Contact: Ken Dudley, ext 6902

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That approval be given for the Chief Executive to conclude appropriate legal Agreements with Elvetham Heath Developments (Persimmon plc) in relation to the implementation, at no cost to the County Council, of approved works to provide a footbridge over the railway line to connect the Elvetham Heath development with Elvetham Road.

(ii) That, subject to the completion of these Agreements, there is no objection to the erection of a footbridge over the railway line at Elvetham Heath, Fleet.

2. Reason

2.1 To ensure that direct footway links are available between the Elvetham Heath development area and Fleet town to encourage alternatives to the motor car for short journeys in line with Planning Policy Guidance Note 13 (PPG13).

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 full planning application has been submitted by Elvetham Heath Developments (Persimmon plc) to Hart District Council for the development of a footbridge over the railway line to connect the Elvetham Heath Development with Elvetham Road and the town of Fleet (see attached location plan).

7.2 As this provision is in accordance with the development brief and seeks to enhance provisions for sustainable development, in accordance with PPG13, the District Council has resolved to grant approval subject to the conclusion of appropriate legal Agreements.

7.3 The local Member, Councillor Stocks, supports the principle of providing a footbridge.

8. Transportation Proposals

8.1 The original development of Elvetham Heath was granted permission for 1,700 houses with an associated legal Agreement which secured a significant transportation infrastructure package, including a financial contribution of £65,000 towards the provision of a footbridge.

8.2 With increased housing densities now being sought by the planning authority in line with Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 the number of dwellings is likely to increase by some 164 units.

8.3 In negotiation the developer has agreed to implement the footbridge, at no cost to the County Council, at the latest prior to the occupation of the 1,701st dwelling, currently estimated within years 2005/06.

8.4 The developer has also agreed to pay any compensation which may fall due to affected property owners as may be reasonably agreed by the County Council.

8.5 The design of the bridge will be compliant with the appropriate standards for adoption and agreed through the County Council's approval in principle procedure. All legal, design, checking and inspection fees will be payable by the developer.

9. Financial Implications

9.1 In the event of planning permission being granted for the bridge and the increased housing numbers, the developer has agreed, at no cost to the County Council, to implement a footbridge to a design agreed by the County Council no later than the occupation of the 1,701st dwelling on Elvetham Heath (estimated cost £800,000).

7076/KVD