Archived decisions

Contact: Peter Savidge, ext 6918/Chris Gregory, ext 5168

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the proposed programme of schemes forming the Recreational Cycling Programme 2003/04, at an estimated cost of £100,000 and as set out in the attached appendix, be approved.

2. Reason

2.1 To deliver a comprehensive network of cycling facilities across Hampshire to benefit a wide range of users and in order to support both the Local Transport Plan 2001/06 and the County Council's revised Recreational Cycling Strategy (2002/06).

2.2 The recent review of the County Council's Recreational Cycling Strategy has shown that the prioritisation of the strategy's delivery, in both cycling promotion and delivery of infrastructure improvements to support key facilities, has considerable potential to assist the implementation of the County Council's Local Transport Plan (LTP) and Road Traffic Reduction Act cycle use targets. At the same time these measures would act to help delivery key aims of the County Council's Corporate Strategy, especially those for `Maximising Life Opportunities' and 'Stewardship of the Environment'. However in order to deliver important links in the principally leisure cycling facilities network, often in rural areas, the Strategy needs to be assisted with capital infrastructure funding support from the LTP 2001/06.

2.3 The County Council is able to utilise its powers under Section 19 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 to provide assistance of any kind for recreational facilities. The powers include the provision to provide for buildings, equipment, supplies and assistance of any kind relating to athletic, social or recreational purposes.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 To not support the delivery of the County Council's Recreational Cycling Strategy and the separate cycle use targets set out in the LTP 2001/06.

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

8111/PDS

APPENDIX

RECREATIONAL CYCLING SCHEME DESCRIPTIONS

A plan is attached showing the location of the following 11 projects.

1 - Basingstoke to Reading (NCN23)

Budgeted funding - £5,000

This scheme provides the first significant section of the national cycle network in Hampshire. At Reading the route joins up with the existing 7,000 miles of network open nation-wide.

The route has been developed in partnership with Sustrans, other local authorities and local cycle user groups. It supports a number of objectives outlined in the Local Transport Plan and Recreational Cycling Strategy.

The route was officially opened on 18 June 2003 by The Mayor of Basingstoke together with Councillor Glen and John Grimshaw, Director of Sustrans.

Further details.

2 - Castleman Trail - Ringwood

Budgeted funding - £10,000

The scheme provides an important 1.1 kilometre extension to the existing Castleman Trail which runs from Poole to the Hampshire/Dorset border near Ringwood. This extension provides a safe off-road route from the border through to Ringwood. From Ringwood it is possible to continue to the New Forest on quiet lanes.

The route has been developed in partnership with Sustrans and Dorset County Council. The route meets a number of targets outlined in the Recreational Cycling Strategy and the New Forest Transport Strategy.

The route was officially opened on 18 May 2003 by Roger Finn and Councillor Waddington and has proved extremely popular with locals and visitors to the area.

Further details.

3 - Chilling Estate (NCN 2)

Budgeted funding - £5,000

From 1 April 2003 a trial cycle route across the Chilling Estate (Chilling Farm to Thatcher's Copse) has been agreed between Estates Practice and Countryside Management Team to improve access to the countryside and support a new local cycle hire venture. Up until 1 April cycling on the Chilling Estate had not been permitted, although it was recognised that the rights of way on the estate were regularly used by cyclists. The use of the trial cycle route is being closely monitored with a view to making the route a permanent feature.

The longer term intention is for NCN Route 2 to cross over Chilling. Some resurfacing work will be required to bring some sections up to a suitable standard. The resurfacing work is for minor improvements to the Right of Way between Chilling Farm and Bromwich Pond. If the monitoring of the trial cycle route and statutory consultation proves favourable then it is hoped that these improvements could take place in this financial year with the route signed as NCN.

The route supports a number of objectives outlined in the Local Transport Plan and Recreational Cycling Strategy, as well as the Fareham Borough Council Leisure and Tourism Strategy.

4 - Weston Shore - Route through Abbey Hill Park (NCN 2)

Budgeted funding - £15,000

Between Southampton and Netley NCN Route 2 passes through Abbey Hill Park. The benefit of passing through this park is that the busy Abbey Hill Road can be avoided.

Sustrans has submitted a planning application to Eastleigh Borough Council seeking permission for these works. A decision is expected over the coming weeks.

Funding has been allocated to support this scheme - this is in partnership with Eastleigh Borough Council and Southampton City Council. Sustrans intends to carry out the works during a summer works camp using its network of supporters as volunteers - other sections of route around the country have been constructed in this way.

This section also fits in well with the work that Southampton City Council has done on NCN Route 2 along Weston Shore.

The route supports a number of objectives outlined in the Local Transport Plan, the Recreational Cycling Strategy and Eastleigh Borough Council Local Plan.

5 - Royal Victoria Country Park (NCN 2)

Budgeted funding - £10,000

This scheme is a further addition to NCN Route 2. Agreement, in principle, has been reached with the Manager of the Country Park to route the NCN through the park. There is currently no formal cycle access through the park - although it is regularly used by both utility and recreational cyclists.

