Contact: Barry Armstrong, ext 5175 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Project Appraisal for the construction of a cycleway on the eastern side of Rownhams Lane, linking North Baddesley with Rownhams, at an estimated cost of £400,000, be approved.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment) and Aim 4 (Building Strong and Safe Communities) of the Corporate Strategy by providing a safer, more accessible environment for cycling and reducing the reliance on motor vehicles.

2.2 This scheme is to provide a single track cycleway between North Baddesley and Rownhams running along the eastern side of Rownhams Lane. The cycleway will provide a principal link, adding an attractive and convenient route towards employment areas, and will encourage and help to promote further use of non-motorised vehicle modes of transport by providing a safer facility for commuting and leisure cyclists.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 A project feasibility study investigated the possibility of constructing a cycle facility on both sides of Rownhams Lane. There are four Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) in this area and this option required land purchase, along with widespread removal of hedges and trees and substantial culverting or relocation of ditches and watercourses. The revised option to construct a two-way cycle track on the eastern side of the road was considered to be the most suitable option, avoiding lengthy negotiations for land and having the least impact on the environment.

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