Archived decisions

Contact: Julie Jarvis, ext 6592

1. Summary

1.1 On 9 November 2001 Members considered a report on the public consultation for the proposed Petersfield Town Centre improvements. In December 2001 the County Council's Executive Member for Environment gave approval for detailed design work to commence for the proposed scheme prior to implementation. This report gives an update on progress and the proposed way forward in the development and implementation of the Petersfield Town Centre improvements.

2. Background

2.1 In September 1998 the County Council, in partnership with East Hampshire District Council and Petersfield Town Council, started work on a transport strategy for Petersfield. Consultants Halcrow Fox prepared a draft transport strategy which incorporated ideas provided by a series of community workshops and extensive local consultation. The Petersfield Area Transport Strategy (PATS) was launched in December 2000.

2.2 One of the proposals within PATS is to improve the `historic core' of the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists through implementing a 20 miles per hour (mph) zone. The measures for the town centre aim to reduce vehicle speeds, improve safety and deter unwanted traffic, thereby making it a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. The proposals also introduce other measures that will help to improve the environment of the High Street and The Square, with enhanced surfacing for footways and improved street lighting, street furniture and planting.

2.3 A public exhibition was held in May 2001 which displayed the preliminary proposals for Petersfield town centre. The exhibition was well attended and members of the public completed questionnaires giving their views on the scheme. Key stakeholders and interested parties were also formally consulted. Comments on the scheme were recorded. Several letters were received. Analysis of the questionnaires and comments indicated support for the proposed town centre improvements and this was reported to this Panel in November 2001.

3. Scheme Update

3.1 Further work has taken place in the development of the scheme and key issues raised during the consultation process have been investigated. Accordingly, the following changes have been made in the design of the scheme:

(i) minor changes to the 20 mph zone in Lavant Street, Chapel Street and The Spain;

(ii) an additional informal crossing between The Square Brewery and the Post Office in The Square;

(iii) additional pavement resurfacing outside Lloyds TSB Bank; and

(iv) relocation of the taxi rank from the High Street to The Square.

3.2 The amended proposals for St Peter's Road, The Square and the High Street are shown in figures 1 to 3 respectively.

3.3 The provision of a signal controlled crossing in the High Street opposite Rams Walk was suggested by a number of residents. The town centre proposals provide a courtesy crossing at this location which is an improvement, given that there is no pedestrian facility at present. The proposal is consistent with the theme of courtesy crossings in the High Street, where the overall package of measures will benefit pedestrians. However, the operation of the proposed courtesy crossing opposite Rams Walk will be monitored and this work will determine whether the consideration of a zebra crossing is necessary.

3.4 The introduction of the 20 mph zone and the related parking orders will be preceded by formal advertising of the orders with a statutory period for further comments or objections.

3.5 It may be necessary to modify the scheme when tenders for the works are received.

4. Proposed Programme of Works

4.1 Discussions have taken place with representatives of the local community and traders about the timings of the proposed work. There will inevitably be some disruption during the works but the proposed programme aims to keep this to a minimum. The works will be split into manageable phases avoiding, as far as possible, the midsummer and Christmas periods which are the busiest for the town. The Golden Jubilee celebrations in early June are an important event, as are other planned events during the year. The proposed order of works is, therefore, as follows:

- St. Peter's Road - late spring 2002.

- The Square - late summer/early autumn 2002.

- The High Street - early 2003.

- Implementation of 20 mph zone after completion of the above works and the traffic calming measures in Hylton Road, referred to in paragraph 4.2.

4.2 There are other highway works planned in the town for 2002 not directly related to the scheme, which will be coordinated with this programme. These works include an extension of traffic calming measures in Hylton Road and a cycle route from the railway station to Penns Place.

5. Keeping the Public Informed

5.1 A series of press releases and newsletters will be issued to keep residents, traders and the public informed of progress. Special measures will also be taken to inform local people directly affected by the scheme, such as those whose properties front the works. Every effort will be made to ensure, where possible, that their interests are accommodated.

6. Conclusion

6.1 PATS was developed by the County Council, East Hampshire District Council, Petersfield Town Council and the local community. One of the proposals within PATS is to improve the `historic core' of the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists through implementing a 20 mph zone. Public consultation on the town centre proposals took place in 2001, followed by further detailed design. Some amendments to the proposed scheme have been incorporated in the design of the scheme. Works are due to start in late spring 2002. The local community will be kept informed through a series of press releases and newsletters.

Recommendation

That the progress on the Petersfield Town Centre improvements be noted.

7024/JJ