Contact: Richard Hudson, ext 6900 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That approval be given for the Chief Executive to conclude an appropriate legal Agreement with Wilky Healthcare (Aldershot), at no cost to the County Council, for the approved highway works, the financial contributions for the cycle links and the Travel Plan.

(ii) That, subject to the completion of this Agreement, Rushmoor Borough Council be informed that there is no objection to the health centre proposal at Hospital Hill, Aldershot.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aims 1 to 5 of the Corporate Strategy (Maximising life opportunities, Stewardship of the environment, Achieving economic prosperity, Building strong and safe communities and Improving services) by providing appropriate highway site access improvements and securing improved cycle facilities in the vicinity of the site.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 The County Council could opt not to enter into a legal Agreement. This option has been rejected as it would deny the County Council the benefits of the access improvements and cycle contributions towards links between the site and Aldershot town centre.

3.2 Alternatives to the five arm roundabout junction have been considered. The proposed is a technically feasible solution and its approval will allow the developments to be implemented.

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 J K Glen

7. Introduction

7.1 The site is currently in Ministry of Defence (MoD) ownership, located approximately 300 metres to the north of Aldershot town centre on the ridge off Hospital Hill (see attached location plan). It is bounded by Hospital Road to the north, Hospital Hill to the west and Middle Hill to the east.

7.2 A detailed planning application has been submitted by Wilky Healthcare (Aldershot) to Rushmoor Borough Council which is the subject of this report. The application is for the contribution of a health centre facility for use by the local Healthcare Trust and the MoD. It is a major health facility for the area providing a full range of services. In addition the centre will also accommodate health-related retail units, including an Ophthalmic Opticians and Health Foods Store, along with a Health and Fitness Centre, Day Nursery and Sports Injury Clinic. A total of 321 car parking spaces are proposed, together with long and short-term cycle parking. A new access from Hospital Hill is proposed as a five arm roundabout to replace the existing junction with Knollys Road.

7.3 The local Member, Councillor Roberts, is aware of this development proposal.

8. Transport Proposals

8.1 The transport-related proposals for the development can be summarised as follows:

(i) a new five arm roundabout or signal controlled access onto Hospital Hill to replace the existing junction of Hospital Hill and Knollys Road;

(ii) emergency access from Middle Hill;

(iii) 321 car parking spaces, including 24 disabled spaces;

(iv) long and short-term cycle parking;

(v) funding towards cycle links between Queens Avenue, Hospital Road and Middle Hill to Wellington Avenue and Aldershot town centre; and

(vi) implementation of a Travel Plan.

8.2 The number of car parking spaces is set at 321 and has been established from the Travel Plan and modal share analysis forecasts. The number of spaces is consistent with the Hampshire County Council Parking Standards (2002).

8.3 Since the proposed access arrangements were designed, the Enquiry by Design (EbD) has been carried out for the Aldershot Urban Extension on the MoD alienated land. The EbD identified the location of the five arm roundabout junction as an important focal point linking Aldershot with the Urban Extension which includes a `people mover' stop. As the design issues relating to the Aldershot Urban Extension become clarified, this scheme will not prejudice any future proposals associated with the Urban Extension.

9. Financial Implications

9.1 In the event of planning permission being approved, the applicant has agreed, at no cost to the County Council, to implement the highway works as previously identified at a total estimated cost of £275,000. These relate to roundabout site access works necessary onto Hospital Hill. In addition there will be a contribution of £10,000 towards cycle facilities between the site and Aldershot town centre. A travel plan will also be produced and implemented.

8602/RH