Contact: Paul Basham, ext 6054

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought :

That the Brief and Layout Plans for Options 1a and 2a for the Hythe Interchange be released for consultation.

2. Reasons

2.1 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 interchange 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 (HCAG) was informally consulted on the way forward at a meeting on 25 February 2003. This discussed (i) the Hythe Interchange Design Vision; and (ii) layout options.

2.2 Prior to the presentation to the HCAG, 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.

2.3 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.

2.4 On 4 March 2003 the South West Hampshire Transportation (SWHT) Panel resolved 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.

2.5 Further to the HCAG meeting, the SWHT Panel meeting and through other consultations, it is considered appropriate that a reduced number of layout options be taken forward for consultation to provide a more focussed consultation. These should be Options 1a and 2a, with the appropriate changes being made to the Hythe Interchange Design Vision, to reflect these changes.

2.6 The Vision has been extended to include an assessment of Option 1a, along with other minor amendments since the SWHT Panel, and is attached as an appendix.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 No other suitable options available.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

7934/PB