Archived decisions

Contact: Paul Basham, ext 6054

1. Summary

1.1 This report summarises the results of the consultation which was undertaken in March 2001 on the draft New Forest Transport Strategy (NFTS). It also brings Members up-to-date on the progress made as a result of the previous NFTS document produced in 1998. Members are asked to agree the way forward and adopt the NFTS as a strategy document to guide future transport improvements, taking into account responses received from the consultation.

2. Background

2.1 The need to revise and update the 1998 NFTS document was recognised, in light of changes in planning and transportation policy. In addition, the need to produce a strategy document for the Coastal Towns area, and proposed New Forest National Park boundary covering the New Forest Heritage area, led to the decision to produce one document covering both these areas. On 6 December 2001 the Executive Member for Environment recommended that the NFTS draft document be supported and the consultation plan approved.

2.2 The final draft of the NFTS has been amended in light of comments received on the draft for consultation report in January 2002. It recognises the diverse transport needs of communities and visitors in the New Forest area and also the Forest's unique environment. The strategy proposals cover all modes of transport and allow for a reasonable level of car access, greater travel choices and an improved environment, and is attached as Appendix 1.

2.3 The policies and actions outlined in the NFTS are designed to work together and form an integrated transport system, to address the future needs of the area in a way that contributes to national and local transport policy objectives. These measures fully accord with the approach taken in the Hampshire Local Transport Plan.

3. Consultation

3.1 A `targeted' consultation exercise was undertaken, seeking comments from key stakeholders and interested parties. These included parish councils, the local business community, interest groups, transport operators, public service providers and educational establishments. The document was also made available in County and District offices. A list of those consulted was attached to a previous Panel report dated 6 November 2002.

3.2 A total of 361 comments were received on the draft document from a wide variety of interest groups. Many comments supported the NFTS document and welcomed a transport strategy for the New Forest, supported the aims and objectives and were encouraged by monitoring targets set out in the Strategy. Although no objections were made on the NFTS document, many comments were received relating to particular issues in it. A summary of the most frequently raised issues relating to the Strategy is attached as Appendix 2. All the detailed comments are available in the Members' Room.

4. Boundary Issues

4.1 Considerable debate has been generated concerning the extent of the NFTS boundary, particularly in light of the National Park proposals. The inclusion of the Coastal Towns area within the NFTS boundary has been welcomed by New Forest District Council. However, Wiltshire County Council, Dorset County Council, New Forest District Council and the New Forest Committee have raised concerns that the NFTS boundary does not mirror the proposed National Park boundary.

4.2 The revised boundary reflects the previous strategy boundary, which was based on the heritage area boundary, with the addition of the coastal towns. The consultation draft indicated a boundary wholly within Hampshire. Dorset County Council is appearing at the National Park inquiry objecting to the National Park within its administrative area. Wiltshire County Council would like the strategy area boundary to go into its area, to reflect the heritage area boundary. New Forest District Council considers that the boundary should reflect the National Park boundary and also have a stronger link with the Totton and Waterside Transport Strategy area.

4.3 Once the National Park boundary has been confirmed, and the area strategy boundaries reviewed by the Executive Member for Environment, it would be appropriate to revise the boundary in light of these decisions, whether it is wholly in Hampshire or extends into Dorset and Wiltshire, and also to address the option of additional partners in the strategy and the terms of reference of the appropriate Members' Panel.

5. Comments on Monitoring

5.1 Several comments from the consultation expressed that the NFTS document should include monitoring data. However, it is not felt to be appropriate to include this data because it would date the strategy document but these comments are included in Appendix 3.

6. Conclusion

6.1 All the comments received have been considered and have helped officers to further refine the NFTS document. They clearly show support for an integrated transport system for the New Forest. However, they also highlight the need to adopt a coordinated approach which meets the needs of all the Forest community and seeks to protect its unique environment. Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council and the New Forest Committee have worked together as partners to produce a clear, concise and well-received strategy document.

Recommendations

1. That the Executive Member for Environment and other partners be advised that the New Forest Transport Strategy document be adopted.

2. That the strategy document be reviewed in light of the formal definition of the National Park boundary and review of the area strategy boundaries at an appropriate time.

7826/PB