Contact: John Buckett, ext 6599 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report looks at progress with delivery of the 2005/06 Environment Capital Programme. It identifies some schemes which will not achieve a 2005/06 start and seeks approval for their inclusion in the 2006/07 programme.

1.2 Some amendments are proposed to the 2006/07 programme and details of sub-programmes for 2006/07 for pedestrian crossings, community safety initiative, safer routes to schools, Central Hampshire Village Initiatives, highways maintenance and bridges, minor works and traffic management are proposed. There is also a commentary on the waste management programmes for consideration.

2. 2005/06 Programme Progress

Integrated Transport Programme

2.1 The Local Transport Plan (LTP) spending plan target for integrated transport for 2005/06 is £12.84 million. Spending was at £8.26 million on 15 February with forecasts made in January 2006 reporting that spending was expected to be close to the target.

2.2 A number of 2005/06 integrated transport schemes are now forecast to start on-site later than 31 March 2006 and consequently are proposed to be carried forward to the 2006/07 programme. The proposed revised programme for 2005/06 is attached as Appendix 1 and the proposed list of carry forwards to 2006/07 is set out as Appendix 2. A summary of all the proposed changes to the 2005/06 integrated transport programme is attached as Appendix 3 to this report.

2.3 Public utility works in Winchester have contributed to two schemes being deferred to avoid exacerbating conditions in Winchester by having a number of roadworks going on at the same time.

Highways Maintenance and Bridges

2.4 Progress with the maintenance and bridges and the non-transport capital programmes in 2005/06 are attached as Appendix 4.

Environment Improvement Programme

2.5 Environmental Improvement programmes and schemes are set out in Appendix 5. The list comprises a broad range of initiatives aimed at stewardship of Hampshire's unique urban and rural environment, promoting economic regeneration, and building strong and safe communities. The programmes and schemes reflect a comprehensive approach to achieving Hampshire's strategic objectives, and partnership working at a local, regional and national level drawing in significant investment. Many of the schemes are currently being implemented and most are expected to be well on the way to completion within the next year.

2.6 Environment schemes funded from 2005/06 and earlier programme allocations which are now expected to start on site in 2006/07 are also listed in Appendix 2. All of these schemes are committed, the majority have already seen significant expenditure against the listed budgets, many are attracting support from external sources and all have been the subject of extensive consultation. It is expected that most of the schemes will have been completed within the next financial year with a programme of implementation that will see significant progress on the ground before the end of December 2006.

Waste Management Programme 2005/06

Landfill Sites

2.7 The locally resourced capital provision for 2005/06 totalled £61,000 which has allowed a programme of works at the Somerley, Bramshill and Warsash closed landfill sites to be implemented.

2.8 The works at Somerley comprised an extension to the phase 3 landfill gas system being implemented as a result of ongoing pressure from the Environment Agency requesting remedial measures to prevent possible enforcement action. Replacement leachate wells were also required as the Environment Agency served a Section 42 (5) Enforcement Notice in October 2005 requiring compliance with a maximum leachate head level.

2.9 Surface water drainage from Bramshill closed landfill site has caused serious flooding of Police College Lane and Woodman's Cottage in recent years. After protracted negotiations with the affected landowner's Solicitors, a flood prevention scheme was installed during autumn 2005. As with Somerley, replacement leachate wells are required although the EA has not served a formal notice. These works started during January 2006.

2.10 Further works are required at Somerley, Bramshill and Warsash in order to comply with waste management licence conditions. It is necessary to collect and dispose of leachate on a long term basis. Current infrastructure at these sites does not ensure effective volume measurement and a `remote' system is required to ensure that only full loads are collected. This will be achieved by the installation of flow meters and telemetric systems which will lead to significant savings in ongoing revenue charges for leachate disposal of around £15,000 to £20,000 per annum.

2.11 The aforementioned works at closed landfill sites are all essential schemes that either need to be completed to comply with legislation or will have a long term impact on the resources available within the revenue funds. To implement the works for 2005/06 there is a shortfall in funding of £17,000 which will either require a delay in the programme, or use of funding from the 2006/07 capital budget during 2005/06.

Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs)

2.12 The annual HWRC capital programme budget was increased to £1,000,000 per annum for a minimum of three consecutive years effective from April 2005 following a decision by Cabinet in July 2004. The increase from the previous annual allocation of £324,000 was funded from a contribution of capital receipts and anticipated Government support through the Waste Management Performance Reward Grant.

2.13 The additional financial support is enabling higher recycling performances to be achieved as well as providing much needed investment to improve and upgrade the HWRC network.

