Contact: Jonathan Crabb, ext 6047

1. Summary

1.1 This report describes progress on the 2002/03 South West Hampshire Transport (SWHT) programme and other key strategy issues and schemes.

2. Capital Programme

2.1 The revised SWHT programmes in the County Council's administrative areas are as follows:

2002/03

	£'000s
Eastleigh Bus Quality Partnership	100
Jacobs Gutter Lane, Marchwood	350
Chandler's Ford Railway Station	1,400
Eastleigh Safer Routes to School	365

2003/04

	£'000s
Romsey Movement and Access Study	600
Eastleigh Decriminalisation	125

3. Major Schemes

3.1 The current financial position means that the preparation costs relating to future major scheme bids need to be funded from within the County Council's transport capital allocation. To keep costs within reasonable levels it is necessary to curtail development of the major scheme programme to two active schemes and one reserve.

3.2 The County Council's priority project, because of its potential for the local economy, is a link from south of Eastleigh to Chickenhall Lane and Bishopstoke Road. The earliest expected start date for a scheme funded

through the major scheme bid process is 2006/07, (which requires a formal bid containing all necessary transport, economic and environmental assessments completed by July 2005).

3.3 The second project proposed for detailed development is Stubbington Bypass, costing up to £25 million, for a July 2006 submission and a start in 2007/08.

3.4 Botley Bypass and the corridor leading down to Park Gate are proposed to be kept in reserve at present, with a review later in 2003.

Chickenhall Lane Link Road

3.5 On 12 December 2001 the Executive Member for Environment approved that this scheme be designed in partnership with developers and Eastleigh Borough Council, and that detailed estimates be prepared in readiness for a 'Major Scheme' funding bid to be submitted to the Department for Transport later in 2002. Delays in the planning process and uncertainty as to the possible need for a road tunnel at the northern end of Southampton Airport subsequently delayed the preparation of a bid for funding. Discussions are continuing between County Council and Eastleigh Borough Council officers and representatives of the Government Office for the South East (GOSE) to discuss the Local Transport Plan (LTP) progress and the major schemes.

3.6 The British Airports Authority (BAA) successfully challenged the Secretary of State's decision to grant planning permission and Gazeley Properties (the developer) is appealing this decision. The outcome of this further application is awaited.

3.7 Running concurrently, the County Council is continuing to work with Gazeley Properties, the BAA, Eastleigh Borough Council and GOSE to develop a scheme that satisfies the needs of all potential partners.

Botley Bypass

3.8 The development of the project for the Botley Bypass has continued and an officer steering group was established to progress the development of the scheme. This includes officers from the County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and Winchester City Council. Five working groups were also set up to include the local authorities, statutory organisations and the Parish Council.

3.9 Development work on the scheme has now been suspended pending the review later in 2003, as set out in paragraph 3.4 above. The groups have already undertaken a detailed assessment of the programme to take the scheme forward and a Phase 1 ecological survey has been completed.

4. Studies and Schemes

South Coast Multi-Modal Study

4.1 As previously reported to this Panel the final report for this Study has been produced by consultants. The overall aim was to identify and investigate the congestion, safety and environmental problems of transport along the South Coast between Southampton and Margate; and to propose measures aimed at resolving these problems and improving access to regeneration areas and other areas of economic activity.

4.2 The Study report was considered by the South East England Regional Assembly's (SEERA's) Regional Planning Committee on 15 October 2002 and as a key partner in the delivery of the strategy the County Council provided views on the study and, in particular, its delivery. The Planning Committee's recommendations were presented to SEERA's Plenary session on 20 November. At the meeting, SEERA agreed its formal advice to Government on the recommendations made by consultants in the South Coast Multi-Modal Study.

4.3 SEERA agreed to support the overall strategy recommended by the study. In particular, the Assembly agreed to support the public transport, highway and demand management elements of the strategy, as well as calling for more capital and revenue funding for bus improvements. SEERA has now sent its formal advice to the Secretary of State and his response is expected this spring.

South Hampshire Study

4.4 As previously reported, the second phase of the South Hampshire Study is continuing with an assessment of a range of strategic scenarios for future land use and transport options. This assessment makes use of the comprehensive transport evaluation which was carried out last year, which provided a factual base of information using common assessment criteria upon which the potential scenarios can be tested.

