Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ITEM 2

PROJECT APPRAISAL

(Externally Funded)

PROJECT:

B3385 BROOM WAY, FAREHAM - PROPOSED OFF-ROAD SHARED CYCLE TRACK/FOOTWAY

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

FEBRUARY 2005

COMPLETION DATE:

MAY 2005

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

7.

Scheme

7.1

Introduction

The existing B3385, Broom Way, links Lee-on-the-Solent, Gosport, with the B3334 Gosport Road at Peel Common, Fareham. Its northern length, from the Cherque Way traffic signal controlled junction to Peel Common Roundabout has no kerbing, drainage or street lighting and has an inadequate footway on the western side of the road.

The existing inadequate drainage means some areas are liable to flood, and the existing footway, which is nearly level with the road in places, becomes impassable in periods of wet weather.

The route is used by pedestrians and cyclists, and in particular school children attending Crofton School in Stubbington. The route is also used by horseriders from a number of paddocks in the area wishing to access the Alver Valley.

The existing road is of varying width (approximately six metres), the surface is of poor quality and the route is well-used by heavy goods vehicles. Vehicle speeds can be high in off-peak periods and hence the environment for pedestrians, cyclists and horses is perceived to be intimidating.

Recently the speed limit was reduced from the national speed limit of 60 mph to 40 mph which has helped to reduce vehicle speeds to a more acceptable level for the type and layout of the road.

Designated cycle routes have been constructed within the Cherque Farm development to the south which link through to the existing residential areas. The proposal will also form a strategic route into Gosport when Cherque Way is completed, anticipated to be in 2005.

On the B334 Gosport Road, to the north, there is an existing east to west off-road cycle route from Stubbington through to Rowner Road, linking to the old railway cycle route serving many areas of Gosport.

This section of cycle track in Broom Way will complete the link between these designated routes, and is identified on both Fareham Borough Council and Gosport Borough Council Cycle Strategies.

The development of over 1,000 houses at Cherque Farm is ongoing and has provided funding for the construction of this cycle route. Also, HMS Daedalus has recently been developing married quarters for service personnel and further development is being considered. As a result, the demand for a safe cycle track/footway linking Lee-on-the-Solent and Fareham/Stubbington is set to increase with the ever increasing number of commuters and school children.

Adjoining the Cherque Farm development there are proposals to open up the Alver Valley for more equestrian use. Currently, plans indicate areas for horse grazing, paddocks, training and small-scale events, together with extensive bridleways to the east of Cherque Farm estate and extending from Browndown Common in the south to Shoot Lane.

There are already a number of existing paddocks to the north and east of Broom Way and a bridleway to the north. Horseriders are known to use either the carriageway of Broom Way or the area to the west as a means of access. This usage is expected to increase and it is therefore appropriate to make limited provision for safer horse access within this cycle track scheme, given that the existing verges are well used by equestrians.

7.2

Details

The scheme proposals include:

(i) a 900 metre long by 2.5 metre wide off-road shared cycle track/footway with a one metre wide safety strip of verge adjoining the carriageway;

(ii) street lighting over the length of the scheme, using 10 metre high columns situated immediately behind the cycle track on the west side of Broom Way;

(iii) the west side of the existing carriageway will be kerbed, and some minor improvements to carriageway widths approaching Peel Common Roundabout will be included to help reduce congestion on the Broom Way approach to this roundabout;

(iv) the existing combination of positive drainage and ditches along the route will be improved to ensure that the carriageway is positively drained;

(v) at the end northern section of the cycle track, where highway widths are very limited, a two metre wide unbound hoggin track for occasional use by horseriders will be provided. This will enable horse, pedestrian and cycle use to be segregated and enhance the safety of all within this confined area. Further south the horse route would be undefined where it runs through an area of highway bounded by wide verges, adjacent to the Daedalus airfield. Riders here can choose their preferred route through the verge area;

(vi) an uncontrolled, fenced horse crossing point on Broom Way into Cherque Lane, which is closed to through vehicular traffic, will enable equestrian access to the Alver Valley;

(vii) at the north end, in Gosport Road and in Newgate Lane, the two existing Controlled Cycle Crossings will be upgraded to Toucans to enable use by both pedestrians and cycle user groups. In order to deter cyclists from crossing away from these controlled points, the existing dropped kerbs at the traffic island immediately west of Peel Common Roundabout will be replaced with standard 125 millimetre face kerbs;

(viii) the scheme involves the removal of a substantial hedgerow and acquisition of a strip of land in the vicinity of the Brune Lane junction. As part of the compensation works, and in accordance with planning requirements, it is proposed to construct a landscaped bank, fencing and replacement of the disturbed hedgerow; and

(ix) the removal of the hedge and widening of the visual aspect of the carriageway may have an adverse effect on vehicle speeds, so additional carriageway marking and gateway planting is included to mitigate this and encourage lower speeds.

7.3

Standards

The scheme has been designed using National and County Council design standards, and incorporates design guidance for cycle facilities and equestrian crossing points.

A preliminary stage safety audit has been carried out and has not raised any particular safety issues. A safety audit for the detailed proposals is currently being undertaken, and a further safety audit will be undertaken upon completion of the works.

