Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Environment

10 December 2002

Project Appraisal: Regeneration of Older Urban Areas - Stoke Road, Gosport - Phase Four

Report of the Director of Environment

Item 12

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

REGENERATION OF OLDER URBAN AREAS - STOKE ROAD, GOSPORT - PHASE FOUR

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

MARCH 2003

COMPLETION DATE:

MAY 2003

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

1.

FINANCE

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at Dec 02

(at Dec 02

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Nil

Construction (a) Works

80

175

Fees

10

90

175

Less developers/

other contributions

25

65

175

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

175

(b) Other

*175

2.

From other resources

(a) Single Regeneration Budget

25

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

200

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £nil

Variations from capital programme

None

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to

Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

Nil

Nil

Capital charges

Nil

Nil

TOTAL net expenditure

nil

nil

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

This project will form the fourth phase of improvement work which began with ROUA support to a phased programme in 1991/92 (see attached plan). The programme has also invested with considerable success in lighting in Stoke Road and in streetscape improvements in the adjoining Peel Road.

Future phases of work in Stoke Road, including improvements to the setting of landmark buildings and a targeted shop front improvement scheme, will be brought forward for approval next year. It is expected that work on future phases funded from the existing budget will be completed by 2004.

The improvements have strong local support from residents and the business community. The work supports business improvements through the Single Regeneration Budget which operates in this area.

Stoke Road and its adjoining streets include many buildings of heritage merit, some listed, but most of local interest. Part of the area is covered by Conservation Area designation. Although primarily seen as a shopping area, Stoke Road retains the variety of uses, including residential and community facilities, which characterises the traditional town centre.

The project adds value to the recent road safety scheme aimed at reducing traffic speeds and improving the highway environment for all users.

3.

IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County network and policies

This project provides environmental improvements related to the improved traffic management in the Stoke Road area.

Details of scheme and design standards

The principal objective is to complete the improvement work within the Conservation Area.

This fourth phase of environmental improvements includes:

(i) replacing concrete kerbs with new stone kerbs and channels;

(ii) resurfacing pavements with clay paviors to match previous work;

(iii) resurfacing private forecourts adjoining the footway, subject to agreement with landowners; and

(iv) improving street furniture and introducing street trees, where appropriate, to enhance the environment of Stoke Road.

Most of the scheme will occupy the north side of Stoke Road within the Conservation Area, between Peel Road and Elmhurst Road. The proposals cover approximately one hectare (see attached location plan).

Environmental impact

The scheme will result in improved paved surfaces serving the shopping area and enhancing the Conservation Area and the setting of important buildings.

Land requirements

No land acquisition required. All works to be confined within existing public highway limits or on private forecourts by way of agreement with the neighbouring landowners.

Statutory procedures

No statutory procedures are involved.

Public consultation

Gosport Borough Council was fully involved in the preparation of the proposals. Public consultation for the proposals was carried out as part of the last phase.

Local Member's View

Councillor Geddes supports the proposals.

Facilities for the disabled

The scheme includes tactile surfacing at crossing points for the visually impaired.

Maintenance implications

The completed scheme will reduce maintenance liabilities and will be incorporated into the maintenance programme of the Highway Authority.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

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

Sustainability

The scheme will enhance the attractiveness of an important local shopping area and the setting of community facilities. The project supports the County Council's corporate Urban Living Strategy.

4.

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

This scheme works within the existing public highway and private forecourts open to the public realm. Omitting the private forecourts was not considered to be an acceptable alternative. Alternative paving solutions were also considered. However, the overall concept and palette of materials has been established and followed consistently to ensure a high level of continuity.

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

None