4.5 Five different options have been identified, ranging from concentration of development in the cities, an even spread across the area and three public transport-based options, where development is focused on transport nodes and corridors. These options were to have been considered by the Strategic Planning Joint Advisory Panel in November 2002, with a view to consulting on the options with the public early in 2003. However, further work is now being carried out on the options prior to wider consultation.

Hamble Area Transport Strategy

4.6 Further to the last meeting of the Panel, the Executive Member for Environment has agreed to consultation on the draft Hamble Area Transport Strategy (HATS). This is now out for targeted consultation, with a closing date of 14 March 2003. The results of the consultation and a draft final report will be presented to the next meeting.

Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane Junction

4.7 At a previous meeting of the Panel it was agreed that traffic signals for this junction would be prepared. Following that meeting, the Executive Member for Environment increased the SWHT budget by £150,000 to deliver this proposal, in addition to the previously collected £70,000 developer's contribution.

4.8 As part of the process, the scope for improving access to and from the Hamble peninsula has been assessed and the use of traffic signals to control this junction would not reduce delay. Previous design work had considered using traffic signals to improve the right turn to Portsmouth Road from Hamble Lane south-bound, and had developed a design that provided right of way to Hamble Lane north-bound and south-bound in separate stages. This option would have facilitated an unopposed right turn from Hamble Lane running concurrently with the left turn from Portsmouth Road.

4.9 This system, however, would cause additional delay for traffic on Hamble Lane, particularly north-bound traffic, and alternative junction arrangements were considered to specifically reduce the delay for Hamble Lane traffic. Other factors, including making provision for cyclists and pedestrians, and limiting the need for third party land, will affect the current study and determine the extent to which access from the Hamble peninsula can be improved.

4.10 A joint Member briefing was held late last year, at which the traffic signal design was considered in detail. Members agreed not to pursue the signalisation of the junction or any of the other options, including the roundabout, but to investigate alternative options to improve access to the peninsula. A Toucan crossing will still be provided at this location utilising the developer's contribution.

Central Eastleigh Transport Plan

4.11 The last meeting of this Panel recommended to the Executive Member for Environment that the draft central Eastleigh transport strategy should be consulted upon. This was subsequently agreed by the Executive Member and it was anticipated that the consultation would take place early in 2003. There has been additional development of the strategy and model to test options previously reported, and it is projected that this consultation will now take place in late spring.

Safer Routes to School Programme

Halterworth and Mountbatten Schools, Romsey

4.12 The funding for this scheme has now been subsumed within the countywide Safer Routes to School (SRTS) programme. The priorities for that programme are currently being reviewed. The Romsey SRTS programme will be accommodated in the 2003/04 and following years' programmes.

4.13 The schemes for Romsey schools that have been brought forward, through the preparation of the Halterworth and Mountbatten Schools' Transport Plan, have been designed. An interim report has been prepared and highlights improvements to be taken forward through the SRTS aspect of the project. These include:

(i) traffic calming proposals along Botley Road, including gateway signing;

(ii) establishment of a school safety zone around Halterworth School and associated speed reduction measures on Halterworth Lane;

(iii) cycle lanes; and

(iv) options for coach parking in the vicinity of the school.

4.14 In association with these physical measures, there is the need for the schools to progress their implementation through a School Travel Plan. This can be facilitated through SRTS officers at the County Council. Consultation has taken place with the schools, the police and Test Valley Borough Council, as well as the team which developed the initial report, on the way forward. Concurrently, proposals for the location of facilities at the school are being considered, which must be taken forward in association with the SRTS schemes.

4.15 Two workshops were held on 26 September 2002 on the specific proposals arising from the report. The outputs are being considered with local Members, parents, teachers, governors, schoolchildren and local residents, and further consultation on the details will be carried out.

Totton and Waterside Safer Routes to School

4.16 An original allocation of £100,000 in the 2003/04 and 2004/05 capital programme has now been subsumed within the county-wide SRTS programme. Initial discussions with officers of New Forest District Council have taken place to consider which schools would be taken forward. In line with Government guidance, schools must have travel plans in place to secure funding for schemes.

Eastleigh Safer Routes to School

4.17 The table below lists those schools within the SRTS programme within Eastleigh borough. All the schools have School Travel Plans and the majority of the elements of the projects have been or are being implemented. The schools are as follows:

(i) Hamble Community School;

(ii) Merdon Junior School, Chandlers Ford;

(iii) Wyvern Technology College, Fair Oak;

(iv) Crestwood Community School, Eastleigh - Phase 2;

(v) Bursledon Infant and Junior Schools; and

(vi) Wildern Community School, Hedge End.

