Contact: Heather Walmsley, ext 6581

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the land identified on the attached plan be safeguarded for the Park Gate Eastern Link.

2. Reason

2.1 On 19 June 2000 the South East Hampshire Transportation Strategy (SEHTS) Panel recommended the inclusion of the Park Gate Eastern Link as a proposal in the Local Transport Plan (LTP) 2001-2006. The recommendation was confirmed by the former Planning and Transportation Committee on 3 July 2000. As such the Eastern Link was included in the LTP and is programmed to commence in 2004/05.

2.2 The primary objectives of the scheme are to provide improved access to Swanwick railway station and also to provide environmental relief and enhancement along the A3051 Botley Road through Park Gate.

2.3 Preliminary design work for the link is currently under way and it is anticipated that this work will be completed by late 2002. It is intended to submit a planning application for the scheme following the completion of preliminary design. Prior to the submission of the planning application it is necessary to define a formal land safeguarding.

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. Background

7.1 The adopted Fareham Borough Local Plan Review (March 2000) includes a policy (T8) which states that land will be safeguarded for a bypass scheme at Park Gate. The Park Gate Eastern Link follows the eastern section of the Local Plan route.

7.2 The attached plan identifies the extent of land required for the link road (within the solid line boundary). The boundary includes land required for construction works and essential landscape treatment and also land required for mitigation. The implications for third party land are also shown. In addition to the land identified, some additional mitigation/ accommodation works may be provided through agreement on third party land.

7.3 Given the number of land ownerships involved, it may be necessary to obtain a Compulsory Purchase Order. However, this will not preclude the normal policy of seeking to purchase by agreement, where possible.

7.4 The implications for the County Council are both, as the acquiring authority and as a private landowner.

7.5 In the former role, the adoption of the definitive plan may result in the serving of Blight Notices under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. This could occur should any of the current owners wish to sell and if they either cannot find a purchaser or have to accept a reduced value, due to the land being affected by the scheme. If accepted by this Council, the basis for compensation will be the same as if it were a compulsory acquisition by the County Council.

7.6 As shown on the attached plan, the County Council owns the majority of the land upon which the southern section of the proposed road is to be built, together with land to the east. This land is allocated for employment purposes in the Local Plan; further investigation is being carried out on the feasibility of extending the existing Segensworth West Industrial Estate and also providing road access to land north of the railway, which is also allocated for business/employment uses. This, in turn, will identify those remaining areas of land available for mitigation or environmental enhancement.

7120/HW