The proposed route follows the existing metalled road along the coast which is currently used by pedestrians and vehicles accessing the sailing club. Some improvements to an existing path linking this road with the park exit will be required to bring the route up to standard.

The route supports a number of objectives outlined in the Local Transport Plan and Recreational Cycling Strategy.

6 - East Hampshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Cycle Route Enhancements

Budgeted funding - £5,000

A local blacksmith has been commissioned to investigate designs for cycle parking in East Hampshire. The aim of the project is to provide cycle parking facilities in rural areas of East Hampshire.

These include the Queen Elizabeth Country Park and pubs/shops on the route of the East Hampshire 22 mile signed cycle ride. The parish councils will be consulted to identify the best sites for cycle parking in their areas.

This project is in partnership, on a match funding basis, with the East Hampshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Recreation and Heritage Arts Marketing.

7 - Queen Elizabeth II Country Park

Budgeted funding - £5,000

The Highway Agency is developing a strategy for walking, cycling and equestrian needs on its Trunk Road network. As part of this strategy the A3 in the vicinity of the Country Park has been identified for a first phase of measures to provide new access for cycling and walking that will link the nearby settlements Clanfield, Chalton, Buriton and Petersfield.

The initial phase is to provide a direct link with the Country Park from the south which will greatly encourage recreational opportunities in this part of East Hampshire, thereby reducing dependence on the car for local access. A contribution is to be made to the project to extend the scheme beyond the limit of the trunk road along Gravel Hill and Chalton Road.

8 - Chawton Park Wood (NCN 23)

Budgeted funding - £17,000

This section forms part of the National Cycle Network Route 23 between Alton and Winchester. The completion of this section will facilitate the opening of the route from Alton through to Alresford.

The proposed route through Chawton Park Wood provides an attractive off-road route linking Alton (and the new cycle facilities on Chawton Park Road and The Butts) with Four Marks. An alternative on-road route along the verge of the A31 between Four Marks and Alton has been considered but is likely to be cost prohibitive at least in the short/medium term.

The route through Chawton Park Wood follows existing bridleways and Forest Enterprise land. It has been developed with the support of a number of bodies, namely Forest Enterprise, East Hampshire District Council, Sustrans and local cycle user groups.

Some improvements to a 1.5 kilometre of bridleway are required to bring the route up to NCN standard. Investigative work is taking place to identify the cost of these works.

The route supports a number of objectives outlined in the Local Transport Plan and Recreational Cycling Strategy. The proposals also have the support of Alton Town Council and Chawton Parish Council.

9 - Meon Valley - Fareham to Wickham Link

Budgeted funding - £15,000

This scheme will provide a much needed link between Fareham and Wickham, where the popular Meon Valley trail begins. Three possible route corridors are currently being assessed for feasibility by Atkins. A feasibility report is awaited.

It is likely that two of these routes, namely the link along the A32 verge and Mayles Lane, are more long term. A third route, which will be formed by the creation of a new bridleway is the most likely to be progressed in this financial year. Negotiations for this new bridleway are progressing through the area Rights of Way Officer.

This route is seen as being of benefit to both utility and recreational cyclists, as such the feasibility work has been commissioned through CHARTS. In addition to money budgeted from recreational cycling, funding may also be available from CHARTS and funding has been allocated from the Knowle development for the bridleway link.

10 - NCN Route Assessments

Budgeted funding - £3,000

Safety and signage audits are required along all the proposed NCN routes across the county. These will identify any potential engineering works which are needed to make the routes safe for cycle use and will facilitate a definite programme of works needed for the full implementation of the NCN in Hampshire. This will assist in creating a costed work programme for the NCN roll-out over the coming years.

The NCN routes in question are as follows:

(i) Route 2 - Christchurch to Emsworth (part of a wider Route 2 linking Bodmin with Dover);

(ii) Route 23 - Southampton to Basingstoke (part of a wider Route 23 linking Sandown with Reading);

(iii) Route 24 - Eastleigh to West Dean (part of a wider Route 24 linking Eastleigh with Bristol);

(iv) Route 22a - Alton to Hampshire/Surrey border (part of a wider Route 22 linking Alton with London);

(v) Route 22b - Hampshire/Surrey border to Havant.

11 - Improvements to Off-road Cycle Routes (HCC Off-road Cycle Packs)

Budgeted funding - £10,000

The Hampshire County Council network of 24 promoted off-road routes provides a vital and well used piece of the Recreational Cycling network. To date some 15,000 cycle packs have been sold across Hampshire. In addition, since the routes have been made available by free download on the cycling website, individual routes have been receiving up to 700 hits per month.

In order to maintain this network to a suitable standard, some sections require upgrading over and above that which can be provided by the area Rights of Way teams. These key sections have been identified primarily from user feedback (which is encouraged via a feedback form inserted into the pack or available on the cycling website). Other sections have been identified by the area Rights of Way Officers.

It is likely that match funding will be available from the Rights of Way budget for these schemes.