Archived decisions

Contact: Laura McCulloch, ext 6901

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That approval be given for the Chief Executive to conclude an appropriate legal Agreement with B&Q plc in relation to the making of a financial contribution of £125,000 towards pedestrian and cycle facilities within the vicinity of the site, in particular to provide a pedestrian crossing on Bournemouth Road.

(ii) That, subject to the completion of this Agreement, Eastleigh and Test Valley Borough Councils be informed that there is no objection to the office development on land at Bournemouth Road, Chandlers Ford.

2. Reason

2.1 To secure an appropriate level of financial contribution towards transport improvements in the area.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected - Not applicable.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - Not applicable.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

7. Introduction

7.1 A planning application has been submitted by B&Q plc to both Eastleigh and Test Valley Borough Councils for an office development on land at Bournemouth Road, Chandlers Ford (see attached location plan). Part of the site falls within Eastleigh Borough Council and part of it falls within Test Valley Borough Council.

7.2 The site totals 1.3 hectares and is situated to the west of Bournemouth Road (the former A33 Southampton to London main road) which forms a link between Chandlers Ford in the north and Southampton in the south.

7.3 The site currently comprises offices and industrial land. To the rear of the offices is a site currently occupied by the Go Plant premises which will be vacated. The front of the site is occupied by three storey offices known as Cando House (formerly Tarmac House) already occupied by B&Q. To the north of the site is the existing Elliots builders' yard operation which will remain.

7.4 The application is for the retention of the existing Cando House (1,500 square metres) and the erection of a new three storey office block (5,608 square metres) with landscaping and parking for 238 cars.

7.5 The Borough Councils support this form of development in this location and have resolved to grant approval, subject to the conclusion of appropriate legal Agreements.

7.6 The local Members, Councillors Dowden and Luffman, raise no objection in principle to the proposals.

8. Transport Proposals

8.1 The site has an existing access which leads directly onto Bournemouth Road and incorporates a dedicated lane for vehicles turning right into the site. This access is adequate to serve the proposed development.

8.2 The site is currently extensively used for overspill car parking from the existing B&Q Headquarters in the adjoining Hampshire Corporate Park, to the north of the site.

8.3 The proposed car parking provision of 238 spaces is in accordance with Planning Policy Guidance Note 13 and the Hampshire Parking Strategy and Standards 2001, equating to one space per 30 square metres, and is only 33 spaces more than is already accommodated on the site.

8.4 The highway network in the vicinity of the site, particularly at the Asda roundabout, does experience congestion and queueing at peak times. However a detailed Transport Assessment prepared by the applicant, which has been agreed, shows that the net impact of this development will be small. It is though important to ensure that maximum encouragement and opportunity is given for employees to use alternative modes of transport to get to and from work. The site is well located in terms of public transport links. In addition the developer has agreed to make a financial contribution towards pedestrian and cycle facilities within the vicinity of the site, in particular to provide a pedestrian crossing on Bournemouth Road.

8.5 In order to further discourage the use of the car a bonded Green Travel Plan will be secured through a Section 106 Agreement with Eastleigh and Test Valley Borough Councils. This will provide facilities and initiatives to encourage car sharing and use of alternative transport modes. A Bond of £60,000 will be held against mitigating any detrimental off site parking associated with the development which may occur, which would in turn be monitored for a five year period through the provision of a further £20,000 sum.

9. Financial Implications

9.1 In the event of planning permission being implemented the developer has agreed to make a financial contribution of £125,000 towards pedestrian and cycle facilities within the vicinity of the site, in particular to provide a pedestrian crossing on Bournemouth Road. The £60,000 bond will be included in the Section 106 Agreement to be concluded with Eastleigh Borough Council and Test Valley Borough Council.

6956/LJM