AT A MEETING of the NEW FOREST TRANSPORATION STRATEGY PANEL held on Wednesday 27 March 2002 at The Castle, Winchester.

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council

Councillors: K.B. Estlin (Chairman); Mrs P.G. Banks; J.E. Coles; J. Waddington

Councillors F.J. Bright, Mrs K. Heron, and Mrs E.M.F. Randall were also in attendance.

New Forest District Council

Councillors: M.H.G. Fidler; Mrs P. Wyeth

Councillor G. Spikins was also in attendance.

Test Valley Borough Council

Councillor D.G.C. Roach

Observer

Councillor Capt. J. Lofts (Dorset County Council)

12. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 6 December 2001 (Item 1 in the Minute Book) were confirmed by the Panel and signed by the Chairman.

Arising thereon:

Draft Strategy for Consultation (page 2, paragraph 4)

The County Surveyor updated Members in respect of the consultation period and confirmed that 35-40 responses had been received. The detailed comments were being analysed and the results would be reported at a future meeting.

13. CAPITAL PROGRAMME - LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT, LOCAL TRANSPORT SETTLEMENT AND REVISED CAPITAL PROGRAMMES FOR 2001/02 AND 2002/03 TO 2005/06

The Panel considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 2 in the Minute Book) updating Members on progress in respect of the Capital Programme. Following submission to the Government of the first Annual Progress Report for Hampshire's Local Transport Plan, it was noted that the County Council's assessment on progress with transport was well above average which had resulted in a generous settlement being received. However, the County Surveyor reported that the focus was now on delivery of the various projects within the Programme which was very important in order to ensure future funding.

A full discussion ensued during which Members detailed questions were answered. In particular concern was noted in respect of the footway in Bickerley Road, Ringwood (as listed on Appendix 2). Some difficulties had arisen between the Local Authorities and the developer, however the County Surveyor confirmed that discussions were continuing in order to reach a satisfactory conclusion.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

14. NEW FOREST TRANSPORT STRATEGY PROGRESS

The Panel considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 3 in the Minute Book) detailing the progress of the various Capital Programme 2001/02 schemes within the New Forest Transport Strategy area. During the ensuing discussion, the following was noted in respect of a number of individual schemes:-

Fordingbridge High Street

A working party had been set up to consider options in respect of the proposed improvements to the High Street/ Provost Street (Market Place) junction. This forum was proving to be very useful and another meeting of the working party would be set up in due course.

Concern was raised in respect of the width of the High Street which currently did not allow for two lorries to pass one another without one mounting the pavement. A site visit would be arranged in due course.

Colbury Right Turn and Ashurst Traffic Calming Measures

Exhibition plans were on display for Members information in addition to the distribution of a pamphlet. The County Surveyor reported that many people had visited the various public exhibitions as detailed in the pamphlet and it was noted that two additional exhibitions had been held at Safeway supermarket on the A326 and in Beaulieu Village. The closing date for the consultation period would be Friday 19 April. A full analysis of the questionnaires that had been returned was being conducted, however two main concerns were emerging, namely the amount and speed of traffic going through Ashurst Village and worries about heavy goods vehicles.

Members raised a number of points that would be looked at in detail by officers. In particular, there was strong opposition to signing the new route from the motorway.

It was hoped to be able to move ahead to detailed design in due course and a report submitted to the Executive Member for Environment for decision during the early part of the summer. Due to this anticipated timetabling, Members requested a meeting for further discussion be convened prior to decision by the Executive Member being taken as this scheme was of high importance.

Brockenhurst School Safety Zone

It was noted that Raynesway Construction Ltd was the appointed contractor for the footway works.

Parish Partnerships

It was noted that the Parish Partnership Programme was on-going and particular attention was drawn to Table 1 detailing the progress of the various projects.

Lyndhurst Cycle Network

Following discussion, it was agreed that a meeting would be set up comprising interested parties to discuss the cycle link between Ashurst and Lyndhurst and consider some of the conservation issues in more detail.

RESOLVED:

That the position of the schemes within the Capital Programme be noted.

15. COASTAL TOWNS STRATEGY PROGRESS

The Panel considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 4 in the Minute Book) detailing the progress of the various Capital Programme 2001/02 schemes within the Coastal Towns Transport Strategy as listed in paragraphs 1.2 to 2.7 of the report. During the ensuing discussion, the following was noted in respect of a number of individual schemes:-

New Milton Schemes

Concern was raised at the length of time it was taking to implement the pelican crossing on Ashley Road. Officers would look into this matter and send a written reply to the Local member, Councillor Mrs Banks.

In respect of the pelican crossing at Station Road, which was programmed for 2002/03, it was noted that negotiations were continuing.

In respect of the Ashley Road/Spencer Road junction improvements, it was confirmed that a Project Appraisal would be submitted to the Executive Member for Environment for decision on 15 April 2002.

Railway Station Lockers

The County Surveyor reported that the new cycle lockers that had been installed at a number of stations were funded by Hampshire County Council and maintained/administered by South West Trains. Pictures of the source lockers were circulated for Members to view. Further installations were planned.

RESOLVED:

That the position on the schemes within the Coastal Towns Capital Programme be noted.

16. LOCAL PLAN REVIEWS - PROGRESS REPORT

The Panel considered the joint report of the Director of Environment Services, New Forest District Council and the Head of Planning, Test Valley Borough Council (Item 5 in the Minute Book) summarising the current position of their respective Local Plan Reviews.

New Forest Local Plan Review

It was reported that the Review was progressing well. It was noted that in respect of paragraph 2.3 (ii) of the report a number of objections had been received. In respect of paragraph 2.5 of the report it was confirmed that a comprehensive analysis, together with recommendations for any further changes to be made and incorporated in a revised deposit document would be considered by the District Council's Economy and Review Committee on 9 April, followed by full Council on 22 April. Further progress would be reported at a future meeting of the Panel.

Test Valley Local Plan Review

It was reported that the Review was progressing well. A revised draft Local Plan was anticipated for July 2002, with publication for consultation in September 2002. Further progress would be reported at a future meeting of the Panel.

RESOLVED:

That the current status of the Local Plan Reviews be noted.

17. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Panel would be held on Wednesday 6 November 2002 at 10.00am in the Wellington Room, The Castle, Winchester.

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