Archived decisions

Contact: Peter Syddall, ext 6050

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides information on the outcomes of the completed Fareham-Gosport Peninsula Accessibility Study. It recommends that measures and proposals put forward in the study be developed and prepared for implementation through the South East Hampshire Transport Strategy (SEHTS) programme.

2. Introduction

2.1 In early 2000 W S Atkins was commissioned to develop an overall integrated transport strategy for the Fareham-Gosport peninsula. The study undertook:

(i) a broad overview of the existing transport network;

(ii) an assessment of future conditions;

(iii) a review of all previously proposed transport schemes and evaluation of potential new schemes;

(iv) the development of a preferred strategy and package of measures; and

(v) the production of a recommended strategy and proposed implementation plan.

Copies of the Executive Summary of the consultants' report will be available at the meeting.

2.2 The study report identified the historic focus of travel demands on destinations to the east, principally Portsmouth and Havant, and the pressures this created on the A32, the B3385, A27 Eastern Way and the M27 via junction 11 or the A27 through Portchester. It recognised the growth in recent years of travel demands to the west, towards Segensworth and Whiteley, but reported that congestion and delays for journeys in this direction were still considerably less than those to the east. The study identified key problem locations on the transport network.

2.3 The study noted the importance and benefits of the South Hampshire Rapid Transit (SHRT) scheme, but recognised that the western area of the peninsula would be less well-served by SHRT and would experience significant traffic growth over the next ten years.

2.4 The consultants reviewed and undertook a sifting process of previously considered schemes, and evaluated potential new schemes, to identify a realistic and achievable programme that could be considered for implementation. A key aim of the study was to discount those schemes considered to be no longer appropriate or deliverable.

3. Recommended Strategy

3.1 The consultants have recommended the following package of proposals as the overall strategy (see attached location plan):

(i) A32 Gosport Road/Salterns Lane junction alterations - the banning of right turns into Salterns Lane from the A32 and left turns out of Salterns Lane and introduction of pedestrian crossing facilities;

(ii) B3385 Newgate Lane - partial signalisation of the Longfield Avenue and Speedfields roundabouts in advance of the programmed Newgate Lane improvement;

(iii) Stubbington By Pass - provision of a bypass on a `southern alignment' close to Stubbington;

(iv) Selective Vehicle Detection (SVD) for buses at A32/Wych Lane junction during off-peak hours and consideration of extension of SVD to other junctions;

(v) direct bus link between Gosport and the Segensworth/Whiteley employment areas;

(vi) Fareham Town Centre - undertaking a detailed study for the town centre, in relation to SHRT and restricting access to West Street for non-priority traffic; and

(vii) Travel Awareness - launching a campaign to coincide with the start of the SHRT service.

3.2 It should be noted that the study examined improvements at Quay Street roundabout but concluded that they would not provide any significant increase in capacity and most would require extensive land take. Also, capacity constraints on the M27 and at junction 11 would be likely to reduce the benefits of such improvements in the longer term. In particular, the existing proposal for a west to east flyover was closely examined but was rejected on safety, economic and environmental grounds.

4. Presentation of Study Report to SEHTS Panel

4.1 The consultants presented their report to an informal meeting of the Panel on 9 October 2001. They were congratulated on the report and the recommended strategy was supported. A copy of the meeting notes is attached as an appendix.

4.2 The proposal for a Stubbington By Pass was seen as a priority scheme. It was acknowledged that there would need to be complementary improvements to the surrounding road network and that public transport measures could be developed in association with the scheme.

4.3 During the discussion on the report, a councillor raised the issue of whether an improvement option involving the introduction of restricted turns at Quay Street roundabout had been considered as a means of overcoming current problems. The consultant had sought to retain all moves at this junction. The principles of this suggestion have been examined. It is considered, however, that the recommendations of the consultant's report, as supported at the informal Panel meeting, should be pursued as a priority. It is recommended that the suggestion for Quay Street roundabout should not be examined further at this time.

5. The Way Forward

5.1 The consultants' recommended strategy received general support at the informal Panel meeting, with particular emphasis on a Stubbington By Pass. It is suggested that work be undertaken to further evaluate and develop the study recommendations to bring a set of proposals forward, ready for implementation. Many of the measures can be implemented in the short term, subject to further study. The suggested improved bus services between the peninsula and Segensworth/Whiteley employment areas are already under consideration, through discussions with employers and bus operators. Preparatory design work on the Stubbington By Pass should commence now in order to deliver such a large scheme in the period 2008-2011, as suggested in the study. It will be necessary to include the bypass as a major scheme in the Local Transport Plan 2006-2011.

5.2 To accord with Planning Policy Guidance (PPG12 and PPG13) it is a requirement to define a land safeguarding for the Stubbington By Pass and for this to be shown on the Fareham Borough Local Plan proposals map. It is understood that the review of the currently adopted Local Plan is at an early stage. Accordingly, it is recommended that Fareham Borough Council be requested to take into account the proposals for a Stubbington By Pass in the preparation of the review of its Local Plan.

5.3 It is known that there are development proposals for a golf course in the area which the bypass is likely to go through. Fareham Borough Council has received an application to extend the time limit for this development to be implemented. At present the bypass has no formal status as it does not appear in the Hampshire County Structure Plan (Review), the adopted Fareham Borough Local Plan or the current Local Transport Plan. In these circumstances there is clearly the need to discuss the bypass with the Borough Council in the context of this application and the review of its Local Plan. It may also be necessary to discuss the scheme with the promoter of the golf course.

