Hampshire County Council

Executive Member-Environment

10 February 2004

Project Appraisal: Newgate Lane to Tukes Avenue, Fareham Cycle Route

Report of the Director of Environment

Item 4

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER-ENVIRONMENT

PROJECT APPRAISAL

(Externally Funded)

PROJECT:

NEWGATE LANE TO TUKES AVENUE, FAREHAM - CYCLE ROUTE

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

FEBRUARY 2004

COMPLETION DATE:

JUNE 2004

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2003/2004

7.

Scheme

Newgate Lane to Tukes Avenue, Fareham Cycle Route.

7.1

Introduction

The proposal is to formalise cycle provision along the route of the existing public footpath between Newgate Lane, Fareham and Tukes Avenue, Gosport. The existing footpath (Nos 76 and 128) has a metalled surface and is regularly used by cyclists and pedestrians. The route provides a natural link between the residential area of Bridgemary, and HMS Collingwood, located on Newgate Lane, and the retail park nearby.

7.2

Details

A location plan outlining the route is attached.

The existing footpath is approximately 500 metres in length, the width is 1.2 metres and traverses a narrow strip of land which is heavily overgrown. The route is used by both pedestrians and cyclists which has led to complaints from pedestrians. This proposal aims to formalise and upgrade provision for each user group. The scheme comprises the following:

(i) the widening of the existing public right of way where appropriate along the route to accommodate cycle and footpath use;

(ii) minor realignment and widening of the existing footpath to provide a metalled path of 1.8 metres width;

(iii) provision of a 2 metre wide cycle path alongside the footpath, and segregated by a 150 millimetre wide longitudinal road marking;

(iv) piping of an existing linear drainage ditch and connection to existing land drainage;

(v) provision of signs and road markings in accordance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2003;

(vii) upgrading of the existing street lighting through the provision of 12 new six metre lighting columns, three of which are replacements;

(viii) provision of pedestrian guard railing and staggered barriers to assist in the prevention of access to the footpath by cyclists in particular at pedestrian access points; and

(ix) removal of vegetative undergrowth and dead trees to accommodate the proposals, together with pruning of mature trees as necessary.

The layout of the proposal is shown on detailed drawings which will be displayed at the meeting.

7.3

Standards

The scheme has been designed in accordance with Hampshire County Council Environment Department Standards and National Guidance on cycleway provision. The scheme proposals have been subjected to an independent safety audit at the detailed design stage.

7.4

Statutory Procedures and Consultation

The proposal includes the provision of a cycle route along a public footpath. Consultation has been undertaken with Rights of Way officers and the Ramblers' Association.

No objections have been raised by either body and the proposal is welcomed as it is an improvement on the existing situation. Cycling over the public right of way is being permitted through permissive rights being obtained from respective landowners along the route, all of whom have dedicated land to accommodate the proposal.

The County Council Ecologist and Fareham Borough Council's Countryside Officer have been consulted and their recommendations incorporated into the scheme. To comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act any work regarding trees and vegetation will need to be carried out before March 2004 or after September 2004.

Planning permission was granted on 9 April 2003 by Fareham Borough Council. The Borough Council's Executive considered the scheme on 22 July 2002 and resolved the acquisition of land in private ownership. Adoption of that land and the implementation of the cycleway and footway scheme was approved.

Gosport Borough Council's Community and Environment Board agreed to the construction of the cycle route and to the dedication of the land required at its meeting in January 2003.

Fareham Borough Council's Disability Access Officer confirmed support for the scheme on 11 November 2003.

The proposal is supported by HMS Collingwood and also by the Police.

Fareham District Council Ward Members Councillor Jim Forrest and Mrs Burton-Jenkins have been consulted and fully support the measures proposed.

7.5

Policy Considerations

The scheme traverses the administrative border between Fareham Borough Council and Gosport District Council, which fall within the Solent Transport Strategy area. Both Fareham Borough Council and Gosport Borough Council recognise the importance of providing a formal cycleway in this location. The route is considered by both Borough Councils to be of strategic importance and is in the cycle strategies of both.

The scheme is broadly consistent with the aims and objectives of the current Local Transport Plan, as it aims to promote cycling and improve the conditions and safety for pedestrians and cyclists on the route.

7.6

Environmental Impacts

The County Council Ecologist and Fareham Borough Council's Countryside Officer have been consulted and their recommendations incorporated into the scheme. To comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act any work regarding trees and vegetation will need to be carried out before March 2004 or after September 2004.

Landscaping will include the removal of undergrowth and dead trees and the pruning of existing mature trees and shrubs where appropriate. Sections of existing ditches will be piped and backfilled. Localised soiling and seeding will be undertaken.

Materials used for improvements in construction will match existing materials.

7.7

Land Requirement

Land has been dedicated from ASDA Superstores (196 square metres) and Defence Estates (420 square metres), and Gosport Borough Council has dedicated 664 square metres of its playing field.

7.8

Alternative Arrangements

None.

7.9

Local Member's View

The local Members, Councillors Tim Knight and Denis Wright, fully support the proposal.

7.10

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

As the existing route is dimly lit and overgrown, the proposed improvements will create a greater sense of security and assist in deterring the potential for vandalism.

7.11

Sustainability

The scheme is expected to contribute towards the encouragement of more sustainable modes of transport, such as walking and cycling, through the provision of a safer and segregated cycle facility.

Additional street lighting will improve visibility and safety and create a greater sense of security for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Improved access between the Bridgemary residential area, HMS Collingwood and the retail and industrial area will provide increased travel choice and may contribute towards improved user health and well being.

8.

Financial Arrangements

8.1

Expenditure

£'000

Funds Available

£'000

Design Fee

7.0

Developer Funding

101.0

Supervision

3.4

Project Works

83.6

Land

7.0

____

____

Total

101.0

Total

101.0

____

____

8.2

Revenue Implications

£'000

% Variation to Committee's budget

Net increase in

current expenditure

2.0

0.002%

Capital Charge

10.0

0.010%

____

____

Total Expenditure

12.0

0.012%

____

____

8.3

Maintenance Implications

The additional areas of construction, new street furniture and additional street lighting will affect on-going maintenance costs.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1.

Published works.

2.

Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE

LOCATION

Newgate Lane to Tukes Avenue, Fareham - Cycleway Scheme

Department of Planning and Transportation

Fareham Borough Council

Civic Offices

Civic Way

Fareham

HAMPSHIRE PO16 7TY