Contact: Heather Walmsley, ext 6581

1. Summary

1.2 This report provides an update on the outcome of the Public Inquiry and subsequent Secretary of State's recommendation to progress the Order to facilitate improvements to Andover High Street. The report also outlines the next stages prior to implementation of the proposals.

2. Background

2.1 The Borough Council's application for a Section 249 Order under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to enable the removal of access to 33 general parking places, replacing these with 15 spaces for disabled drivers (blue badge holders), was made to the Government Office for the South East (GOSE) in March 2001. The proposal was advertised on 22 June 2001. Objections were considered by the Borough Council's Executive on 21 November 2001 and the Borough Council's responses were then sent to objectors and supporters seeking clarification of certain issues.

2.2 Following conclusion of this correspondence, it was forwarded by GOSE to the Planning Inspectorate who appointed an Inspector for a Public Inquiry. This was held in June 2002.

2.3 The result of the Public Inquiry last June to consider the case for an order to remove vehicular rights to the street was received in November 2002. In a letter dated 4 November 2002 the Area Director of GOSE gave the Secretary of State's decision, having considered the report of the Public Inquiry Inspector. The Secretary of State did not accept the Inspector's recommendation and proposed to make the Order with modifications to allow Royal Mail liveried vehicles access for delivery and collection of post, and hackney carriage drivers to collect or set down disabled passengers.

2.4 At the meeting of the Environment and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 20 January 2003 an update on progress was requested and text was posted on the Members' Information Bulletin on 29 January 2003.

3. Where Next

3.1 A number of stages are involved in the development of a detailed schedule, including review of the designs and costs, the tendering process and mobilisation of the contractor. Traffic Regulation Orders will also need to be put in place and GOSE must be in a position to issue the notice when the works are completed.

3.2 Members may wish to consider the implications of the work for the High Street retailers, to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum. As soon as all the information above has been collected, proposals will be brought forward for full consideration by Members.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

7823/HW