Archived decisions

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

1. Background

1.1 Chawton Park Wood, managed by Forest Enterprise, provides a safe and attractive link between Alton and Four Marks for recreational cyclists. It is also likely to assist as a utility route until, in the longer term, further consideration is given to a parallel route alongside the A31. The scheme outlined in the project appraisal involves improving a 1.6 kilometre section of public bridleway (Bridleway 2, Chawton Parish, as shown on the definitive map) through the wood and adjacent farm, thus forming a key link in the National Cycle Network (NCN) in Hampshire, enabling new NCN routes to be provided between Alton and Basingstoke, and Alton and Alresford. It will also benefit the local community by providing linkages between settlements and a future linkage to the existing Alton cycle network from the west.

2. Capital Costs

2.1 The proposed improvements to the 1.6km of bridleway through Chawton Park Wood are estimated at £38,310 and are budgeted in the Recreational Cycling funding allocation 2004/05 from the Local Transport Plan. No funding from Recreation and Heritage is required for this project.

2.2 A decision on funding this project will be made by the Executive Member for Environment as part of his consideration of a wider project appraisal covering the delivery of the NCN between Basingstoke and Alton, and Alton and Alresford. It is anticipated that this wider project appraisal is submitted to the Executive Member for Environment for consideration in September 2004.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 To provide a link alongside the verge of the A31 is being considered within the Central Hampshire Transport Strategy (CHTS) as part of a wider route between Four Marks and Holybourne. However, high costs and being outside the remit of the recreational cycling strategy make this option impracticable.

3.2 To upgrade an alternative bridleway/byway running along the southern boundary of Chawton Park Wood. This forms part of an existing promoted off-road cycle route but is suitable for mountain bikes only. To upgrade this route would make the scheme cost-prohibitive and would deliver a less attractive route to that outlined in this report. In addition the byway section is popular with 4x4 users which has resulted in the surface becoming heavily rutted and waterlogged.

4. Recommendations

4.1 That members support the proposals for the National Cycle Network through Chawton Park Wood and Chawton Park Farm and that the project appraisal is submitted to the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage for his consideration on June 15.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - Background Documents

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

8405/PDS/CG