Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT: SOUTH HAMPSHIRE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

ITEM 8

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

HAMPSHIRE VILLAGES INITIATIVE - VILLAGE GREEN ENHANCEMENT, THE PLESTOR, WEST LISS

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

MARCH 2006

COMPLETION DATE:

APRIL 2006

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

N/A

Construction

54.5

54.5

Fees

5.0

5.0

59.5

59.5

Less developers/

8.0

8.0

other contributions

51.5

51.5

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Hampshire Villages Initiative

26.45

(b) Other-Highways maintenance

25.05

51.50

2.

From other resources

(a) Parish Council

5.00

(b) East Hampshire District Council

3.00

TOTAL

59.50

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership N/A

Variations from capital programme N/A

Revenue implications N/A

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

nil

nil

Capital charges

6

.005

TOTAL net expenditure

6

.005

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

2.1

2.2

West Liss Parish Council produced a Village Design Statement in 2000, considerable public consultation was undertaken as an integral part of this process, including questionnaires, public meetings and surveys. The Plestor was one of three areas identified for improvements and the Parish prepared a scheme for the area which was displayed at a local exhibition in 2000. Over 300 people attended and commented; the Plestor scheme received strong support in principle.

The benefits of the scheme include helping to improve the historic conservation area of the village and providing an appropriate setting for the listed buildings and the ancient Oak tree in the centre of the green. At present the existing roads dominate all sides of the village green and their extensive nature allows vehicles to dominate the area. The proposed scheme aims to reduce the dominance of vehicles and roads; and enhance the character and scale of the green and its contribution to the community's local identity as a distinctive feature in the village.

2.3

Targets and Outcomes

To improve the quality of the environment at the village green, Plestor, providing a distinctive focus to the village of West Liss and reducing the dominance of traffic in the area. West Liss has an approximate population of 920 who will benefit from the proposal.

3.

IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

Introduction

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

The Hampshire Villages Initiative (HVI) aims to improve the attractiveness and quality of life for those living, visiting and working in Hampshire's villages by carrying out environmental enhancements.

On 7 April 2004 approval was given by the former Executive Member for Environment for a budget of £80,000 per annum for the HVI. On 7 December 2004 approval was given by the former Executive Member for Environment to schemes in the 2004/05-2005/06 HVI. This included approval of £17,450 for village green enhancement at the Plestor, West Liss.

Since then the scheme has evolved as a result of wider consultation to include further works which could constitute a second phase. In order to achieve efficiency savings, discussions with the Area Highways officers have indicated that there would be cost benefits to undertaking both phases of the scheme in one contract. In addition there would be reduced disruption to local businesses and residents, and obviate the `unattractive' temporary nature of the remaining phase of work in the intervening period.

Additional funding has been sought from other sources, the Parish Council had already committed £5,000 towards the work. A further £3,000 has been secured from East Hampshire District Council.

The County Council's Highways Maintenance budget includes a sum identified specifically to add value to HVI schemes which improve the highway. There are resources within the existing HVI budget allocations to allow for these additional works. The estimate for phase 1 is £33,480 including fees. This is made up from the following contributions - £17,450 HVI, £9,000 Highways maintenance, £5,000 Parish Council and £3,000 District Council, totalling £34,450.

In order to carry out the works in its entirety it is proposed that an additional £9,000 should be added from unallocated monies in the HVI budget and £16,050 from the Highways Maintenance budget.

3.7

The proposed scheme fulfils the policy aims of the HVI programme approved on 9 March 2004. It also meets the objectives of the Parish Council's Village Design Statement. It has the support of District Council and Area East Highways officers.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

3.8

3.9

The scheme involves remodelling of the area to include:

(i) enhancing the historic centre of West Liss and improving the environment for local residents and visitors;

(ii) reducing the width of the B3006 will allow the Plestor to be widened. The A3 Liss bypass has removed the need for such a wide road. At present the width of the road allows vehicles to speed through the village creating a local danger and dominate the area;

(iii) reducing the width of Hawkley Road, a minor road to the south of the green. Different surfacing will be used to reduce the perceived scale of the highway and help influence driver behaviour; and

(iv) closing the road behind the Plestor in order to create a more substantial village green and a focal point for the village community. This road fronts the Spread Eagle public house and is mainly used as a local short-cut and by the brewery dray for deliveries. Access for the dray will be retained.

A location plan is attached and a detailed drawing will be displayed at the meeting.

3.10

Environmental Impact

The proposal would be a positive benefit to the environment by reducing the impact of the adjacent roads; improving the visual quality and historic character of the Plestor; providing an attractive green space in the heart of the village.

3.11

Land Requirements

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

3.12

Statutory Procedures

A road closure order and traffic regulation orders will be required.

3.13

3.14

3.15

3.16

Public Consultation

The public were consulted by the Parish Council in 2000, before the County Council had any involvement with the scheme. Over 300 people attended and commented, the scheme received strong support in principle. The County Council detailed the scheme on behalf of the Parish Council for a public exhibition on 26 April 2005. There was a good representation from the local community and the scheme was well received by local residents.

The local Residents' Association supports the scheme.

There is one objector to the scheme, a businessman who runs a company called `Wine Tours' from a shop on the edge of the Plestor. The business has no off-road parking and he is objecting on the grounds of loss of on-street parking. The cars are left parked on the public highway whilst the owner and clients go away on wine tours. This use of highway parking leads to some problems with local residents as cars are left for a number of days without moving. The scheme has been amended to accommodate some of Wine Tours concerns, this includes eight parking spaces for residents and business use and an area for deliveries, but there will be a loss of four parking spaces.

The Parish Council's view is that proceeding with the scheme as amended (to take account of Wine Tours concerns) is of greater benefit to the overall community.

3.17

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Cartwright, supports the scheme. The results of the consultations and objector's concerns have been discussed with Councillor Cartwright.

3.18

Impact Assessments

An assessment of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has been made in the development of this scheme. The proposal is not expected to compromise equalities in terms of race or gender.

3.19

Maintenance Implications

The completed scheme will be incorporated into the highways maintenance programme. There will be a reduction in highway for maintenance and an increase in area of green which will be maintained by the Parish Council.

3.20

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The reduced scale of the highways will help influence driver behaviour and contribute to a reduction in traffic speed. The closure of the small lane in front of the Spread Eagle public house will inhibit `rat running' through this area. Pedestrian access will be enabled by the closure of the small lane between the public house and the green. It is anticipated that this will facilitate increased social activity in the area which in turn will help to deter anti-social behaviour.

3.21

3.22

Sustainability

The scheme will improve an existing amenity in line with conservation, environmental and highways objectives. It would provide the opportunity for increased use by the community and create an area which is more beneficial socially.

It will improve and conserve the historic fabric of the village, encourage local interest in the area and improve facilities for pedestrians.

4.

IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

4.1

4.2

To implement the works in two phases and request funding for the second phase in a future year's HVI programme.

Alternative schemes and designs were considered, however it was advised that these were not a satisfactory highways solution. Neither did they maximise the opportunities to improve the area.

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

Reports to Executive Member for Environment:

Hampshire Villages Initiative 7 April 2004

Hampshire Villages Initiative-Supplementary Programme, 7 December 2004

Environmental Programmes and Service Providers for 2005/06 19 April 2005

Environment Department

Room 418