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With the concurrence of the Chairman under Section 100(B)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, this matter is included on the agenda to ensure Members are brought up to date on the continuing progress of the development of the schemes to be delivered in the Hedge End area

1. Background

1.1 Hedge End Retail Park has two large anchor stores, Sainsbury's and Marks and Spencer's which are accessed directly from junction 7 of the M27 and also via the local road network. There are other retail outlets nearby, each with separate parking facilities, and most are furniture or other white goods stores. Over the years since their construction residents have raised concerns about congestion and safety issues associated with store traffic, and the potential impact of the new Hampshire County Cricket Ground on Botley Road to the west of the retail park.

1.2 After a successful tender, WSP Consultants was appointed by the County Council in August 2000 to complete a study into the transport needs for the Hedge End area. The study reviewed the existing transport arrangements in the area and proposed improvements to transport in Hedge End areas which reflected the aspirations of the local community and business. The final report was submitted to the County Council in March 2001.

1.3 Following completion of the report, a meeting was held with Members of the County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and Hedge End, West End and Botley (HEWEB) Local Area Committee. A priority list of projects was approved in July 2001 and is attached as an appendix.

2. The Current Position

2.1 W S Atkins (WSA) has now begun to identify those schemes from the priority list for early implementation next year, those requiring further study and potential groups of schemes where a package of works can be undertaken at the same time.

2.2 Concerns have been raised regarding the quality of the cost estimates provided in the original report. With this in mind, WSA is undertaking a validation of the costs associated with the priority list which is to be completed by January 2002. This will ensure a more defined estimate of the total cost.

3. The Way Forward

3.1 It is proposed that the best schemes that can be implemented in the short term identified by the WSA study should be approved for design by the HEWEB Local Area Committee and local Members. Following completion of design on these schemes, a project appraisal will be issued to the Executive Member for Environment for approval to implement. Depending on the remaining funding, an agreement will need to be reached on which of the medium and longer term projects identified by WSA should move to feasibility or preliminary design stages.

Recommendations

That this report be noted.

6843/HA