Cycle Programme

Doncaster Drove Cycleway

4.18 This is an important link that will provide a connection between Stoneham Lane and Southampton Road, as well as links to Southampton Parkway railway station. The first phase across Lakeside Country Park has been completed. The next phase between the Country Park and the railway station will be starting on-site during the summer.

Fair Oak Cycleway

4.19 This proposal continues the extension of the strategic cycle network within Eastleigh, and provides a valuable link between the existing cycleway in Bishopstoke to both the Wyvern School complex and north of Fair Oak village. The scheme cost is estimated at £210,000 for the works and associated design and supervision fees. Works started on-site in late January 2003 and are due to continue for three months.

Chestnut Avenue Cycleway

4.20 Developer contributions to provide a new cycleway in Chestnut Avenue have been collected on occupation of the new offices as part of a Section 278 Agreement. In addition, funding has been agreed for the improvement of pedestrian links between the development site and Eastleigh town centre, including a pedestrian crossing in Chestnut Avenue and traffic calming in Falkland Road. The initial estimate for the cycleway and crossings is £250,000.

4.21 The preliminary proposals are for a shared use facility on the north side of Chestnut Avenue, with Toucan crossings near the Cricketers' Public House, and just east of the roundabout with Falkland Road, together with a pedestrian/cycle phase on the existing signals at Nightingale Avenue. Eastleigh Borough Council undertook a local consultation in December 2002 and the majority of comments were regarding the noise from the proposed Toucan near the public house, and loss of vegetation screening.

The Borough Council is investigating solutions to the vegetation issues, and a further £20,000 Section 106 funding has been identified for a `fume/noise' barrier along the worst-affected area. Noise from the Toucan is likely to be masked by vehicles during much of the day, however, at night it is proposed to deactivate the beeper, thus removing the disturbance. Further design work is being undertaken at present to ensure safer navigation of the roundabout to Falkland Road. The detailed design and full estimates are being finalised, and are programmed for delivery by the end of March 2003. The extent of the works will be dependant on external funding, although it is expected that the work could be phased.

Woodside Avenue Cycleway

4.22 Development on the final phase of the Woodside Avenue cycleway has focussed on the delivery of a new facility from Woodside Avenue to Shakespeare Road, and a Toucan crossing south of the roundabout. However, due to the current financial position, preparation costs cannot be met from the current SWHTS allocation in 2003/04. This scheme has therefore been put on hold until funding becomes available.

Southern Test Valley Cycles

North Baddesley to Rownhams Cycle Scheme

4.23 An off-road facility along both verges has been progressed through detailed design, and a short consultation was undertaken in December 2002. Objections have been received from Nursling and Rownhams Parish Council regarding a range of issues such as a perceived `over-engineering' of the scheme, equestrian facilities, materials and build quality, safety for cyclists at night and design standards. Officers are working to resolve as many of these queries as possible.

4.24 Following an effective site meeting with the local landowner and residents in the vicinity of the Kiln Farm riding school, a possible solution to land issues in this locality has been identified.

4.25 There are various ecological issues and environmental constraints throughout this site, particularly the clearing of vegetation and raising the canopy of mature trees. Bird nesting and potential bat roosts further restrict the time of year when such work may be undertaken The site is also next to a Site of Importance to Nature Conservation, which will require careful monitoring during construction, and the many drainage ditches will need protection. Atkins is working with the Environment Agency (EA) to ensure all these aspects are carefully managed.

4.26 Work was programmed to start on site in March 2003, but unfortunately, due to the late arrival of survey data and more in-depth engagement with the EA than anticipated, the programme was delayed by over six weeks. This meant that a start on-site cannot now be made this year. However, due to the financial constraints on the Capital Programme and Strategy Areas, scheme costs cannot be met from the 2003/04 SWHTS allocation. This scheme has, therefore, been deferred to the 2004/05 and beyond pool of schemes, when funding becomes available.

Romsey to Nursling (via Lee Lane)

4.27 A review of the options for the A27/Lee Lane junction has been undertaken. The original option for an at-grade crossing was found to be unsuitable due to high vehicle speeds and very poor forward visibility. The recommended option for an underpass has been deemed unsafe for a rural location, and is considered less likely to be used. The third option, which is a cycleway on the western footway has also been discounted, purely on cost. The A27 would need to be either reduced in width or moved to provide sufficient width for a shared facility and a safety margin next to the Broadlands Estate Grade II listed wall.