7.4

Statutory Procedures and Consultation

A hedgerow removal notice was submitted to Fareham Borough Council and has been granted approval.

A planning application for the areas of the scheme which are not currently on public highway has been submitted to Fareham Borough Council and planning permission has been granted.

Consultations have been carried out which included Fareham Borough Council and Gosport Borough Council, the Police, the Cyclist Touring Club, mobility and access groups, the British Horse Society, and Lee-on-the-Solent Residents' Association, all of whom support the scheme.

7.5

Policy Considerations

The scheme is consistent with the aims and objectives of the County Council's current Local Transport Plan, as it aims to encourage cycling and improve conditions for, and safety of, pedestrians and cyclists on the route. The scheme will form a strategic link between Lee-on-the-Solent and the Fareham/Stubbington areas and is identified in both Fareham Borough Council's and Gosport Borough Council's Cycle Strategies.

7.6

Environmental Impacts

The removal of a 400 metre section of historic hedgerow is necessary, due to inadequate highway width at the northern end of Broom Way. This will be replaced with indigenous species which would adjoin the route on top of an earth mound that is required to satisfy Ministry of Defence (MoD) security issues. Fareham Borough Council's Countryside Officer has been consulted throughout the design process and is satisfied that the new hedgerow will reflect the historic boundary of that which currently exists and has agreed the specification of replacement planting. Approval for removal of the hedge has been received.

Ecologists have inspected the site for wildlife habitat such as badgers or bats and confirmed there are none. The ecologists are satisfied with the proposals and have requested minimum impact on a wetland area of grass adjoining the access road to Daedalus.

Arboriculturalists have inspected the site for trees worthy of retention; there are a number of good quality oaks to the south end of the hedgerow which will be retained.

7.7

Land Requirement

In order to construct the scheme a relatively small strip of MoD land is required from the eastern flank of the field which, on two sides, borders Gosport Road and Broom Way. The land will be dedicated with the benefit of full vacant possession at no cost except for some accommodation works.

Estates Practice has provisionally agreed heads of terms with the current landowner and lessee, which will enable a small strip to be dedicated as Public Highway. A bund and ditch arrangement is to be provided for security reasons, together with a timber post and wire fence to give protection to the new hedgerow.

This area of land is subject to an easement for Portsmouth Water Company for an 18 inch water main. Portsmouth Water has been consulted and has not indicated any problem with the proposed scheme.

7.8

Alternative Arrangements

The route forms a link between existing off-road cycle tracks which lie to the north and south. It is also part of a strategic link between Lee-on-the-Solent and Fareham/Stubbington identified in the Fareham Borough Council and Gosport Borough Council Cycle Strategies. The existing sub-standard route is already used by pedestrians, cyclists and horseriders and there is no other realistic route that can be considered.

In addition, developer contributions from developments on the west side of Gosport and the Peel Common area in Fareham will provide funding for this scheme.

7.9

Local Members' Views

The local Members, Councillors Knight and Mrs Snaith, have been consulted and support the proposals.

Fareham Borough Council Ward Members, Councillors Carter, Taylor, Burgess, Kimber, Mrs Mandry and Mrs Burton-Jenkins also support the proposals.

Councillor Mandry, the Executive Member of the Fareham Planning and Transportation Committee, also supports the proposals.

7.10

Equalities

The proposals aim to provide an off-road facility for pedestrians and cyclists and will benefit all users, including the mobility impaired. The cycle crossings at Peel Common Roundabout will be upgraded to form a Toucan crossing which will assist vulnerable user groups and the visually impaired.

7.11

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The proposed lighting of the route should help to deter vandalism and enhance the safety of all users at night.

7.12

Sustainability

The scheme proposals encourage sustainable transport by promoting safer routes for cycling and walking. Monitoring of the route shows existing use by pedestrians and cyclists.

Monitoring of the route has shown a 1% increase in the levels of cycling along the route from 2001 to 2003. The level of cycling off-road is expected to increase by 3% with the implementation of the proposed improvements to the route.

The completion of the current housing development at Cherque Farm of 1,000 houses will also have an impact on pedestrian and cycle usage along the route. The development falls within the school's catchment area for Stubbington, and during a recent "hands up" survey of 825 pupils at Crofton School in Stubbington, 383 pupils walk to school and 262 cycle.

The level of cyclists and pedestrians using the new cycle track/footway will be monitored in the future. The survey data will contribute to the new local targets for increased levels of cycling to be included as part of the Draft Local Transport Plan 2 to be considered by Members in 2005.

8.

Financial Arrangements

8.1

Expenditure

£'000

Funds Available

£'000

Feasibility

10

Developer Funding

425

Design Fee

35

Supervision

15

Project Works/Land

365

____

____

Total

425

Total

425

____

____

8.2

Revenue Implications

£'000

% Variation to Committee's budget

Net increase in

current expenditure

4.5

0.005

Capital Charge

43.5

0.038

____

____

Total Expenditure

48.0

0.043

____

____

8.3

Maintenance Implications

Ongoing maintenance is to be arranged to ensure the replacement hedgerow becomes established. The additional paved areas and street lighting 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

Broom Way 69127

Broom Way 10/69127

Gosport Office (Hampshire Highways)

Environment Department