Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT: NORTH HAMPSHIRE AND SPATIAL STRATEGY

ITEM 2

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

HOUNSDOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL - SAFER ROUTES TO SCHOOL

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

JULY 2005

COMPLETION DATE:

OCTOBER 2005

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2005/06

1.

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

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at 2005

(at 2005

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Nil

Nil

Construction

155

75

Fees

50

35

205

110

Less developers/

95

other contributions

110

110

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

110

(b) Other

110

2.

From other resources

(a) Hounsdown School

61

(b) PBRS

34

(c)

TOTAL

205

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

2.50

0.003

Capital charges

11.00

0.009

TOTAL net expenditure

13.50

0.012

2.

2.1

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

_______________________________________________________________

Hounsdown Secondary School is situated near Totton on the edge of the New Forest. It has an extensive catchment area embracing the urban area of Totton and 14 New Forest villages. There are around 1,300 pupils at the school between the ages of 11 and 16, with just 30% living within three miles of the school and 12% coming from outside the catchment area. Of the total number of pupils, 31% come to school by coach (eight coaches serve the school collecting children from the surrounding villages), with 27% cycling, 25% walking and 17% coming by car.

The developed scheme is intended to make the journey to school safer and easier for pupils. It addresses the concerns raised in the School Travel Plan (STP) which was received by the County Council in June 2002. The STP identified major conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles at the main entrance to the school which causes acute congestion at the start and end of the school day. There is currently no clearly defined pedestrian access route to the school's reception area, requiring pupils and visitors to cross the busy vehicular circulation routes and parking areas. The school has above national and Hampshire average numbers of pupils walking or cycling to school, with 324 well used cycle spaces provided on site. Currently cyclists are forced to use the congested single shared vehicle access. The STP identifies the requirement for an alternative access to the site for cyclists. The overall objective is to reduce conflict and so encourage as many children as reasonably possible to be active and independent by walking or cycling to school on a regular basis.

Targets and Outcomes

2.2

The school already has a higher than average number of pupils walking and cycling. This scheme aims to reduce the risk identified by the school and maintain the above average walking and cycling figures. This scheme in its entirety will eliminate the current pedestrian/cycle and vehicle conflicts that currently occur.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

3.1

This scheme forms part of the developing County Council programme of Safer Routes to School infrastructure initiatives linked to STPs.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

3.2

It is proposed that a new footpath/cycleway entrance be constructed from Jacobs Gutter Lane leading to the school reception. Secure, covered cycle parking can also be installed at a new location accessed from this new route as a possible later phase of these works. The existing vehicular entrance and exit will be switched to allow more room for waiting coaches. The car parking area would be reconfigured to provide two lanes dedicated for coach use and the displaced staff car parking would be relocated to a new area constructed on land north of the existing car park. A location plan is attached and a detailed plan will be displayed at the meeting.

Environmental Impact

3.3

This scheme will have a positive effect on the school environment by removing the current pedestrian and vehicular conflict.

Land Requirements

3.4

No land acquisition required. All works confined to County Council land.

Statutory Procedures

3.5

A planning application for the relocation of the parking is currently under consideration the implications of which will need to be considered in the final design. In addition, arrangements have been made for a Stage 2 Safety Audit to be carried out, any issues raised will be taken into account in the final design.

Public Consultation

3.6

This scheme has been developed in conjunction with the school and consultation with its neighbours was carried out as part of the Travel Plan process. In addition, the Planning Application process has ensured that nearby residents are aware of the proposals and had a chance to formally comment. One objection has been received and it is considered that the resident's concerns will be overcome prior to scheme construction.

Local Member's View

3.7

The local Member, Councillor Harrison, fully supports the scheme.

Impact Assessments

3.8

The removal of the current conflicts will make it safer and easier for all visitors to the school site.

Maintenance Implications

3.9

The revenue implications of this proposal will be taken into account when the annual base budget is set.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

3.10

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

Sustainability

3.11

The scheme will improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists and may help to reduce dependence on the motor car.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

4.1

Not to proceed with this scheme.

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

Hounsdown School Travel Plan

Environment Department

Transport Policy