Contact: Paul Basham, ext 6054

1. Summary

1.1 This report updates the position on the development of schemes within Hythe.

2. Background

2.1 There are four schemes in Hythe being coordinated through the Hythe Steering Group. These are:

(i) The Interchange;

(ii) The Pier;

(iii) The Town Centre Link Road; and

(iv) The Promenade.

3. Hythe Interchange

3.1 The County Council's partner consultant, Atkins, has been carrying out the investigation and preliminary design (up to feasibility stage) of a key transport and environmental improvement scheme in the Hythe Pier area. Information relating to the current transport interchange has been collected and analysed, including bus routes and frequencies, proposed cycle routes, car park data, traffic counts, air quality data and information on the ferry service itself. Previous reports and the Local Plan have also been reviewed. The Hythe Centre Advisory Group was informally consulted on the way forward at a meeting on 25 February 2003. This discussed:

(i) Hythe Interchange Design Vision; and

(ii) layout options.

3.2 Prior to the presentation to the Hythe Centre Advisory Group, a number of stakeholders were consulted on concept options for the interchange and these have been taken on board throughout the design of the scheme.

3.3 Options for the interchange were prepared by Atkins and have been brought forward in consultation with the local Member and local groups. The design options are being developed so as not to prejudice the future possibility of providing a light rail or tram that could travel along the pier and across the interchange area. Early discussions have been taking place to investigate the potential of considering such a feature. The design and development brief is attached as Appendix 1 and design and layout options as Appendix 2.

4. Hythe Pier

4.1 Maintenance work on the Pier started last summer, and to date orders have been placed for timber decking, some handrails for up to £200,000 and £50,000 towards replacing the pontoon.

4.2 A comprehensive report on the structural integrity of Hythe Pier was completed in December 2001. This confirms that, whilst the superstructure of the Pier is in a safe condition, there is an urgent need for investment to maintain this position both immediately and in the longer term. Following a report to the Executive Member for Environment in October 2002, when additional funding of £450,000 over the five year period beginning in the 2003/04 financial year was approved, a full structural assessment of the Pier is being carried out by the County Council on behalf of the owners. This will then be used to design the full suit of measures for the Pier. This assessment will be complete in April 2003 with the works starting in the 2004/05 Capital Programme.

5. Hythe Town Centre Link Road

5.1 This scheme is included as a proposal in the current Local Plan, to be funded from developer contributions. This project will be prepared in conjunction with other schemes in Hythe, including the Interchange.

6. Hythe Promenade

6.1 Improvements to the Promenade are being planned as a joint venture between Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council. The scheme forms part of the overall package of works coordinated by the Hythe Steering Group. It pursues adopted Local Plan policies by linking environmental improvements on The Promenade to Local Transport Plan aspirations for improving pedestrian access to the town centre and Pier. Design work and statutory consultations are proceeding following expressions of general support from the Hythe Centre Action Group and local Members.

6.2 An exhibition of the proposed improvements was held on 19 and 20 November 2002, with an unmanned display in the following week. There was good public attendance, with 96 visitors to the main exhibition, and a further 180 to 200 visiting the unmanned display.

6.3 Questionnaires, comprising a tick box format for judging responses to the detailed aspects of the scheme plus an opportunity for more general comments, were made available.

6.4 The overall response was extremely supportive of the scheme. The vast majority was in favour, with only one person indicating disapproval for the principle of improving The Promenade. Similarly, each of the listed features of the scheme received approval or strong approval ratings from the majority of respondents. Greatest support was for the improved seating, lighting, road surfacing, the public boardwalk and link to the Pier and the creation of two new public spaces. The number indicating disapproval or strong disapproval to any feature was very small, ranging from zero to 8% in all cases.

6.5 These are a selection of the proposed actions resulting from the public consultation:

(i) further consultation with the Environment Agency on the height of the sea wall and impact of the scheme on wildlife interests;

(ii) further consideration to future maintenance and management arrangements for the scheme area;

(iii) further discussions to be carried out with the owners of the Pier concerning the footpath link;

(iv) the inclusion of toddlers' seating in the scheme and family picnic tables outside the Hythe Kebab; and

(v) a reduction by one of the proposed increased number of dedicated parking spaces for the disabled.

6.6 The proposed improvements are being worked on by Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council in partnership, with the support of Hythe Parish Council, the Hythe Centre Advisory Group, Hythe Business Partnership and others.

6.7 Funding is from the approved Hampshire Country Towns Initiative programme, Section 106 contributions and highways special maintenance monies. A Heritage Lottery Bid is also proposed. A start on-site is planned for late 2003/04.

Recommendations

1. That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that the brief and layout plans for the Interchange be agreed for consultation purposes with local interest groups.

2. That the results of the consultation on The Promenade be noted.

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