Contact: Chris Williams, ext 6720 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Project Appraisal for environmental and highway improvements in The Bury, Terry's Alley and Stoney Alley, Odiham, as part of the Country Towns Initiative programme for 2004-06, at an estimated cost of £254,000 including external funding, be approved.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy:

(i) Aims 1 and 4 (Maximising Life Opportunities and Building Strong and Safe Communities) by creating the opportunity for the local community to address local environmental and traffic issues through public involvement and partnership working, incorporating into the scheme measures for deterring anti-social behaviour and improving pedestrian access and highway safety;

(ii) Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment) by improving an under-used and unattractive area of the town centre and improving footpath links in the most historic part of the town's conservation area; and

(iii) Aim 3 (Achieving Economic Prosperity) by improving the opportunities for tourism, improving pedestrian links to the commercial High Street and creating the opportunity in The Bury for future street events.

2.2 The Country Towns Initiative (CTI) carries out schemes of environmental and highway improvements in rural towns with the aim of improving quality of life and reinforcing their economic and social roles. All works are designed to demonstrate the benefits of making the best use of land and property, high quality design, long life solutions and materials and appropriateness to the local sense of place.

2.3 Works in The Bury, Odiham, for inclusion in the CTI programme for 2004-05 and 2005-06 were approved on 15 October 2003 by the former Executive Member for Environment.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Alternative approaches were considered but options for enhancement were selected which focus on achieving CTI objectives as well as responding to the aspirations of the community.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - This item would normally fall for decision by the Executive Member for Environment: North Hampshire and Spatial Strategy but as he represents the Odiham electoral division he has a personal interest. The decision has therefore been referred to the Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management.

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

762Decn/CW