Contact: Nick Richardson, ext 5429

1. Summary

1.1 A public consultation exercise was undertaken regarding proposed improvements in Chesil Street and Bar End Road as part of the Winchester Movement and Access Plan (WMAP). The scheme aims to improve pedestrian facilities by introducing a new signal controlled crossing and mini-roundabouts at the Barfield Close junctions with Chesil Street and Bar End Road to help Park and Ride buses. The consultation indicated that there was general support for the proposals from a clear majority of respondents.

2. Introduction

2.1 Chesil Street and Bar End Road form a major route into Winchester city centre carrying nearly 11,400 vehicles per day (2000 count data). The route is one of only two radial routes into the centre where traffic flows have been increasing in recent years; it is constrained and there are conflicts between residents, with many houses fronting the footway directly, and passing traffic, particularly with respect to traffic speeds.

2.2 The WMAP investment programme, part of the Hampshire Local Transport Plan 2001-2006, includes funding for this key corridor in recognition of the need to improve pedestrian facilities and restrain traffic speeds. The completion of the Park and Ride extension to the existing St Catherine's car park at Bar End will also help alleviate the impact of traffic in the corridor.

3. Proposed Improvements

3.1 A number of proposals were presented at the public consultation which, in combination, were designed to encourage walking, taking into account the needs of people with mobility impairments in particular, and assist Park and Ride buses (see attached location plan). The proposals include the following:

(i) widened footway outside Chesil Theatre;

(ii) new mini-roundabout at Chesil Street/Barfield Close junction;

(iii) footway widening in parts of Chesil Street;

(iv) junction treatments at Wharf Hill and East Hill;

(v) new signal controlled crossing near Bar End Road/Milland Road junction;

(vi) junction narrowing at Milland Road;

(vii) construction of new footway in the vicinity of the Bar End Road/Milland Road junction; and

(viii) new mini-roundabout at Bar End Road/Barfield Close junction.

3.2 The constraints of space, particularly in Chesil Street, have required highly detailed designs to be determined. The environmental considerations have meant that high quality materials will be used, with emphasis on visual impact as well as durability. Stagecoach in Hampshire was consulted on the proposals, given that buses access the depot at Bar End via this route, and also for advice on difficulties experienced by Park and Ride services, and has written to express its support for the proposed scheme.

4. Public Consultation

4.1 An exhibition of the proposals was held at the City Council's offices in Chesil Street on Tuesday, 26, Wednesday, 27 and Thursday, 28 June 2001 between 9 am and 8 pm, with officers of both authorities available to answer questions from the public. Letters were sent to local businesses to inform them about the proposals and the consultation arrangements. A questionnaire was made available for people to comment on the proposals.

4.2 A total of 34 questionnaire responses were received and these are summarised in the attached appendix. Of the responses, 26 (79%) supported the overall scheme, with 5 (15%) neutral and 2 (6%) not supporting the scheme. A clear majority supported particular elements of the overall scheme, including widening and resurfacing footways (81%), the new pelican crossing (70%), two new mini-roundabouts (68%) and junction treatments (81%).

4.3 A number of detailed comments were provided on the questionnaires regarding traffic speeds, cycling, safety, pedestrian crossing arrangements, the impact of larger vehicles and wider issues of pedestrian and cycle routes. These have been considered in relation to the proposals and appropriate amendments have been made.

4.4 In addition, six items of correspondence were received, including letters from the Chesil Street Residents' Association, St Giles Hill Residents' Association Traffic Sub-Committee, and a petition from 43 local residents. A subsequent meeting with the Chesil Street Residents' Association discussed detailed matters affecting properties and the proposed changes at the Chesil Street/Barfield Close junction and footway alterations in Chesil Street.

5. Scheme Implementation

5.1 It is intended to construct the improvements in stages to minimise disruption and to avoid conflicts with other highway works in the city. Temporary closure of Chesil Street will be necessary to widen the footway outside Chesil Theatre and the installation of the two mini-roundabouts will cause some disruption. The other works can be undertaken in stages to avoid unnecessary disturbance.

5.2 It is expected that construction of the improvements, for which funding is included in the WMAP programme for 2001/02 and 2002/03, will be completed in early 2002. Minor modifications will be made to the scheme designs in the light of comments received.

6. Conclusion

6.1 The proposed improvements in Chesil Street/Bar End Road received support from the public consultation exercise and will be undertaken with minor alterations in design.

Recommendations

1. That the Panel notes the outcome of the public consultation on the Chesil Street/Bar End Road improvement scheme.

2. That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Environment that implementation of the scheme be approved.

6824/NR

APPENDIX

Chesil Street/Bar End Road Improvement Scheme

Public Consultation 26-28 June 2001 Questionnaire Responses