Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT: NORTH HAMPSHIRE AND SPATIAL STRATEGY

ITEM 1

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

ANDOVER CYCLES AND PEDESTRIANS - LONDON STREET TO NEWBURY STREET

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

MARCH 2006

COMPLETION DATE:

JUNE 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 2006

(at 2006

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

nil

nil

Construction

174

174

Fees

26

26

200

200

Less developers/

50

50

other contributions

150

150

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

150

(b) Other

150

2.

From other resources

(a) Developer contribution

50

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

200

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £nil

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

1.9

0.002

Capital charges

20.1

0.004

TOTAL net expenditure

22.0

0.006

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

Andover in terms of size, layout and topography offers opportunities for cycling to be a viable alternative to the private motor vehicle for shorter journeys. Test Valley Borough Council has produced a comprehensive cycle plan for the town, which has often formed the basis of negotiations with developers. In 2002 a feasibility study was undertaken on behalf of Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council to identify the most suitable routes for six prioritised cycling schemes within Andover. London Street-Newbury Street is identified as the third scheme on the priority list and will form a continuous link, giving the settlements on the eastern side of Andover access to the town centre and other various important areas within the town.

Various approved or prospective commercial/housing developments either are or are likely to make financial contributions towards implementing this network, primarily by means of radial routes to the town centre. Examples include:

(i) East Anton Major Development Area (MDA) on the north-eastern outskirts;

(ii) Picket Twenty MDA on the eastern outskirts;

(iii) Portway Industrial Estate on the western outskirts;

(iv) Andover Airfield on the south-western outskirts;

(v) Enham Retail Park adjacent to Northern Avenue; and

(vi) Asda Superstore and cinema complex south-west of the town centre.

These routes require appropriate facilities in the town centre. A cycle route between Andover Station and the Western Avenue area is currently nearing completion and this provides a facility to serve the western and southern parts of the town centre. The attached plan shows how this proposed route links with other existing and proposed cycle schemes in the central area of Andover.

The shared use cycleway along Eastern Avenue will complement the above project on the eastern side of the town centre and will form an important part of a `Cyclists Ring Road' to serve the radial routes described in paragraph 2.2 and also in anticipation of the Andover Accessibility Project being funded in 2007/08. A Community Street Audit has been undertaken which indicated that priority should be given to the eastern side of the town centre, including George Yard and Kings Yard, which will complement the current scheme.

2.5

2.6

Targets and Outcomes

The aims are to promote cycling and walking for local residents in and around Andover town centre by providing a safe designated route and encouraging greater accessibility for all users. Pre-construction monitoring was conducted on 24 February 2005 and indicated 412 pedestrians and 22 cyclists using this route between the hours of 0730 and 1730. While existing cycle flows are relatively light it is expected that with the completion of complementary routes nearby and associated publicity that cycling will increase in the town. It is proposed to conduct a similar post construction survey to record the success in encouraging all users to use this facility.

The existing footways are narrow and difficult to navigate, particularly for prams, buggies and wheelchairs. This scheme will promote an increase in pedestrian and cycle trips on the eastern side of the town centre and provide greater accessibility to the Leisure Centre, the Guildhall and Magistrates Courts, the Chantry Centre, as well as the proposed Asda Superstore and Cinema complex.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

3.1

This proposal is consistent with the County Council's Local Transport Plan, Central Hampshire Transport Strategy and the former Andover Transport Strategy. It will further improve accessibility and encourage more sustainable forms of transport.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

3.2

3.3

3.4

This proposed link will connect at London Street which forms part of Scheme 1: Andover Station to Town Centre. From here it will proceed north off-road along the western side of Eastern Avenue as far as Newbury Street. The construction involves widening the existing footway and converting to a shared use facility, as well as removing the bus lay-by and repositioning the bus shelter.

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

The construction of the shared use cycleway/footway will comply with the Department for Transport and Hampshire County Council's standards and the design has been the subject of safety audits.

Environmental Impact

3.5

There are no adverse environmental impacts as a result of this proposal.

Land Requirements

3.6

Test Valley Borough Council plan to dedicate a small strip of land measuring .03 x 85 metres of the Eastern Avenue frontage adjacent to George Yard car park in order to implement this scheme.

Statutory Procedures

3.7

In order for the conversion to take place the local highway authority needs to show it has exercised its powers through a resolution, as set out in the Decision Sheet. A Traffic Regulation Order is not required.

Public Consultation

3.8

The local Cycle Tourist Club, the bus operators and local businesses along the route have been consulted and all support the scheme.

Local Member's View

3.9

The local Member, Councillor Hughes, supports the scheme.

Impact Assessments

3.10

3.11

This scheme will contribute to a reduction in congestion and an improvement to air quality and provide a safer and improved environment for pedestrians and cyclists and other vulnerable users.

Assessment of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has been considered in the development of this scheme. No adverse impact has been identified in terms of race, creed or gender.

Maintenance Implications

3.12

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

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

3.13

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

Sustainability

3.14

The scheme seeks to improve the environment for cycling and walking and contribute towards a reduction in the dependence on the use of the motor vehicle. Where possible, recycled materials and self-illuminating signage will be used in the construction of this scheme.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

4.1

A project feasibility study investigated the possibility of utilising a section of George Yard car park which would have resulted in the loss of 17 car parking spaces. As Borough Council Members did not support that proposal this revised scheme is now proposed.

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

London Street to Newbury Street

Scheme file - no. C.J003995/BA

Environment Department

Room 415