Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

PROJECT APPRAISAL

(Externally Funded)

PROJECT:

VALLEY PARK TO TOYNBEE SCHOOL CYCLE ROUTE - PHASE II

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

DECEMBER 2004

COMPLETION DATE:

MARCH 2005

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

7.

Scheme

7.1

Introduction

The Valley Park to Toynbee School Cycle Route Phase II forms part of the Knightwood Development Funded Programme and is aimed at providing a high quality cycle link from the new Chandlers Ford railway station to Toynbee School and the surrounding community facilities. Phase I of this scheme consisted of the construction of the ramp from the Chandlers Ford railway station car park to Bournemouth Road.

The scheme forms part of the local cycle strategy, supported by Eastleigh Borough Council, by providing a vital link in the east-west cycle route in Chandlers Ford, with links to the nearby SUSTRANS National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 24.

SUSTRANS is keen to support this scheme through its `National Cycle Network and Links to School Programme' with a £35,000 contribution towards the scheme costs.

It is apparent from site observations that significant numbers of cyclists, including school children, are already using the station ramp, pedestrian crossing and footpath links, and this scheme will formalise what is already happening with appropriate and safer facilities.

7.2

Details

The Phase II works will complete the scheme from the station area to Meon Crescent and residential area beyond, and will include:

(i) conversion of the existing Pelican crossing to a Toucan crossing;

(ii) conversion of the footway on the eastern side of Bournemouth Road (between the Toucan crossing and the central precinct car park), including the footpath link to Meon Crescent, to a shared use footway/cycleway;

(iii) improvements to lighting along the footpath link to Meon Crescent; and

(iv) widening the footway in front of the central precinct, including the relocation of the bus stop and a telephone box.

A location plan is attached and detailed drawings (HD4260229/GA/002 Rev A) will be displayed at the meeting. The need for a further phase of works beyond Meon Crescent will be assessed following implementation of this scheme.

7.3

Standards

These measures have been designed in accordance with appropriate and most recent design standards and guidance.

7.4

Statutory Procedures and Consultation

There are no outstanding statutory procedures for this project other than the conversion of the footway on the eastern side of Bournemouth Road (between the Toucan crossing and the central precinct car park), including the footpath link to Meon Crescent, to a footway/cycleway under Sections 65 and 66 of the Highways Act.

A consultation on the whole Valley Park to Toynbee School cycle route was undertaken in May and June 2000 and reported to the former Roads and Development Sub-Committee on 11 September 2000. Eastleigh Borough Council's Chandlers Ford and Hiltingbury Local Area Committee fully supports the proposals and eagerly awaits their implementation.

7.5

Policy Considerations

The Valley Park to Toynbee School cycle route forms part of the Knightwood Development Funded Programme. It is envisaged that these facilities will contribute towards increased and safer cycling and walking journeys to Toynbee School, following the submission of its School Travel Plan.

The scheme will provide a vital link in the east-west cycle route in Chandlers Ford, with links to the nearby SUSTRANS NCN Route 24, the new railway station and local community facilities.

7.6

Environmental Impacts

The project will provide sustainable alternatives to the motor vehicle for pupils and staff of Toynbee School, as well as for all residents of the area, with improved access to the railway station. As people switch to using this route it has the potential to improve the air quality and remove some of the peak hour vehicles from Chandlers Ford's congested road network. This could also have an impact on accidents, in reducing vulnerable user conflicts with motor vehicles.

7.7

Land Requirement

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

7.8

Alternative Arrangements

The consultation on the whole Valley Park to Toynbee School cycle route undertaken in May and June 2000 identified a number of route options. These were reported to the former Roads and Development Sub-Committee on 11 September 2000 identifying the current option as the preferred one from the consultation. Alternatives included:

(i) a bridge over the rail line at the station site. This was rejected as the crossing arrangements in Hursley Road and Winchester Road caused difficulties for cyclists; and

(ii) an alternative route for the cycle route along Bodycoats Road. This was rejected in favour of the proposals following the consultation in May/June 2000.

7.9

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Mrs Holden-Brown, supports the proposals. The scheme was further supported by Members attending the Eastleigh Highway and Transport Advisory Panel on 15 October 2004.

7.10

Equalities

The effects of this scheme on persons of restricted mobility have been considered in the design process, and delivery of the scheme will improve conditions for this user group by formalising pedestrian and cycle provision.

7.11

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The whole project has been designed to current standards and includes elements to reduce crime and disorder. This will be achieved by increasing visibility through lighting and sight lines and design of street furniture. Recycled materials will be used and sustainable construction methods will be employed.

7.12

Sustainability

The scheme will improve the environment for cycling with improved links to the railway station, schools, residential areas and local shops. This will help reduce dependence on the motor car. The use of recycled materials and sustainable construction methods will be employed as appropriate.

8.

Financial Arrangements

The expenditure for the scheme is detailed below. The majority of the funding is from the Knightwood Development fund, with the contribution from SUSTRANS dependent upon scheme construction commencing this financial year. The next quarterly report on the Capital Programme will reflect the updated financial requirements for this scheme.

8.1

Expenditure

£'000

Funds Available

£'000

Design Fee

84

Developer Funding

250

Supervision

11

SUSTRANS

35

Project Works

190

Land

-

____

____

Total

285

Total

285

____

____

8.2

Revenue Implications

£'000

% Variation to Committee's budget

Net increase in

current expenditure

1

0.001

Capital Charge

28

0.020

____

_____

Total Expenditure

29

0.021

____

_____

8.3

Maintenance Implications

These will include the ongoing maintenance of the Toucan crossing in place of the existing Pelican crossing, together with the additional lighting and street furniture associated with the cycle/footway and will be taken into account at the setting of the annual budget.

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

Knightwood Developments - Report to former Roads and Development Sub-Committee on 1 June 1998

Knightwood Development Funded Programme - Report to former Roads and Development Sub-Committee on 17 January 2000

Knightwood Development Funded Programme: Progress Report to Executive Member for Environment on 16 July 2002

Knightwood Development Funded Programme: Progress Report to Executive Member for Environment on 24 June 2003

Knightwood Cycle Schemes, North Baddesley and Eastleigh - Feasibility Study March 2000

Project Appraisal: Valley Park to Toynbee School Cycle Route Phase II on 23 July 2003

Implementation: File 10/17

Working File: Implementation

Environment Department