Contact: Marc Tomes, ext 6834 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel recommends approval by the Executive Member for Policy and Resources of the Project Appraisal for environmental improvements for Church End Green, Yateley, including improvements to Reading Road, pedestrian footpaths, the village green, lighting and other general improvements, at an estimated cost of £677,000.

(ii) That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources approves the Project Appraisal for environmental improvements for Church End Green, Yateley, including improvements to Reading Road, pedestrian footpaths, the village green, lighting and other general improvements, at an estimated cost of £677,000.

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 opportunities to improve conditions for pedestrian safety, particularly for those with disabilities, the elderly and children; enhance access to community facilities and services; and promote local pride for the village within the community;

(ii) Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment) by enhancing the distinctiveness and environmental quality of Yateley and ensuring it remains a place where people want to live; and

(iii) Aim 3 (Achieving Economic Prosperity) by improving the setting for economic activity, raising confidence in the business community and encouraging inward investment.

2.2 The County Council's Regeneration of Older Urban Areas (ROUA) programme is managed to implement landmark projects to raise the quality of life for all who live, work and visit in urban areas. All projects 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 The Executive Member for Environment: North Hampshire and Spatial Strategy recommends this proposal.

2.4 The scheme for Church End Green has been prepared by the County Council in partnership with Hart District Council, Yateley Town Council and Yateley Society, and in close consultation with members of the local community. The County Council's partners have been fully involved in the development of the scheme and their support for feasibility studies and public consultation has removed a significant burden of cost from the budget. The District and Town Council are also contributing funding towards the implementation of the scheme and the preparation of a Parish Plan that provides a framework for future improvements.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Other areas were considered as the first phase of implementation of the Village Design Framework, however these were not thought to be as effective in reducing the severance effect of Reading Road; improving access to local services by the community; providing opportunities to enhance the local distinctiveness of the settlement; and creating a sense of entry into the village centre. Alternative design approaches have been considered.

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 K Thornber

511/MT Decn