Archived decisions

Contact: Ian Eyres, ext 6902 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That approval be given for the Chief Executive to conclude an appropriate legal Agreement associated with a full planning application for 37 dwellings (Ref: BDB/55508) with Westbury Homes (Holdings) Limited and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in relation to the securing of a financial contribution of £111,000 towards the North Hampshire Transport Strategy (formerly the Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport).

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aim 2 of the Corporate Strategy (Stewardship of the Environment) by improving travel choice and Aim 4 (Building Strong and Safe Communities) by maintaining a safe road network and reducing accident levels.

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 deprive the County Council of a financial contribution which assists in meeting the Corporate Strategy Aims. A higher or lower level of transport contribution could have been considered, however the terms outlined in the report have been negotiated and agreed by all parties.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or other Executive Member 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 occupies some 1.42 hectares within Chineham abutting Reading Road with access through Stroud Close (see attached location plan).

7.2 Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council resolved to grant planning permission on 14 January 2004 subject to the applicant agreeing to reduce the level of part of the site by about 1.5 metres. This matter has now been resolved.

7.3 Whilst the planning application involves less than 50 dwellings, the threshold to trigger consultation with the County Council, the financial contribution agreed with the applicant exceeds the threshold of £100,000 requiring consultation with the County Council.

8. Transport Proposals

8.1 The application site is located within the built-up area of Chineham but has remained undeveloped.

8.2 Access to the site is proposed from Stroud Close, an existing residential cul-de-sac. Permeability for pedestrian movements will be improved as the proposed development will link Reading Road to the west to the existing residential development to the east.

8.3 The financial contribution amounts to £3,000 per dwelling and is in line with contributions generally obtained within the Borough of Basingstoke and Deane. The financial contribution will be used to fund measures to support the wider transport strategy, including pedestrian facilities, cycle routes, public transport infrastructure and road improvements.

9. Financial Implications

9.1 In the event of the planning permission for 37 dwellings being implemented, the applicant has agreed to make a financial contribution to the North Hampshire Transport Strategy (formerly the Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport) of £111,000 - to secure infrastructure to encourage alternative modes of transport and road improvements.

10. Local Member's Views

10.1 The local Member, Councillor Mrs Frankum, supports the proposal.

8717/IE