Archived decisions

Contact: Peter Murnaghan, ext 6920

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Blackwater Valley Bus Service 1 Priority Route scheme, Phase 1 (between Boundary Road and Bradfords Roundabout, Farnborough) be adopted and taken forward for detailed design and implementation, and that this report be approved as the Project Appraisal, subject to confirmation of cost estimates.

2. Reason

2.1 To enable the scheme to proceed and be implemented.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 A number of options were considered as part of the scheme and taken to full consultation. The selected scheme enjoys public support and meets the objectives of the North East Hampshire Transport Strategy.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - Not applicable

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 K B Estlin

7.1 Introduction

7.1 On 17 September 2001 the Environment Policy Review Committee received a report on this project, the main capital scheme in the North East Hampshire Transport Strategy (NEHTS), and recommended that the Executive Member for Environment approve Phase 1 for implementation. This scheme was approved as part of the five year transport strategy programme by the NEHTS Panel on 26 September 2001. Phase 1 has an approximate value of £1,550,000 and is covered by the Capital Programme budget allocation in 2001/02 and 2002/03 of £2,800,000, together with external funding of £700,000.

7.2 The local authorities are working towards a Quality Partnership with bus operator Stagecoach to improve bus services in the Blackwater Valley area. Bus Route 1, from Aldershot to Yateley via Farnborough, Camberley and Blackwater, is the first major route to benefit from this partnership. Improvements are proposed to be carried out along the route in three main phases:

Phase 1 - Farnborough

Phase 2 - Camberley and Frimley (in Surrey)

Phase 3 - Yateley, Blackwater and Aldershot.

8. Scope of Scheme

8.1 The scheme for detailed design and implementation covers the section of road between Boundary Road, Farnborough and Bradfords Roundabout (as shown on drawing nos. 17/A325/48/031-034 which will be displayed at the meeting). It comprises bus lanes, bus priority routes, improvements to pedestrian and cycle facilities, better lighting, bus stops and shelters. The report to the Environment Policy Review Committee described the scheme in detail following the extensive public consultation. It is supported by the two local Members - Councillors Mrs Devereux and Baulk, Rushmoor Borough Council and a majority of the respondents to the public consultation. There are a number of aspects of the scheme that are still being adjusted to take into account feedback from the consultation. It is intended to report these to a future meeting of the NEHTS Panel for approval as part of the contract for implementation, so that scheme commencement is not delayed. It is intended to start construction, subject to the receipt of satisfactory tenders, in spring 2002 and complete the works within 10 months. The scheme estimate will be modified to take account of refinements to the scheme and a further report will be submitted to the Executive Member.

6721/PJM