Archived decisions

Contact: Steve Jenkins, ext 6907

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That approval be given for the Chief Executive to conclude an appropriate legal Agreement with Tesco Stores Limited to secure a package of off-site highway works to improve pedestrian, cycle and public transport links to both the town centre and residential areas.

2. Reason

2.1 To secure improvements to the accessibility of the site and to encourage the use of alternative modes of travel to the car in line with Planning Policy Guidance Note 13 (PPG13).

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 None.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member of Officer consulted - None.

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 to Test Valley Borough Council by Tesco Stores Limited for an extension of 1,550 square metres, to give a total gross floor area of 6,659 square metres.

7.2 The Borough Council refused permission for the planning application but, following a Planning Appeal, an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport allowed the Appeal, subject to the conclusion of an appropriate legal agreement to secure a package of off-site highway works to improve pedestrian, cycle and public transport links from the store to both the town centre and residential areas.

7.3 The local Member, Councillor Mrs West, supports the proposals.

8. Transport Proposals

8.1 The site gains vehicular access from the A3093 Churchill Way. It exits onto the traffic signal-controlled junction of River Way and the A343 Newbury Road. To the south the site is linked to the town centre by a network of footpaths and pedestrian crossings. To the west it is poorly served by pedestrian infrastructure and it is difficult to safely and quickly access the site from the town centre on foot.

8.2 Fifty-five new car parking spaces will be provided to serve the extended store. This was agreed during the Appeal process and will result in a total of 617 parking spaces being provided on-site.

8.3 In negotiation the developer agreed to improve the sustainability of the site by implementing physical improvements to the local highway network which will enable improved pedestrian, cycle and public transport access to the site.

8.4 The developer has agreed to upgrade the existing southbound pedestrian route from the store to Shepherds Spring Lane to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. This will involve upgrading the existing signalised crossing on the A3093 Churchill Way to a Toucan crossing. The developer has also agreed to improve the footpath which leads from this crossing, alongside Watery Lane to New Street. This footpath will be widened and resurfaced to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. The developer has also agreed to provide an uncontrolled pedestrian and cycle crossing on New Street.

8.5 The developer has agreed to improve pedestrian access to the store from the west. This will involve significant modifications to the traffic signal-controlled junction of the A343 Newbury Road and River Way. These modifications will involve the installation of a full pedestrian phase across this junction. This will improve pedestrian access to the store from the town centre and residential areas to the north and west.

8.6 The developer has also agreed to provide a new bus layby on the A343 Newbury Road. This will form part of the modifications to the junction and will enable additional bus services to drop off near the store without leaving the public highway.

8.7 In addition to the above, the developer has agreed to implement an agreed Work Place Travel Plan for the store secured in a legal Agreement with Test Valley Borough Council, to include targets and monitoring thereof.

8.8 In the event of the proposal being implemented the applicant has agreed, at no cost to the County Council, to:

(i) carry out the above highway improvement works which have been costed at £246,000; and

(ii) implement an agreed Work Place Travel Plan.

7324/SJ