Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ITEM 13

PROJECT APPRAISAL

(Externally Funded)

PROJECT:

SANDHURST ROAD, YATELEY - PEDESTRIAN FOOTWAY

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

NOVEMBER 2006

COMPLETION DATE:

JANUARY 2007

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2006/07

1.

Scheme

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

Introduction

Sandhurst Road, Yateley provides the most direct route between the towns of Yateley and Sandhurst, and accommodates 5,552 vehicles per day (as at 28 June 2006) as well as pedestrians.

This scheme aims to provide a new hard-surfaced route for these pedestrians from Yateley through to the county border at Sandhurst, where it will link up with an existing hard-surfaced pedestrian route provided and maintained by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

Currently on the Hampshire side, the route takes the form of a well-worn dirt track, largely serving as a commuter route for residents of Yateley wishing to walk to the Sandhurst rail station, which provides commuter access to London.

The scheme will provide a formal link, highlighting a safe alternative to the motor vehicle with improved pedestrian access to the area's facilities, not only for commuters but also for those wishing to use the shops, leisure facilities and the Yateley Lakes - a Site of Interest for Nature Conservation (SINC).

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.9

Details

The route will be constructed on the western side of Sandhurst Road, approximately 400 metres in length, with the footway having a minimum width of approximately 2.5 metres.

Following the line of the highway there are some relatively tight bends. However, safety barriers were installed as part of a recent road safety scheme and will add extra protection to the footway users at these points.

Appropriate tactile paving will also be provided at the private entrances and junctions along the route to assist visually impaired users.

The route has been designed to allow for future conversion to a shared cycle/pedestrian track should this be required following further development in the area.

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

1.10

Standards

The proposals have been designed to meet current national and county standards for highway improvement schemes, and conform to the recommendations of the Safety Audit.

1.11

1.12

1.13

1.14

Targets and Outcomes

The Local Transport Plan targets for pedestrians are to increase accessibility and to improve footway conditions.

With regard to accessibility, the path is currently used on a regular basis by existing users, some of whom probably find alternative methods of transport when weather conditions are poor and the path becomes muddy. It is hoped that by implementing a formal hard-surfaced footway link there would be increased use in all weathers.

The proposed upgrade from a dirt track to a formal hard surface will reduce perceived safety risks from trips, etc.

Post-implementation monitoring will be undertaken on the route in the form of permanent pedestrian/cycle counters, to assess future increase in pedestrian flows.

1.15

1.16

1.17

1.18

Statutory Procedures and Consultation

No statutory procedures are required to implement the scheme.

No public consultation took place due to the nature of the scheme and the single route option available.

However, consultation has taken place with English Nature due to the close proximity of the scheme to the Yateley Lakes SINC. No objection was raised.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council have been consulted and is supportive of the scheme.

1.19

Policy Considerations

The proposals are consistent with the transport policies of the Hart District Council Plan, the North Hampshire Transport Strategy and the County Council's Local Transport Plan. They also accord with the encouragement of alternative forms of transport to the private car and the improvement of road safety.

1.20

1.21

Environmental Impacts

The scheme will contribute to a safer and improved environment for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

There are no adverse environmental impacts, although advice has been taken with regard to the issues of working in close proximity to a SINC and will be acted upon accordingly during the construction phase.

1.22

Land Requirement

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

1.23

Alternative Arrangements

The option to do nothing was considered, but this was rejected due to the need to improve safety and accessibility for the route's users.

1.24

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Collett, supports the scheme.

1.25

1.26

Impact Assessments

The scheme will improve the conditions for pedestrians in the area by providing a formal route upon which to walk. Tactile surfaces and dropped kerbs will be implemented to assist, in particular, people with visual impairment.

Assessment of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has been considered in the development of this scheme which is not expected to compromise equalities in terms of race, creed or gender.

1.27

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

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

1.28

Sustainability

The scheme will improve the environment for walking and may help reduce dependence on the motor car. Where possible, use of recycled materials will be requested.

2.

Financial Arrangements

2.1

Expenditure

£'000

Funds Available

£'000

Design Fee

25

Developer Funding

114

Supervision

5

Project Works

84

Land

Nil

____

____

Total

114

Total

114

____

____

2.2

Revenue Implications

£'000

% Variation to Committee's budget

Net increase in

current expenditure

1.7

0.002

Capital Charge

11.0

0.008

____

____

Total Expenditure

12.7

0.010

____

____

2.3

Maintenance Implications

The revenue implications for this proposal will be taken into account in the setting of the annual base budget. There is a small increase in maintenance liability from the introduction of this footway as shown in the table above.

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

Sandhurst Road, Yateley

Environment Department

Room 415