Archived decisions

Contact: Brian Marsden, ext 6346

1. Summary

1.1 This report outlines the current position on the Chickenhall Lane Link Road Major Scheme funding bid outlined to the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) prior to full submission in 2002.

1.2 The recommendation is that the scheme be designed in partnership with developers and detailed estimates be prepared for submission to the DTLR in 2002.

2. Background

2.1 In July 2001 Hampshire County Council advised the DTLR of its intention to seek a 'Major Scheme' funding of approximately £16 million for the Chickenhall Lane Link Road, Eastleigh; one of four major schemes with a total value of £45 million. A formal detailed submission for consideration by the DTLR is programmed for submission in 2002, with proposals that the scheme could be constructed during 2003/04.

2.2 The scheme is an integral part of the County Council's Structure Plan and the Borough of Eastleigh Local Plan (1991-2001) and includes a safeguarding of land. The Proposed Major Scheme Bid is attached as Appendix A.

2.3 In 1989 designs were produced for a new road that would allow 1,420,000 square feet of commercial development to proceed in the vicinity of Southampton International Airport. In December 1992 outline planning permission was granted by Eastleigh Borough Council for a comprehensive redevelopment of land on both the northern and southern edges of the airport.

2.4 Following 'calling in' of the subsequent detailed planning application and reserved matters application, a local inquiry was conducted and the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions recommended on 18 September 2001 that the planning permission be granted, subject to conditions.

2.5 Although the recommendation was given to approve the application and grant planning permission, both the Secretary of State and the Inspector strongly suggested improvements that would improve safety in the vicinity of the airport runway.

2.6 The decision of the Secretary of State and the report of the Inspector is attached as Appendix B and a location plan indicating the proposed Chickenhall Lane Link Road is also attached.

3. Estimated Cost

3.1 The estimated cost of the scheme was assessed to be £16 million, however the results of the Inspector's report published on 18 September 2001, and further supported by the Secretary of State, propose that consideration be given to constructing part of the new link road as a tunnel; a section of road which would otherwise be within the Southampton Airport 'Runway End Safety Area'. The current submission does not include the cost of a tunnel but this would be further considered for the full submission to the DTLR.

4. Objectives

4.1 Chickenhall Lane Link Road is proposed by the County Council with support from Eastleigh Borough Council. Developers Gazeley Properties promoted the planning application for the scheme. The link road will join junction 5 of the M27 with Chickenhall Lane off the B3037 Bishopstoke Road. An integrated package of funding will be required to realise the scheme and significant contributions from private sector partners are anticipated, given the access to employment opportunities that would accrue.

4.2 In order to submit details for the major scheme bid in 2002 it is necessary to pursue the detailed design, and this will be achieved in partnership with the developers.

4.3 Construction of the Chickenhall Lane Link Road will meet the following objectives, to provide:

(i) access to existing commercial land uses as an alternative to the existing A335 through Eastleigh town centre;

(ii) access to proposed commercial development land to the south of the existing railyards to employment opportunities within Eastleigh;

(iii) a link between the trunk and primary route network and links to serve any further development to the south-east of Eastleigh;

(iv) an alternative transport link for the existing traffic that travels from junction 5 to Bishopstoke and beyond; and

(v) opportunities on the B3037 for providing bus priority measures.

5. British Airports Authority - Legal Challenge Against the Secretary of State Decision

5.1 The Deputy Chief Executive of Eastleigh Borough Council received notification on 29 October 2001 from the Operations Director of Southampton Airport that the British Airports Authority will challenge the Secretary of State decision in the High Court and papers are to be served on all interested parties.

5.2 The effect of this intervention may have a number of repercussions on the the scheme and, although it is not currently possible to assess the outcome, there may be impact on the scheme design and financial implications for the Secretary of State.

6. Way Forward

6.1 In light of the possibilities and interest in this scheme by a number of bodies, it is suggested that the design of the scheme be pursued, involving Eastleigh Borough Council, Gazeley Properties, the British Airports Authority and the Government Office for the South East. This approach may be able to satisfy all parties and provide a partnership approach to the scheme development.

Recommendations

1. That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Environment that approval be given to the preparation of a detailed design for the Chickenhall Lane Link Road that gives due consideration to the outcome of any legal challenge.

2. That the British Airports Authority, Eastleigh Borough Council, the Government Office for the South East and Hampshire County Council seek to find an amicable solution to the development of the scheme.

6790/BM