2.14 A number of existing HWRCs are too small for the level of use they receive and also have an outdated design. Some sites only have the benefit of temporary planning consent and additionally in certain parts of the county there are "service gap" areas where the provision is either limited or non existent.

2.15 The increase in funding allows for some of these pressing issues to be addressed. Investment in the HWRC network is predicted to raise the average recycling rate from the 50% achieved in 2004/05 towards a target of 65% by 2010, as set out in the Waste Management Business Plan.

2.16 A set of priority sites for action has been drawn up consisting of either major redevelopments of existing HWRCs or relocations to provide new, bigger modern designed sites. Relocation is usually considered to be the best long term solution. However, in such cases land acquisition is the single most difficult issue to overcome and is very expensive.

2.17 In 2005/06 there have been several site investigations and feasibility studies commissioned to assess the development potential of proposed relocation schemes.

3. Proposed Amendments to Transport Capital Programmes 2006/07

3.1 It is proposed to add two schemes:

(i) Beeches Hill, Bishops Waltham (£25,000 LTP funding) can be brought forward to the 2006/07 programme from 2007/08 following a successful trial.

(ii) Winchester Variable Message Signing can be added to the programme with £200,000 external funding (including £100,000 from Winchester City Council).

3.2 In addition, Sandhurst Road, Yateley can be funded entirely from external funding, including a contribution collected by Hart District Council. The proposed changes to the 2006/07 programme are listed in Appendix 6 to this report and a proposed revised 2006/07 integrated transport programme is set out in Appendix 7.

4. Sub-Programmes

Pedestrian Crossings Programme (£200,000)

4.1 The proposed pedestrian crossings programme is set out in Appendix 8. It includes schemes that have slipped from the 2005/06 programme. Where practical, developer funding is being utilised.

Community Safety Initiative Programme 2006/07 (£60,000)

4.2 The proposed community safety initiative (street lighting) partnership programme for 2006/07 is set out in Appendix 9. Formerly the maximum County Council contribution to each scheme was set at £2,500 and this is proposed to be increased to £3,000 from 2006/07 to reflect changing costs and demands. All of the schemes listed comprise the introduction of one or more lighting columns designed to promote safety, particularly for pedestrians.

Safer Routes to School Programme 2006/07 (£1,000,000 spend programme)

4.3 Appendix 10 sets out the proposed list of schools, together with the school patrol crossing sites enhancement programme, which will form the basis of the safer routes to school spending programme in 2006/07. This list does not necessarily represent projects starting on site during the year. Schools not accommodated within the £1 million spending limit for 2006/07 (which also accommodates committed expenditure from the 2005/06 programme) will be carried forward into 2007/08.

Central Hampshire Village Initiatives 2006/07

4.4 This was approved in January with funding of £80,000 LTP and £60,000 External Funding. The proposed schemes are Selborne traffic management with £80,000 LTP and Hursley with £60,000 External Funding.

Highway Maintenance and Bridges Programme 2006/07

4.5 The 2006/07 highway maintenance budget is shown in Appendix 11 with headline starts figures for capitalised maintenance.

4.6 The revenue budget provides funding for routine and cyclic activities which are essential for the day to day operation of the network. Capital maintenance provides funding for structural measures and prolongs the life of the network.

4.7 Some items to note in the Capital budget are the additional footway and carriageway schemes planned for construction with the extra money agreed by Cabinet for 2006/07. These footway and carriageway programmes are prioritised using a range of condition assessments. The continuation of the additional funding by Cabinet helps towards stabilising the condition of the highway network and also allows continuation of the major maintenance programme on the Principal (A road) network, which might otherwise be reduced in scope.

4.8 Details of the bridges programme are set out in Appendix 12. These tables include both LTP funded and locally resourced capital schemes.

Minor Works Programme 2006/07

4.9 The Minor Works Programme is set out in Appendix 13A. The budget for this programme has been agreed at £148,000. This sum has been divided across the county in order to ensure a balanced spread of minor improvement works across all districts.

4.10 These schemes are traditionally regarded as smaller improvements, such as missing footway links or sightline improvements which cost in the region of £10,000 up to £25,000.

4.11 The demand for schemes of this nature greatly exceeds the funding available and therefore it has been necessary to prioritise. An initial assessment of the schemes was undertaken by officers. This assessment looked at a number of criteria across a range of Government and County Council objectives using a simple scoring system. The objectives considered are outlined below:

4.12 The list of schemes comprises those identified by the Highway and Transport Advisory Panels as the highest priorities in each district and recommended for incorporation into the 2006/07 programme.

