Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - SPATIAL STRATEGY

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

NORTH BADDESLEY - ROWNHAMS CYCLEWAY

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

OCTOBER 2004

COMPLETION DATE:

APRIL 2005

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2004/05

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at July 04

(at July 04

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Nil

Nil

Construction

285

285

Fees

115

115

Less developers/

other contributions

400

400

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

400

(b) Other

Nil

2.

From other resources

(a)

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

400

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Nil

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

3

0.003

Capital charges

39

0.034

TOTAL net expenditure

42

0.037

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

Rownhams Lane is a busy road connecting North Baddesley and Rownhams, that has no footway or cycle tracks. The volume and speed of traffic on this road has been of concern to local residents for some considerable time. The road connects local residents with schools and the business areas of Southampton and Nursling.

Traffic volumes on Rownhams Lane are currently around 5,800 vehicles per day of which 70 are cyclists. There are permanent ATCs (active traffic counts) in place along this route which will reflect future traffic increases. It is considered that this cycle route will provide a safe and attractive route to and from the surrounding area.

The scheme will provide inter-urban links to existing cycle schemes in North Baddesley and Rownhams all along the A27 linking Botley Road and Whitenap Lane, which form part of the Test Valley cycle plan and Safer Routes to School for Mountbatten School. This scheme terminates at the northern end of Rownhams Lane at the Southampton City Council boundary. Southampton City Council is keen to promote further cross-boundary routes in the future, of which this route is one which ultimately leads to Southampton City Hospital.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

The proposal is consistent with the County Council's Central Hampshire Transport Strategy.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

The construction of the cycle track will comply with Department for Transport and Hampshire County Council standards and the design has been the subject of safety audits. A location plan is attached.

Environmental Impact

Environmental concerns over the use and dependency on motor vehicles prompted a feasibility study to be carried out in this area, to promote cycling as an alternative form of transport as part of the County Council's strategy for the provision of integrated cycling facilities throughout the county.

The study identified that along Rownhams Lane neither verge was wide enough to accommodate the width of a two-way cycleway without extensive accommodation works, lengthy negotiation for land and compulsory purchase orders, all of which would have a severe impact on the natural ecology of the adjacent areas.

There are four Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) adjoining the site. The construction of a single lane route on the eastern side of Rownhams Lane would greatly reduce the impact on the local environment and was therefore considered to be the most suitable option.

Land Requirements

No land acquisition required. All works to be confined within existing public highway limits.

Statutory Procedures

None.

Public Consultation

Dialogue with Nursling and Rownhams Parish Council has been ongoing as the scheme has developed.

Local Member's View

The scheme is fully supported by Councillor Dowden.

Equalities

The proposed cycle track will separate fast moving motor vehicles from cyclists.

Maintenance Implications

The revenue implication of this proposal will be taken into account in the setting of the annual base budget.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The provisions of this Act have no impact on this proposal.

Sustainability

The scheme will offer a safe and healthy alternative to the use of motor vehicles in this area, improving the environment for sustainable forms of transport and cycling.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

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.

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

None.