Archived decisions

Contact: Jonathan Crabb, ext 6047

1. Summary

1.1 On 17 October 2000 this Panel approved the preferred layout for the right-turn facility at Colbury and that further detailed work be undertaken. As part of the development of this scheme, it is important to consult with the local community stakeholders and interest groups. This report outlines the proposed consultation plan for the development of the associated traffic management measures along the A35 through Ashurst and a route signing strategy. Plans will be displayed at the meeting.

2. Background

2.1 The proposed layout for the Colbury right-turn facility provides signal control for traffic from the A326 southbound to the A35 west and replaces the loop road arrangement which is safeguarded in the New Forest District Local Plan. A slip-road loop facility had previously been investigated but, while land had been allowed for this facility, it was insufficient to provide a layout in accordance with current design standards. Extending the safeguarded land to ensure that the minimum design standards could be achieved would have resulted in greater environmental impact on a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.

2.2 The scheme will enable traffic to be re-routed along the A326 and A35 to Lyndhurst and the New Forest and will help reduce the occurrence of inappropriate traffic through the residential area of Foxhills. The need for traffic to do a `U-turn' at Rushington roundabout to gain access to the A35 westbound will also cease and reduce traffic flows along this section of the A35.

2.3 The scheme is an integral part of the phased strategic approach to dealing with traffic conditions in Lyndhurst, and will include the implementation of traffic management and local access improvements along the A35 through Ashurst. This is an important scheme and the total estimated cost of the Colbury right-turn facility and improvements in Ashurst will be in the region of £1 million.

3. Consultation Plan

3.1 The object of the public consultation exercise is to involve the local community and stakeholders in the development of the right-turn facility at Colbury and the measures at Ashurst.

3.2 The aim is to involve and inform local residents and road users over a wide area, in addition to the local parish councils of Ashurst, Colbury, Totton and Lyndhurst. Consultation will also include Brockenhurst Parish Council and Lymington Town Council, New Forest District Council, the New Forest Committee, the Countryside Agency, the Forestry Commission, the Freight Transport Association, the emergency services, local interest groups, such as cycling, pedestrian and disabled groups, and public transport operators.

3.3 A productive relationship has already been established with Ashurst and Colbury Parish Council in identifying appropriate measures for Ashurst. Following a briefing of Members on 3 October 2001, a Focus Group comprising County Council officers, the local District Council Member, Councillor Spikins, and the chairman of Ashurst Parish Council, was set up to develop traffic management options for Ashurst village. Two meetings have been held and significant progress has been made on agreeing measures for the village prior to going to a full public consultation.

3.4 Informal views are being obtained from the emergency services, Ambulance, Fire and Police, and the bus operator Wilts & Dorset during the development of the scheme.

3.5 The formal consultation exercise is planned for the beginning of 2002, with construction of the scheme commencing in autumn/winter 2002.

3.6 A public exhibition will be held showing the proposal for the Colbury right-turn and the local access improvements in Ashurst.

3.7 As the target audience covers a number of communities, the exhibition will be held at different locations, for example Totton, Ashurst and Lyndhurst. The exhibition period and venue will be advertised in local papers and the New Forest District Council newsletter, and through house distribution of posters and leaflets.

3.8 The proposed junction layout and traffic measures will be displayed using a series of plans and text. Officers from Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council will be on hand to answer any questions. The public will be asked to complete a questionnaire for their views on the proposals. Analysis of the questionnaires and comments will give an indication of public support for the proposed schemes. The cost of the consultation programme will be approximately £15,000. The results of the consultation exercise will be reported to a future meeting of this Panel.

4. Conclusion

4.1 As the Colbury right-turn facility is progressed, a consultation plan is required to involve the local community and stakeholders, particularly Ashurst and Colbury Parish Council, in the development of the local access improvements for the village.

4.2 Wider consultation will be sought through public exhibitions at three locations on the proposed junction layout and Ashurst local access improvements. The local community, stakeholders and interest groups will be asked for their views on the proposals and the results of the consultation will be reported to a future meeting of this Panel.

Recommendation

That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member of Environment that the consultation plan for the right-turn facility at Colbury and associated traffic management measures be approved.

6777/JC