Environment - and public opinion has influenced that decision.
Cllr Mel Kendal said the Itchen Farm site, also known locally as the `Tarmac' site, adjacent to junction 11 of the M3, will be taken forward as a planning application.
Prior to public consultation the favoured option had been a site on Bushfield Farm, off Badger Farm Road. However, following the consultation process the Itchen Farm site emerged as the public's favoured option.
Cllr Kendal said: "We've reviewed all the consultation results, including the public's stated preference and further technical findings, and as a consequence have changed our view on which is the best site. This proves that it's always worth putting your views forward during the consultation stage as they really can make a difference. We do listen.
"This is very much the first stage of the planning process. The next step will be to take our proposals forward through a planning application. This will be submitted in spring 2007, and will be subject to statutory consultation. Because the development is proposed on land owned by Hampshire County Council, the County Council is able to act as local planning authority to determine this application. If planning and funding approvals are obtained, construction will take place during 2008, and the new park and ride facility could be open in spring 2009, delivering a further 850 much-needed spaces.
"'Stop-start' traffic is the primary cause of pollution within the city centre, and park and ride has an important role to play in reducing pollution as it helps to cut the number of commuter journeys into the city centre at peak times. The extension to the Bar End facility is very popular, with the majority of spaces regularly taken, demonstrating a need for another site."
Anyone interested in finding out more about the south Winchester park and ride proposals, including the consultation results and site assessment matrix, can visit the website at www.hants.gov.uk/transport.html
A newsletter summarising the latest information is now available from the Hampshire County Council Information Centre in Winchester and from Winchester library. Alternatively, call 01962 847068/845026 or email parkandride.enquiries@hants.gov.uk for a copy.
ENDS
Looking after Hampshire, Looking out for you
For media enquiries please contact:
Sarette Martin, Press Officer
Tel: 01962 846028
Email: sarette.martin@hants.gov.uk
14 November 2006