Contact: Richard Cowling, ext 5202 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the attached Project Appraisal for the provision of a new off-road shared-use cycle route between Thornden School on Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford and Otterbourne Common, at an estimated cost of £155,000, be approved and implemented, subject to all necessary land being made available and the required compulsory purchase process being completed.

(ii) That, under the powers contained in Section 65 of the Highways Act 1980, the sections of footway identified within the proposal as 'shared-use' be converted to cycle tracks to permit use by cyclists and pedestrians.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aims 2 and 4 (Stewardship of the Environment and Building Strong and Safe Communities) of the Corporate Strategy by improving conditions for cyclists along a busy road frequented by children travelling to School and thus providing a safe alternative to the motor vehicle for such journeys.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 An option was to locate the route on the western (opposite) side of the road where there is more space. This was rejected as cyclists and pedestrians would have to cross the road twice to access the school, potentially with the need for a Toucan crossing outside the school. The route on the western side of Winchester Road would also have meant crossing many vehicular accesses to private houses, many of which have high hedges generating conflict points for vehicles and cyclists. Another factor contributing to the rejection of this option was the cost of relocating Utilities, which was estimated at an additional £35,000.

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 - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor T G Knight

513Decn/RC