Contact: Peter Murnaghan, ext 6920

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the necessary arrangements are made for the County Council to abandon the Fleet Inner Relief Road as a named scheme within the County Structure Plan 1996-2011(Review).

(ii) That the Airtrack proposal be endorsed on behalf of the County Council.

2. Reason

2.1 On 13 February 2002 the North East Hampshire Area Transportation Strategy Panel considered two reports (attached as appendices) which invited the Executive Member for Environment to take decisions on matters approved by the Panel. These were:

(i) Fleet Town Centre Improvements. The Panel reviewed the progress made on the preferred scheme for Transport and Environmental Improvements in Fleet Town Centre and received three deputations from members of the public. The Panel concluded, inter alia, that the proposed Fleet Inner Relief Road option would not solve traffic problems, not be financially affordable, nor be in line with Government policy. The Panel resolved that the Executive Member for Environment make the necessary arrangements for the County Council to abandon the Fleet Inner Relief as a named scheme within the Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 (Review). Furthermore it was agreed that Hart District Council be advised to delete the safeguarding for the Fleet Inner Relief Road from the Hart District Replacement Local Plan 1996-2006.

(ii) Rail Access to Heathrow Airport - Airtrack Project. The Panel supported the case for improved rail access to Heathrow Airport from the South West and commended the constituent authorities to offer support to the Airtrack Forum to assist in developing its technical studies and communication strategy with a view to securing approval by Central Government and industry. The Panel also resolved to invite the Executive Member for Environment to endorse the proposal on behalf of Hampshire County Council.

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

7062/PJM