Contact: Nick Richardson ext 5429

1. Summary

1.1 A number of proposals are being considered that will affect transport in the Basingstoke urban area as part of the Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport (BEST). These are outlined in this report, and include the Basingstoke Central Area Study, the proposed new railway station at Chineham and proposed North of Popley development/North Basingstoke Action Plan. The introduction of different forms of public transport is being pursued, with demand responsive transport and flexibuses expected to fulfil a role where it is difficult to promote viable regular fixed route bus services. A multi-modal study affecting the BEST area has been undertaken at a regional level. The implications of the proposals are presented in this report. Further details will be reported as they emerge.

2. Basingstoke Central Area Study

2.1 Feasibility work has been undertaken to investigate a number of key issues to improve access in and around Basingstoke railway station and town centre. These include investigating access improvements to the South View site to the north of the railway (see Figure 1), assessing the impact of potential development of the South View site, investigating improved access to the railway station for all modes of transport and improving interchange arrangements. The study was jointly funded by the County and Borough Councils. Further work was undertaken to assess pedestrian and cycle access in the town centre area.

South View

2.2 A number of potential road accesses to the site were reviewed, taking into account the many constraints presented by railway lines, roads and other features (see Figure 1). Key issues include costly disruption to rail services during construction, ancient monuments and graveyards, uncertain sub-soil conditions, and the condition of some structures.

2.3 The study indicated that the most likely solutions included a new road link to Norn Hill to the north of the railway bridge, a new bridge from the Norn Hill/Gresley Road junction, limited access through the existing residential areas to the north and use of Vyne Road and Bunnian Place by light traffic. Other reconstruction, tunnel and bridge options were assessed and found to be very costly.

2.4 The form of the development influences the access arrangements. Depending on the land uses adopted, the access options are as set out in the table below:

South View Access Options

2.5 Traffic generation is also influenced by the type of development, with less traffic generated by residential use and major peak impacts with commercial development. There is very little spare capacity at Vyne Road/Chapel Hill to the west of the site in the morning peak, but there is some spare capacity to the east in the Norn Hill/Basing View area. Any development option which significantly increases morning peak traffic would cause queuing and delays to the west of the site. It is suggested that additional traffic generated by South View should be accommodated to the east from Gresley Road and Basing View with a new access.

Station Parking

2.6 The level of parking provision for station users is important in terms of the space it would occupy and its location. It is suggested that a multi-storey car park be provided as part of the South View development to accommodate the existing car park spaces, with additional parking to the south of the railway at No.1 Basing View. Around 1,300 parking spaces associated with the station exist at present, with high occupancy rates by commuters.

2.7 Currently, around one third of rail users walk to/from the station with bus, cycle and taxi use higher than the Basingstoke average. Much of the increase in rail use in recent years has been accommodated by non-car modes as there has been a relatively small increase in car parking provision. However, South West Trains has indicated that it would wish for greater parking provision at the station, with decking on the north side.

2.8 Additional parking capacity could be provided, but this would reduce the development space available and add to town centre traffic. It is suggested that there is potential to rationalize station parking capacity in the long term in support of BEST objectives once improvements to alternatives have been made. It may be appropriate to transfer the operation of station car parks to the Borough Council to create more unified management and consideration of how station parking could be used for other parking purposes at a later date, eg for an adjacent land use.

Station Access Arrangements

2.9 Access to the north side of the station focuses on car drop-off/pick-up, walking and cycling. It is suggested that a ramp be constructed to the existing pedestrian tunnel beneath the railway to allow access for people with mobility impairments without the need for major reconstruction or tunnelling. Rearrangement of the forecourt immediately next to the station entrance is also suggested.

2.10 The majority (80%) of rail passengers access the station from the south side where buses serve the station, shops and offices. It is proposed that the bus stop capacity in Alencon Link be improved. Around 750 buses use Alencon Link daily with around two-thirds travelling east to west. The introduction of a contra-flow bus lane in New Street would reorientate services and Alencon Link would then have a more even number of movements in each direction.

2.11 It is proposed that a new layout for Alencon Link be adopted to include five bus stops in each direction, with a substantial canopy to provide shelter (see Figure 2). Other improvements could include creating new and improved pedestrian links across Alencon Link, and between the station (south side) and Basing View. Realigning the access road would enable coaches to drop off passengers close to the main station entrance. It is suggested that closed circuit television (CCTV) be used to enforce access restrictions in Alencon Link.

Next Steps

2.12 The feasibility study will be reviewed and potential improvements reported in due course. The viability of the South View development will be considered by the landowners in the light of the access requirements and a co-ordinated approach to access and parking will be put forward.

3. New Railway Station at Chineham

3.1 The proposed new railway station to serve the expanding residential and commercial area of Chineham on the Reading to Basingstoke line has been subject to a number of studies for various parties in the railway industry. Discussions have taken place involving the County Council, Borough Council, Strategic Rail Authority, Network Rail (formerly Railtrack) and the operator, Thames Trains. There has been much uncertainty for both infrastructure provider and operator, with competing commitments on the network and refranchising arrangements.

