AT A MEETING of the NEW FOREST TRANSPORT STRATEGY PANEL held on Thursday 9 June 2005 in the Wellington Room, Hampshire County Council Offices, The Castle, Winchester.

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council

Councillors: J.K. Glen (Chairman); Mrs P.G. Banks; B.D. Dash; L.T. Dunsdon.

New Forest District Council

Councillors M.G.H. Fidler; J.D. Heron; D.N. Scott; Mrs P.A. Wyeth.

Test Valley Borough Council

Councillor C. Lewis.

1. DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS

Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should, normally at the time of debate declare their interest, and having regards to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed.

2. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 24 March 2005 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

3. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

There were no Chairman's communications

4. DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.

5. LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN UPDATE

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (item 5 in the Minute Book) outlining the progress and timetable, vision, structure, programme and targets associated with the Local Transport Plan (LTP).

It was noted that the South East Plan was likely to put additional pressure on Hampshire's transport network and that this would be taken into account when producing the LTP. Where larger schemes (those costing over £5 million) were necessary these would be funded through major schemes bids submitted directly to the Department for Transport, and would therefore not be part of the LTP. Members discussed the proportion of the provisional budget which was allocated to the New Forest. While it was hoped that more would be received through the final LTP, it was also understood that the Plan was not a bidding document and the final allocation was dependant upon a formula yet to be published by Government.

RESOLVED:


That the report be noted.

6. LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN SCHEMES ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (item 6 in the Minute Book) providing feedback on consultation regarding the proposed methodology for the assessment and prioritisation of potential LTP schemes. Following a number of questions concerning the method of prioritisation described within the report, the Panel agreed that weighting should not be applied to any of the criteria.

RESOLVED:

(i) That the comments received on the proposed scheme assessment framework, as set out in appendix one to the report, be noted and endorsed.

(ii) That the Executive Members for Environment be advised that the assessment framework, as set out in appendix two to the report, should be adopted for the prioritisation of schemes.

7. DRAFT AREA STRATEGY LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN SECTIONS

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (item 7 in the Minute Book), including the draft text being prepared for the area strategy sections of the provisional LTP.

Members suggested several minor amendments to the wording of the draft area strategy, including the need for reference to be made to the future of ferry services. Discussion focused on funding for the New Forest Tour. The initiative was fully supported, but concerns were expressed that it would not continue to be viable unless the current bus was replaced by one which was more comfortable and reliable. A second bus may also be required. It was noted that the tour could have a detrimental effect on tourist locations which were not on the bus route, this situation would continue to be monitored.

The role of the National Park Authority in any transport strategy for the New Forest was emphasised, and it was agreed that the Authority should be invited to comment on the New Forest area strategy section of the LTP. Officers confirmed that regular dialogue was held at officer level, and that steps were being taken to invite the Park Authority to attend meetings of the New Forest Transport Strategy Panel.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive Members for Environment be advised of those issues raised by the Panel regarding the appendix to the report, and of the Panel's view that the Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority be invited to comment on draft versions of the area strategy section of the LTP.

8. FEEDBACK ON LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN.

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (item 8 in the Minute Book) summarising the outputs from various seminars and workshops with key LTP stakeholders.

Members noted the comments of the key stakeholders as set out in the appendices to the report and highlighted those which they felt to be of particular importance as well as those which were considered less useful. Specific reference was made to the importance of pedestrian crossings on the A326, a link road between Tachbury Mount and the A326 and restrictions (either voluntary or mandatory) on HGVs using the B3078, B3079 and B3080.

RESOLVED:

That the key themes and comments set out in the report and accompanying appendices be noted.

9. POSSIBLE 2006/07 PROGRAMME

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (item 9 in the Minute Book) providing a list of potential schemes for the area strategy programme together with the indicative county-wide programme.

The provisional 2006/07 programme was welcomed, and several other schemes were highlighted for future consideration.

RESOLVED:

(i) That it be noted that the overall cost of the possible pool of county-wide and area strategy schemes listed in the report exceeds the actual level of funding likely to be allocated by Central Government, but that this is necessary in order to ensure adequate forward planning.

(ii) That it be noted that the actual programme will be subject to the level of funding yet to be confirmed by Central Government.

(iii) That the list of possible area strategy schemes contained within the report be endorsed.

10. OTHER PROGRAMMED SCHEMES

With the concurrence of the Chairman, Members raised several issues not included on the agenda.

It was reported that the proposed Ashurst to Lyndhurst Cycleway, which was programmed for 2005/06, was being held up by English Nature's requirement for land to be given in mitigation. A way forward had been identified but little action had subsequently been taken.

Further discussion was had on the programmed footpath and cycle link between Lymington Hospital and the town centre, negotiations were taking place with Network Rail to allow the right of way to cross their property, but progress was slow.

RESOLVED:

Officers would investigate the issues raised by the Panel.

11. OPERATION OF NEW FOREST ROADS SUB-GROUP

The sub-committee had met several times in closed sessions and had discussed a wide variety of potential options for improving the road network within the New Forest. Both long and short term measures had been considered and the findings would be reported back to the Panel in due course.