4.28 It is therefore recommended that this scheme is not taken forward at this time.

North Baddesley to Chilworth Roundabout

4.29 Development of a package of work from options 1, 4, 5b and 6 of the feasibility report was deferred to include recommendations from the North Baddesley to Chilworth section. The report indicates that at least a further £150,000 would be required to deliver these links, and so development was suspended pending further funding.

4.30 However, due to the current financial position, costs cannot be met from the SWHTS allocation in 2003/04 and the proposal has not been identified as a priority in 2004/05.

4.31 This scheme has therefore been put on hold until funding becomes available.

Totton and Waterside Cycles

4.32 Atkins is undertaking preliminary design for the extension of the Holbury to Hythe route strategy, from north of Hardley roundabout to Butts Ash Lane and onto the ferry, via Frost Lane. This forms part of the SRTS linking Nodeswood and Hardley Schools.

4.33 The upgrading of an existing Pelican to a Toucan crossing with shared use facilities on the A36 Salisbury Road in Totton has been carried out in conjunction with the major maintenance scheme.

4.34 At the last meeting Members prioritised cycle routes within Totton and the Waterside for implementation from the capital programme and external funds. These routes will be coordinated with SRTS projects and further assessments undertaken with regard to costs, land and legal issues.

Bournemouth Road/Leigh Road Scheme

4.35 The scheme has passed through project appraisal and will be reported through the Eastleigh Highway Management Advisory Panel. Work is anticipated to start on-site during April, subject to a contractor being arranged.

Winchester Hill/Cupernham Lane Junction

4.36 As highlighted previously, design work has been progressing on options for this junction, which will form Phase 1 of the ring of junctions to be implemented as part of the signal network within the Romsey Movement and Access Study. It is considered that this junction can be implemented as a stand-alone improvement prior to the other junctions. Developer contributions of £100,000 are available for this junction, however initial estimates suggest a figure of £300,000 will be required to implement the improvements.

4.37 The implementation of this junction can be addressed in conjunction with the delivery of the town centre environmental enhancement scheme, and its delivery as part of the wider signal network and the implementation of the Romsey Movement and Access Study.

Twyford Road/Bournemouth Road Roundabout

4.38 A contribution of £36,000 was secured as part of the development of the Lidl supermarket adjacent to the Romsey Road/Twyford Road junction in central Eastleigh.

4.39 Atkins is preparing a feasibility report into the opportunity of enhancing pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities on the roundabout, focusing on access from the Lidl store to Twyford Road. A number of options are being reviewed with officers from the Borough Council.

Parish Partnerships Programme

4.40 An update on the Parish Partnerships Programme is set out below:

Location	Type	Progress
Calmore	Traffic Calming	Trial scheme installed
Fawley, Church Lane	Traffic Calming	Atkins 2002/03 programme
Marchwood	Traffic Calming	Being implemented

Dibden Bay

4.41 The County Council is awaiting a project programme from Associated British Ports (ABP) on the transportation issues arising out of the Terminal applications. Until ABP has agreed how it intends to progress the development, should permission be granted, there is little to report. It does seem likely that ABP would prefer to progress the planning of transport issues before a final decision is made on the development by the Secretary of State, in order to be ready to deliver necessary infrastructure. ABP has been advised that the planning/design of such infrastructure would require consultation with local stakeholders.

Local Plans

4.42 The Test Valley Local Plan has been placed on deposit and the consultation period ends on 14 February 2003. The Borough Council anticipates that a report will be taken to the July Committee reporting on the comments duly received.

4.43 The Second Deposit version of the Borough of Eastleigh Local Plan Review is being ratified by the Borough Council on 24 February 2003. The Plan will be placed on second deposit between 12 May and 25 June 2003. It is anticipated that the local plan inquiry will commence in early spring 2004.

4.44 The Second Deposit version of the New Forest District Local Plan is to be placed on deposit from 7 February to 21 March 2003. It is anticipated that the Plan will be adopted by the end of 2004.

Recommendations

1. That the position of the schemes within the Capital Programme be noted.

2. That the proposed traffic signalisation of the Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane junction on the Hamble peninsula not be taken forward at this time.

7780/JC