Archived decisions

Contact: Kevin Travers, ext 7763

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides an update on the position of the South Coast Multi-Modal Study (SoCoMMs) and South Hampshire Study.

2. South Coast Multi-Modal Study

2.1 The final report for the SoCoMMs has been produced by consultants Halcrow and was submitted to the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) on 8 September 2002.

2.2 A range of local and regional initiatives were built upon by the consultants to develop a balanced strategy. This involved road-based improvements targeted solely at bottlenecks that cause congestion, the promotion of rail- and sea-based freight initiatives and the promotion of personal safety, road safety and accessibility for the mobility-impaired.

2.3 Within southern Hampshire the key recommendations identified are:

(i) a new rail chord at Eastleigh;

(ii) double-tracking between Fareham and Botley;

(iii) additional platforms at Fareham and Havant stations;

(iv) an improved interchange at Southampton Parkway and Fareham and several possible new stations;

(v) widening of the M27 between junctions 3 and 5, and junctions 11 and 12, as well as improvements to a number of the other junctions;

(vi) significant improvement to the local public transport system, building upon the South Hampshire Rapid Transit initiative;

(vii) consideration of increasing parking charges in major centres;

(viii) consideration of a levy on all private workplace parking spaces; and

(ix) consideration of levying charges for cars entering Southampton and Portsmouth.

2.4 The Study report was considered by SEERA's Regional Planning Committee on 15 October, and as a key partner in the delivery of the strategy the County Council was asked for its views. Following this, the Planning Committee's recommendations will be presented to SEERA's Plenary Session on 20 November and subsequently to Ministers.

3. South Hampshire Study

3.1 As part of the review of the Structure Plan the second phase of the South Hampshire Study is now well underway. This involves an assessment of a range of strategic scenarios for future land use and transport options. The assessment makes use of the comprehensive transport evaluation which was carried out earlier this year, which provided a factual base of information using common assessment criteria upon which the potential scenarios can be tested.

3.2 Five different options have been identified, ranging from concentration of development in the cities, spreading it evenly across the area and three public transport-based options, where development is focused on transport nodes and corridors.

3.3 The options will be considered further as part of a consultation on the Structure Plan Review which will be carried out early in 2003.

Recommendation

That the report be noted.

7485/KT