6. Conclusion

6.1 The Fareham-Gosport Accessibility Study has put forward a set of proposals which it is recommended be developed and prepared for implementation. A key recommendation is to undertake preparatory design work on a Stubbington By Pass. Fareham Borough Council is at an early stage in the review of its current Local Plan and it is recommended that the Borough Council takes account of the proposals for the bypass in this review. There are development proposals for a golf course in the area which the bypass would be likely to go through. There is a need to discuss the bypass with the Borough Council in relation to this development and the review of its Local Plan. Discussions with the promoter of the golf course may also be necessary.

Recommendations

1. That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Environment that the proposals put forward in the Fareham-Gosport Peninsula Accessibility Study be developed and prepared for implementation through the South East Hampshire Transport Strategy programme. In particular, preparatory design work should be commenced on proposals for a Stubbington By Pass, including the definition of the land to be safeguarded for the scheme, and associated improvements to the surrounding transport network.

2. That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Environment that Fareham Borough Council be requested to take into account the proposals for a Stubbington By Pass in the preparation of the review of its Local Plan.

3. That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Environment that options to modify Quay Street roundabout not be investigated further at this time.

6767/PCS

APPENDIX

MEETING NOTES

SOUTH EAST HAMPSHIRE TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY JOINT MEMBERS' PANEL - INFORMAL MEETING

Presentation by consultants W S Atkins on their findings from the Fareham to Gosport Access Study

Date: Tuesday 9 October 2001

Time: 5:30 PM

Venue: Committee Room 1, Fareham Borough Council

Present:

Hampshire County Council

County Councillors: K B Estlin - Chairman; E R Byrant; M Snaith; R Price; T Knight

Officers: T Ciaburro; S Henley; P Syddall; C Lait; S Blyth

Portsmouth City Council

Councillors: J Patey

Officers: C Stunell

Fareham Borough Council

Councillors: N Walker; D Burton-Jenkins; M Prior, A Mandry

Officers: A Viccars

Gosport Borough Council

Councillors: P Edgar: K Gill

Officers: D Duckett; C Macdonald

Havant Borough Council

Councillors: J Worley

Officers: D Kirman

W S Atkins

A Pauling; T Meehan; M G Hayes

Apologies: Portsmouth City Councillors: P Guthrie; M Park; N Lacey; P Shaddock

Circulation: Members of SEHTS Joint Members' Panel and officers, Chief Executive's Office (Mrs D A Vaughan)

Proceedings:

1. Welcome and Introduction:

1.1 County Councillor Estlin opened the meeting and those present introduced themselves. Tony Ciaburro outlined the background to the study and set its context in terms of previous research and that one of the considerations was to secure realistic and deliverable improvements for the area.

2. Presentation and Discussion:

2.1 WSA presented their findings and recommendations on the Fareham to Gosport Access study focusing on Stubbington Bypass; signal alterations to A32 Gosport Road junction with Salterns Lane; Selected Vehicle Detection (SVD) at Wych Lane; direct bus link to Segensworth and Whiteley; and improvements to Fareham town centre. A West East flyover at Quay Street was not recommended on grounds of safety, and environmental considerations.

2.2 A discussion followed on the recommendations. WSA were congratulated on their report, and clarified points of detail on the options. Key points raised were on:

Stubbington Bypass:

· Seen as top priority scheme.

· Need to address implications of development related traffic, ability of surrounding road network to cater for traffic movements (Titchfield gyratory; Gosport Road), ensure new traffic is minimised; provide for cyclists and noise mitigation.

A32 Gosport Road/Salterns Lane:

· Viewed as excellent idea to improve situation and discourage rat-running.

Newgate Lane roundabouts

· Support for partial signalisation of Longfield Avenue/Newgate Lane roundabout.

SVD Wych Lane:

· Viewed as good idea especially if SVD could be extended to other junctions.

Direct bus link to Segensworth and Whiteley:

· Strongly supported to cater for employees.

· Noted that officers had completed survey work and that this had revealed a demand for bus links to Fareham and Gosport. Officers are currently exploring tailor and demand responsive transport with First Group to bring forward bus link.

· Suggestion for greater developer / company involvement to encourage greater use of bus travel - from infrastructure to travel information systems and travel passes.

Improvements to Fareham Town Centre:

· Requested to await finalising of LRT plans, and to bring together with other strategic work.

Quay Street roundabout:

· Request to investigate Hartlands Road exit as considered dangerous, especially for cyclists; and assess impact of Market Quay development once opened.

· Consultant was asked whether banning right turns from Western Way to A32 Gosport Road had been considered and WSA indicated criteria for the Quay Street options was to retain all movements.

Other:

· Delme Arms roundabout: Noted that no improvements proposed at this junction. Request for the installation of `Keep Clear' markings on approach from Portchester. to be discussed with Fareham Borough Council. Review of movements and signal timings at various times of day required to overcome problems.

· A32 Eastern flows and M27 capacity constraints not resolved. These matters were recognised as falling outside scope of this study and needing to be addressed at the strategic level, such as through the next County Structure Plan and the South Hampshire study.

· Noted that the introduction of signals at Titchfield Gyratory has had a positive effect.

2.3 The Informal Panel unanimously agreed that the recommendations from the study as outlined above would be taken forward to the SEHTS Panel in November. In the meantime, any further comments should be emailed to County Councillor Estlin at [email protected].