Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Environment

11 October 2002

Project Appraisal: A327 Minley Road, Hawley - Shared Use Cycleway/Footway Scheme - Phase 1

Report of the County Surveyor

Item 6

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

A327 MINLEY ROAD, HAWLEY - SHARED USE CYCLEWAY/ FOOTWAY SCHEME - PHASE 1

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

NOVEMBER 2002

COMPLETION DATE:

JANUARY 2003

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2002/03

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at July 02

(at July 02

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

12

-

Construction

250

Fees

62

324

324

Less developers/

other contributions

120

120

204

204

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

204

(b) Other

2.

From other resources

(a) Developers contributions

120

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

324

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

nil

nil

Capital charges

51

0.053

TOTAL net expenditure

51

0.053

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

This scheme falls within the North East Hampshire Transport Strategy (NEHTS) area. One of the main objectives of the strategy is to provide pedestrian and cycle facilities in the area to improve safety and offer an alternative choice for travel by car. This route forms part of the strategic cycle route network providing a link between Yateley to Farnborough. The scheme will provide an `off road' shared use pedestrian/cycleway facility along Minley Road, and also a grass verge which can be used by equestrians.

The overall scheme has been divided into three phases. This project appraisal is for phase one which is the centre section of the scheme between the entrance to Gibraltar Barracks and the access road to Hawley Lakes. At present there is no provision for either pedestrians or cyclists on this section of Minley Road, Hawley.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County network and policies

The provision of an off road shared cycle use footway facility along Minley Road accords with the main aims and objectives of NEHTS. These are supported through the Hart District Local Plan and the Local Transport Plan.

Details of scheme and design standards

Phase one will provide a shared use pedestrian/cycleway facility between the entrance to Gibraltar Barracks and Hawley Lake access road. The width will generally be 2.25 metres to allow cyclists/pedestrians to pass each other safely.

The verge will also be wide enough to allow equestrian use.

The design work for this scheme was carried out in accordance with the Department for Transport's standards, together with those of the County Council.

A location plan is attached and a detailed plan of the proposals will be displayed at the meeting.

Environmental impact

Some sections of the scheme pass through areas of special designation and also involve the clearing of some trees and hedges.

Discussions have been held with English Nature and Ministry of Defence (MoD) arboriculturalists over the effects of the proposed scheme and they have consented to the proposed works.

Once the scheme is completed it will create a safer environment for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Land requirements

Land acquisition is required from the MoD to enable the scheme to be implemented. Following discussions and negotiations, the MoD has agreed to dedicate land for highway purposes which will allow the scheme to progress, subject to English Nature having no adverse comment on the environmental impact of the scheme.

The MoD is prepared to dedicate the land required for the completion of all three phases of the overall scheme. It is a requirement by the Ministry that any accommodation works required for phases 2 and 3 should be carried out before the land is dedicated.

Statutory procedures

The conversions of sections of footway to shared pedestrian/cycle use will be carried out under Sections 65 and 66 of the Highways Act 1980.

Public consultation

Consultation for this scheme has been undertaken with Hart District Council, Blackwater and Hawley Town Council, Yateley Town Council, the Ministry of Defence, English Nature, Minley and Hawley Conservation Group, Environment Agency and The British Horse Society.

Hart District Council and the MoD support the scheme proposals. However, no response has yet been received from the Town Councils.

The British Horse Society has asked for the scheme to be upgraded to allow equestrian use. After due consideration the verge has been widened to accommodate horses.

Facilities for the disabled

The needs of the disabled have been considered in the design of this scheme with the inclusion of dropped kerbs and tactile paving slabs at every crossing.

Maintenance implications

There will be minimal revenue implications of this proposal and they will be taken into account in the setting of the annual base budget.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The provisions of this Act have no impact on this proposal.

Sustainability

The proposed scheme will provide a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists which will encourage more people to walk and cycle instead of using motorised transport.

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Hutcheson, although supportive of the scheme, does have concerns on the overall project.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

There are no other options.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1.

Published works.

2.

Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE

LOCATION

Minley Cycle Route, Hawley

County Surveyor's Department

Engineering Consultancy