4.13 In addition to the list of schemes in Appendix 13A, a nominal allocation of £100,000 has been added as External Funding. This is identified to enable best use of Developer Contributions collected for and allocated to small improvements (subject to suitable agreement in the area). Two schemes in Fareham and Rushmoor have already been identified, and an exercise is now under way to identify additional schemes.

4.14 The 2006/07 Traffic Management Minor Schemes programme is also set out in Appendix 13B. These are small projects related to Traffic Regulation Orders, Speed Limits and Signing/Lining undertaken by the Districts under the Traffic Management Agency Arrangements.

Environmental Improvement Programme 2006/07

4.15 The proposed new programmes for 2006/07 and 2007/08 are set out in a report elsewhere on this agenda. Schemes carried forward from 2005/06 are listed in Appendix 2 of this report. The combined programme for 2006/07 is included in Appendix 7 of this report.

Waste Management Programme 2006/07

Landfill Sites

4.16 Major works are required at Casbrook, Westwood and Bramshill closed landfill sites with further minor works required at Sleaford, Bramshill and Minley Wood. The combined costs are forecast at £320,000, a shortfall of £275,000 on the remaining local resourced capital funds in 2006/07.

4.17 External funding through Supported Capital Expenditure (SCE) is not a possible option due to the nature of the work involved with the capital schemes planned. Elements of work at Casbrook and Bramshill can be delayed until 2007/08 without significant effect on funding or compliance with legislation with £160,000 being deferred until 2007/08. Revenue savings afforded by new flow meters at Somerley, Bramshill and Warsash, combined with smaller savings elsewhere, may allow for up to £45,000-£50,000.

4.18 The postponement of part of the schemes at Casbrook and Bramshill combined with the expected revenue savings, together with using 2007/08 funding during 2006/07, will enable the capital expenditure within 2006/07 to remain within available funding.

4.19 The major capital works required in 2006/07 on Casbrook closed landfill site requires an enhancement of the current landfill gas control system as well as a leachate treatment and control system with combined costs estimates of £165,000. Westwood closed landfill site requires improvements and an extension to the current control scheme to ensure proper control of risks to receptors and is forecast to cost £60,000. Bramshill closed landfill site also requires an enhancement of the current gas control system which is estimated to cost £50,000. The final decision depends on an Environment Agency habitats review. There are also further planned minor works estimated to cost £45,000.

4.20 Further extensive works will need to be undertaken during 2007/08 with Warsash closed landfill site requiring a replacement gas control system and Minley Wood requiring a leachate management system. These will have a significant impact on capital funding.

4.21 Major pollution control works have been under way at Efford landfill site since 2001/02 at a cost to date of £3.9 million, which has been funded externally by SCE. The work is anticipated to be complete during 2006 although monitoring and control costs associated with the site will continue to be a pressure on resources.

Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs)

4.22 In 2006/07 a new `split-level' site to serve residents of Romsey will be progressed as a top priority. The existing site at Casbrook is small and poorly located and development opportunities are limited and costly.

4.23 Other schemes which are currently being assessed include redevelopment of the existing Havant and Marchwood sites and relocations of the Andover, Eastleigh, Waterlooville, Aldershot and Somerley HWRCs. Progression on these schemes will depend on a number of factors including relocation site identification.

4.24 With regard to future redevelopment sites, such as Havant and Marchwood, background research is under way that should result in a case for more substantial infrastructure projects being delivered. The emerging resource management agenda could lead to a network of strategic sites being developed. These sites would cater for both domestic and commercial users, and would offer the potential for economic collection services to businesses and small scale on-site processing. The business case for pursuing new, strategic sites will be assessed once the background research is completed.

4.25 The above improvements, funded from local resources, will complement the £1.74 million of investment secured from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in December 2003. A total of three HWRC improvement schemes were identified to benefit from this external funding:

(i) provision of new Winchester HWRC (opened in December 2004);

(ii) expansion of operational area at Alton HWRC (completed January 2005); and

(iii) upgrading and expansion of Basingstoke HWRC (completed February 2006).

5. Impact Assessments

5.1 This report provides a position statement on the progress of schemes in the Environment Capital Programme, therefore an impact assessment in terms of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has not been undertaken. Impact assessments are normally reported for each scheme at the project appraisal stage of its development. The impacts of the programme as a whole are considered as part of the LTP. Schemes within the programme are not expected to compromise the County Council's policies for equality and diversity, but to improve access for all users.

Recommendations

1. That the amendments to the 2005/06 and 2006/07 Transport Capital Programmes be approved.

2. That changes proposed to the 2006/07 programme and sub-programmes for 2006/07 for pedestrian crossings, community safety initiative, safer routes to schools, Central Hampshire Village Initiatives, highway maintenance and bridges, minor works and traffic management be approved.

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