Contact: Syd Sadro, ext 6099 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the Executive Member for Spatial Strategy recommends approval of the attached Project Appraisal to carry out the Fleet Town Centre Improvements, at an estimated cost of £3.018 million, subject to approval by the Executive Member for Environment of the 2005/06 capital programme in January 2005 and, where the scheme involves the acquisition and/or dedication of land, the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Head of Estates Practice) be authorised to settle suitable terms.

(ii) That the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel recommends approval of the attached Project Appraisal to carry out the Fleet Town Centre Improvements.

(iii) That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources approves the attached Project Appraisal to carry out the Fleet Town Centre Improvements.

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 developing the distinctiveness and quality of Fleet Road and a safer community facility in Fleet Town Centre, working in partnership with Hart District Council and Fleet Town Centre Group. The project will enhance the existing character of the town centre and boost its economic role by improving pedestrian access and the overall streetscape as well as improving footways and open spaces. The scheme will provide for a steadier and safer flow of traffic through the town centre by reducing conflict between pedestrians and vehicles. The overall road capacity is not reduced, while there are significant benefits for shoppers, pedestrians, cyclists and the town centre as a whole.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Proposals for an Inner Relief Road for Fleet Town Centre were put forward in the early 1970s. However, during 2000 the strategy options for the town centre were reviewed. Consultations were held during 2001 on options with and without the Relief Road. In February 2002 the former North East Hampshire Area Transportation Panel recommended the progression of a traffic and environmental improvement scheme which excluded an Inner Relief Road. Various one-way options for the town centre were considered but ultimately rejected. In April 2002 the Executive Member for Environment decided to make arrangements to abandon the Inner Relief Road. In March 2003 Hart District Council formally resolved to support the scheme, subject to certain matters of detail. On 24 June 2003 the Executive Member for Environment agreed to the Town Centre Improvement scheme being taken forward to implementation and confirmed the declaration of the Inner Relief Road as an abandoned scheme.

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 -None.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor J K Glen

Approved by: .................................... Date: ...................

Councillor T K Thornber