3.2 Studies have been undertaken to assess the impact of the new station on other services, not only on the Reading to Basingstoke line but also on the wider network. These have indicated that, with an additional stop at Chineham, there would be delays incurred to other operators' services. The dwell time at the station could be shortened to alleviate these difficulties, but would require the conversion of the local service to a one-person operation which would require additional equipment to be provided at stations and different rolling stock. Further detailed modelling is being undertaken by Network Rail to establish a possible way forward.

3.3 Given these uncertainties, the Borough Council has reallocated its £700,000 contribution to the scheme. It is unlikely that construction will take place during 2003/04, or that the scheme will be supported by Network Rail and the train operator.

4. Proposed North of Popley Development/North Basingstoke Action Plan

4.1 Dialogue has taken place regarding the proposed development North of Popley involving the County Council (in its developer role), the Borough Council and private developers. Working together, plans are being developed to provide extensive new residential development areas, with associated facilities, relocate the John Hunt of Everest School, and regenerate the existing Popley area. The proposals will continue to be discussed with local people as they emerge.

4.2 The development proposals form part of the North Basingstoke Action Plan which looks at the combined impact of a number of proposed developments including North of Popley, the Aldermaston Road Triangle Site, completion of Park Prewitt development and other land in the vicinity. The area considered stretches from the Manydown site for a potential Major Development Area to the west of Roman Road to Chineham in the north east (see Figure 3). By considering development options in this context, it is expected that a coordinated approach will result in the most appropriate infrastructure provision, including new roads and public transport facilities.

4.3 The North Basingstoke Action Plan is being considered within the Borough Local Plan Review process and provides a framework for consideration by the Government Office for the South East (GOSE).

4.4 The implications for transport in the area are substantial. Access to the North of Popley development area by road will include the planned improvements in the A33 corridor (such as traffic signal installations at the A33/A339 Reading Road roundabout and the A33/Popley Way junction) and improvements to the A340 Aldermaston Road. Junction arrangements on the A340 have yet to be determined in detail, but traffic signal installations and improvements to the A340/A339 Aldermaston Road roundabout are to be programmed. It is suggested that an inbound (southbound) priority lane be provided on Aldermaston Road. The new development places strong emphasis on bus services and it is likely that a priority route, linked to key areas of demand with priority measures as appropriate, will be provided through the development area. In terms of journeys and destinations, the North Hampshire Hospital, John Hunt of Everest School and local retail and employment facilities will be linked, with improved connections to the town centre and railway station.

4.5 Cycle and walking routes will be provided which link with North West Quadrant measures to be implemented in the short term. Less prominence will be given to vehicular traffic in the development area, with measures to restrain traffic speeds and provide safe crossings for other road users.

5. Demand Responsive Transport and Flexibuses

5.1 Consultants Peter Brett Associates were commissioned in 2002 to undertake feasibility work to assess the potential for piloting a Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) scheme within the Borough. From analysis undertaken, it is apparent that the greatest potential for location is Burghclere and surrounding villages, including Bishops Green. A possible scheme is outlined in the consultants' report and would, in summary, provide a small-scale DRT scheme operating a semi-fixed route serving Burghclere and the surrounding area.

5.2 The potential for a flexibus service within an urban area of Basingstoke (Popley) was also considered. However, further analysis has shown that a flexibus operation between Popley and Basingstoke town centre could detract custom from existing commercial services. Bus operator Stagecoach anticipates that there may be increased demand for bus services as a result of the impact of Festival Place and is unwilling to take decisions about the future of services in the immediate future. Further work to assess the potential for an urban flexibus scheme has therefore been placed on hold.

5.3 Following dialogue with the County Council, the rural scheme was incorporated within the County Council's bid to the Government for Rural Bus Challenge (RBC) funding. This would secure RBC funding for this and a number of other DRT services in the County. The outcome of the bid should be known in January 2003.

5.4 If successful, the RBC bid would fund a single bus scheme, including all set up and operational costs, which would be modelled on the successful Cango services which have already been introduced around Andover. Implementation of the scheme would be possible during summer 2003.

6. Thames Valley Multi-Modal Study (TVMMS)

6.1 GOSE commissioned Atkins Planning Consultants in July 2001 to carry out the TVMMS. It is understood that the consultants are planning to report their findings and recommendations to the South East England Regional Assembly and the London Mayor in January/February 2003. If endorsed, these will be included in the Regional Transport Strategy issued by the Secretary of State.

6.2 The study considers transport and land use issues in an area covering parts of Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire including the North East Hampshire Transport Strategy and BEST areas. The TVMMS is one of several multi-modal studies, a number of which impact on the BEST area. These studies are:

(i) ORBIT: a multi-modal study undertaken on behalf of GOSE which is aimed at tackling existing and future traffic congestion on the M25 motorway by providing a long term sustainable management strategy; and

(ii) SWARMMS: a multi-modal study undertaken on behalf of the Government Office for the South West looking at transport networks between M3/A303(T) at Basingstoke and the West Country.

7. Conclusion

7.1 A number of proposals are being considered which will have implications on the success of Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport and the schemes for inclusion in the investment programme. Further consideration will be required as proposals develop.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

7690/NR