AT A MEETING of the CENTRAL HAMPSHIRE AREA TRANSPORT STRATEGY PANEL held at the offices of East Hampshire District Council, Petersfield on Friday 9 November 2001.

PRESENT:

Councillors: J.K. West (Chairman); Mrs S.M. Glasspool, DL; A.R. Ludlow; P.K. Mason.

Local Member in attendance: Mrs C.A. Bailey

East Hampshire District Council

Councillors: P.E. Bradbury; Mrs J.M. Standen

Winchester City Council

Councillors: I.R. Bidgood; Mrs G.M. Busher; P. Davies; D. Stewart; Mrs C. Sutton.

1. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2001 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

2. TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Panel considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 2 in the Minute Book) detailing amendments to the Panel's Terms of Reference in the light of the constitutional changes to the County Council.

RESOLVED:

That the revised Terms of Reference be noted.

3. CAPITAL PROGRAMME REVIEW

The Panel considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 3 in the Minute Book) which updated the indicative five year programme. The schemes reflected the priorities previously discussed by Members, but did not imply any priority for particular schemes, all of which it was hoped would be delivered or underway by 2006. The improved funding and greater flexibility offered by the Government had resulted in officers reviewing schemes so the five year programme indicated a total funding requirement of £3.025 million rather than the £2.36 million endorsed at the February meeting. Members welcomed the additional funding of £365,000 for the project in the High Street and The Square in Petersfield and the £145,000 for the Otterbourne traffic calming project and cycle scheme.




RESOLVED:

That the Panel notes the allocation of funding approved by the Executive Member for Environment and the proposed five year capital programme.

4. CENTRAL HAMPSHIRE RURAL TRANSPORT STRATEGY - PROGRESS REPORT

The Panel considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 4 in the Minute Book) which provided updates on a number of schemes currently being undertaken to implement the Central Hampshire Rural Transport Strategy. The following points arose (inter alia);

(i) Denmead Village Improvements

Winchester City Council were continuing to work up the draft traffic calming and environmental improvement scheme ready for public consultation next year.


(ii) Twyford-Wickham Corridor

Concern was expressed by some Members about the length of the consultation process. The officers explained in detail the reasons behind the protracted consultation process relating to the improvements in the Corridor, in response to Member concerns at perceived delays in progressing the work. They were confident that the attention given to the consultation aspect would pay dividends in the long term in developing the appropriate solutions to the problems of the Corridor. Consultation on the Fisher's Pond junction in the Spring of 2002 was anticipated, with the preferred option being traffic signals at the junction.


(iii) Otterbourne Traffic Calming Scheme (Phase 2)

Members had the opportunity to examine the package of measures through plans displayed at the meeting. The proposed reduction of the speed limit from 40 to 30 mph, supported by the introduction of chicanes on Otterbourne Hill to control traffic speeds was welcomed by the local Member, and had received widespread support at the public consultation exercise undertaken in July 2001. The proposed changes to the speed limits would be monitored.


(iv) A3 Hindhead Improvement

In noting the position, several Members expressed concerns at the effect on residents near the tunnel entrance and the effect on traffic flows on link roads to the tunnel. The Highways Agency was no longer pursuing the question of toll fees for use of the tunnel at this time.



RESOLVED:

That progress on the studies and schemes set out in the report be noted.

5. PETERSFIELD CENTRE TRANSPORT STUDY

The Panel considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 5 in the Minute Book) outlining the Petersfield town centre improvements which included the introduction of a 20 mph zone in the historic core of the town and provided highway and environmental improvements for the High Street, The Square and St. Peter's Road. The public consultation undertaken in May 2001 had demonstrated a good level of support for the proposed improvements.

RESOLVED:

That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Environment:

(i) That approval be given for detailed design work to commence for the proposed scheme for Petersfield Town Centre prior to implementation.


(ii) That Petersfield Town Council and East Hampshire District Council be informed of the results of the consultation and the above recommendation.

6. LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN - ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT

The Panel considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 6 in the Minute Book) outlining the response to the Government's increased financial support contained in the first Annual Progress Report (APR) submitted to the government in August 2001. Members were informed that the CIVITAS bid had been successful. CIVITAS, a European Commission Initiative, related to innovation in environmentally acceptable transport and systems. Members commented on the need for co-ordination where schemes such as Botley might have significant knock on effects to road systems in other areas.

RESOLVED:

That a further report on the details of the Local Government settlement be submitted to the next meeting of the Panel.

7. EAST HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT LOCAL PLAN (SECOND REVIEW)

The Panel received an oral report from the East Hampshire District Council's Planning Officer on the progress of East Hampshire District's Local Plan. The reviewed deposit plan had been agreed by Cabinet and would be submitted to full Council at the end of November. If approved, the Plan would be deposited for six months, a public inquiry held in 2003, with adoption in 2004. The Plan would cover the period up to 2011.

8. WINCHESTER DISTRICT LOCAL PLAN REVIEW

The Panel received an oral report from Winchester City Council's Planning Officer on the progress of public consultation (due to end on 26 November) of the Winchester District Local Plan which would influence development up to 2011. The Local Plan emphasised sustainability with cycling and walking initiatives in conjunction with planning development on adjoining sites, and promoting mixed uses to encourage fewer car journeys to work and leisure facilities for residents.

9. THE TAPESTRY PROJECT

The Panel received an oral report from the County Surveyor on the Tapestry project to improve rural transport services through innovative marketing. Travel attitude surveys to establish needs and facilities and then to measure any changes in attitude after the introduction of improvements provided the lynchpin of the project. All the European partners would be meeting in Winchester in mid-November to share initiatives. The County Surveyor was prepared to act as a contact point for Members if they wished to put forward suggestions themselves, or on behalf of parishes.

The Tapestry website address is http://www.eu-tapestry.org.

10. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

RESOLVED:

That the next meeting of the Panel would be held at Winchester City Council Offices, The Guildhall, Winchester at 2.30 p.m. on Friday 15 March 2002.

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