Archived decisions

Contact: Peter Syddall, ext 6050

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides background information on transport issues relating to the major development area (MDA) West of Waterlooville. It goes on to describe progress on developing the MDA proposal. A location plan is attached. Members are asked to note the report.

2. Background

2.1 The MDAs across the county were assessed and identified through the preparation of the Hampshire County Structure Plan (Review) 1996-2011 (HCSP), which came into effect from March 2000. A thorough assessment of 22 potential sites for MDAs was undertaken as part of the Structure Plan review process. Of these, four sites were shortlisted, including West of Waterlooville. It was pointed out at the time that none of the MDA locations was without problems, but in relative terms the chosen options provided the best opportunity to:

(i) strengthen existing urban centres;

(ii) minimise journey lengths;

(iii) encourage better use of public transport;

(iv) provide more opportunities for mixed development; and

(v) provide a degree of self-containment.

2.2 The HCSP policy MDA2 and accompanying text sets out the principles of development for West of Waterlooville. It highlights the need to focus on and integrate with Waterlooville town centre. It states the requirements for appropriate transport provision, including contributions towards major transport schemes where appropriate. The HCSP emphasises the need for the development to make provision for effective public transport, to bring about a significant change in modal split, and for pedestrian and cycle facilities, to reduce reliance on the car.

2.3 The broad HCSP transport assessments demonstrated the need to develop the MDA West of Waterlooville in a sustainable way, which optimises the opportunities for greater travel choice, less reliance on the car and more self-containment, and is consistent with the other objectives already mentioned. The development of the A3 bus priority corridor, the proximity of the MDA to Waterlooville town centre for walking and cycling trips and the proposed employment allocation all contribute positively towards these objectives for this MDA. The following section provides information on work currently being undertaken on more detailed transport assessments for the MDA under the umbrella of a Members' working party.

3. West of Waterlooville Working Party

3.1 The purpose of this Members' working party, administered and chaired by Winchester City Council, is "to help secure the proper planning and implementation" of the MDA. The working party is held in public with representatives from Havant Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council and East Hampshire District Council. The working party meets about every three months and the first meeting was held in November 1999. Since that time there has been extensive work and consultation on the development of a preferred area for development within the overall `area of search', including consideration of appropriate access routes into the MDA. There has been cooperation and liaison throughout this process with landowners and prospective developers.

Transport Issues

3.2 A key issue identified through the evaluation of development options is the possible locations for access to the MDA from the surrounding road network. The potential access points (as illustrated on the attached plan) are from:

(i) B2150 Hambledon Road;

(ii) A3 Maurepas Way/Hambledon Road roundabout;

(iii) A3 London Road north of Purbrook; and

(iv) A3 London Road, in the vicinity of Ladybridge Road roundabout, south of Purbrook.

3.3 The possible access point south of Purbrook has been a matter of considerable debate because of its potential impact on the environmentally sensitive area west of Purbrook village and existing properties, including a hospice. This is a very difficult issue which has to be addressed. There is obviously a need to provide good access to the MDA and to minimise its impact on the centre of Purbrook. However, this is countered by the necessity to minimise the impact on the environment and existing land uses.

3.4 A study is underway to evaluate the requirement for this route, its feasibility and possible alignment, its environmental impact and possible mitigation measures and timing in relation to development. The study is being undertaken by a developer's consultant, working to a brief agreed by the local authorities. The study report will be scrutinised by officers prior to it being considered by the working party in December 2001.

Winchester District Local Plan Review

3.5 Winchester City Council recently published the first deposit version of the Winchester District Local Plan Review for public consultation. The Plan contains a policy and text defining the requirements relating to the MDA. The Plan includes a preferred development option for the MDA, incorporating an access route from south of Purbrook. However, it also shows an alternative option without an access in this location. The retention of the route south of Purbrook in the Local Plan is subject to its need and feasibility being confirmed through the ongoing study. A decision on this route is crucial to the form and layout of the overall development before the `master planning' for the development takes place.

3.6 The publication of the second deposit version of the Winchester District Local Plan in 2002 will include the proposed area for development at West of Waterlooville and proposed access points following further work on the master plan.

Future Work

3.7 Detailed consideration of the transport impact and infrastructure requirements has yet to be undertaken as part of the overall master planning for the MDA, covering all aspects of the development - educational, leisure and transport provision, community facilities, etc. These requirements have to be planned together as each aspect interacts with and has implications for the others. It is likely that this work will continue through the first half of 2002. From the transport perspective close consideration will be given to:

(i) a high standard of provision for public transport, including priority measures and integration with the A3 bus corridor proposals;

(ii) a good network of direct cycle and pedestrian routes linked to Waterlooville town centre, schools, local employment, leisure and retail facilities;

(iii) off-site infrastructure improvements to mitigate the impact of the development on the existing transport network;

(iv) the use of innovative traffic control and information systems to optimise the capacity of the transport network; and

(v) measures to minimise the impact on sensitive areas and routes.

4. Conclusion

4.1 The West of Waterlooville MDA will have an impact on the existing transport network and surrounding communities. However, there is the opportunity to accommodate the development satisfactorily by taking advantage of its location close to Waterlooville, the associated employment allocation and the proposed A3 bus priority corridor. An important issue to be resolved is whether there should be an access into the MDA from the A3 south of Purbrook. The transport infrastructure requirements will be identified through the forthcoming master planning process.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

6768/PCS