Archived decisions

Contact: Helen Ackerman, ext 5077 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 As part of the regular monitoring and reporting process, this report provides an overview of the changes to the Environment Capital Programme since June 2006. This paper covers the following elements of the Programme:

(i) Local Transport Plan (LTP) Integrated Transport Programme (including developer funded projects);

(ii) Structural Maintenance of Principal and Non-Principal Roads Programmes;

(iii) Bridge Strengthening and Maintenance Programmes;

(iv) Environmental Improvement Programmes; and

(v) Waste Management Programme.

2. 2006/07 LTP Integrated Transport Programme

2.1 The following table provides an overview of the forecast spending across the LTP programme in 2006/07.

	£'000
Supported Borrowing Approval 2006/07	£13,306
	Plan at July 2006 £'000
Transfer to LTP Maintenance	400
Transfer to Street Lighting	800
Forecast spending on previous programme schemes	3,783
Forecast spending on delivering the 2006/07 programme schemes	7,063
Forecast spending on developing the 2007/08 programme schemes	500
Forecast spending on developing Major and other future programme schemes	760
TOTAL SPEND	£13,306

2.2 The forecasts indicate a projected carry forward into 2007/08 of around £3.3 million, which is consistent with previous years' performance, and is usual for the size of programme being delivered in 2006/07. In common with a number of other counties, the County Council is proposing not to take up part of its approved borrowing allocation in 2007/08 because of a reduction in Government Revenue Support Grant.

2.3 A number of options are currently being assessed to determine the best way forward in terms of guaranteeing that high priority schemes and programmes are protected. This will be considered as part of the overall budget plan for 2007/08.

2.4 The current target expenditure on LTP Integrated Transport for 2006/07, after removal of transfers, is £12.106 million. The actual spend at 14 August 2006 was £2.651 million (21.9%). This is an improvement on last year when, by the same time, approximately £2 million (15%) had been spent.

2.5 The revised 2006/07 programme is attached as Appendix 1. Broad details of all the changes are provided in Appendix 2 and the following section highlights significant changes in cost or programme.

Amendments to the LTP Integrated Transport Programme - New Schemes

Kiln Road/North Hill/Turnpike Road, Fareham (LTP £26,000) and Doncaster Drove, Eastleigh (LTP £3,800)

2.6 Both these schemes have been held as deficits in the developer contributions accounts since 2001 and 2003 respectively. No suitable contributions have been found to offset the deficits and therefore it is now proposed to use LTP funding.

Sycamore Road, Farnborough - Pedestrian Facility Improvement (Externally Funded (EF) £48,000)

2.7 Following receipt of new contributions it is proposed to add this scheme to the EF programme. The introduction of pedestrian islands will provide designated crossing points for pedestrians which will also assist in the reduction of vehicle speeds by giving a narrower feel to the road.

Ship Lane/Rectory Road, Farnborough - Traffic Management and Safer Routes to School (EF £40,000)

2.8 Following receipt of a specific contribution it is proposed to add this scheme to the EF programme. The introduction of pedestrian islands and priority change at the junction of Highgate Lane and Ship Lane will provide designated crossing points for pedestrians which will also help reduce vehicle speeds by providing a narrower feel to the road.

A27 Westbound Approach to Delme Roundabout, Fareham - Toucan Crossing (EF £100,000)

2.9 Following a serious accident, involving a pedestrian, at this location late in 2005 a short-term signing and lining solution has been implemented, and a feasibility study has shown that a signalised crossing is achievable. Suitable contributions have been identified from local development sites. It is therefore proposed to add this scheme to the Pedestrian Crossing Programme for implementation during 2006/07.

Amendments to Note

Chapel Hill, Basingstoke - Pedestrian Improvements (EF £350,000)

2.10 The extent of measures required will not require the full programme value. It is proposed to reduce the budget to £85,000 and reallocate the contributions to Alençon Link scheme, which is fully EF funded and in the same area.

Alençon Link Bus Interchange Improvements (EF £350,000)

2.11 Early design estimates indicate that an additional £70,000 will be required to undertake this scheme. It is proposed that contributions previously allocated to Chapel Hill be reassigned to this scheme. Total estimate now £420,000.

Brighton Hill, Basingstoke - Access Improvements (EF £300,000)

2.12 Latest design estimates indicate that the original allocation, set in January 2006, is not sufficient to implement the full extent of this scheme. An additional £100,000 has been identified from suitable contributions. Total estimate now £400,000.

Minor Traffic Management Programme (LTP £148,000, EF £100,000)

2.13 It is proposed to add a number of minor improvements (under £25,000), funded from various small contributions, which meet local demands and will be progressed by the Hampshire Highways offices. Additionally two minor EF schemes have been removed. Appendix 3 shows the latest EF programme at £298,550.

North Baddesley-Rownhams Cycle Route - 2004/05 Programme Value of £490,000 LTP

2.14 Pre-Tender estimates now indicate a total scheme cost of £598,000. Tenders are due back in September. A total of £178,000 has been spent to date developing this scheme. It has been a local priority for the past four years and suffered many set-backs during its design. Potential start date could be October 2006, however a review of the viability of this scheme is now underway as part of the 2007/08 budget consultations.

St Margaret's Lane, Titchfield - Safety Scheme (Phase 1) (LTP £60,000)

2.15 Tenders returned indicate a further £20,000 LTP will be required in order to implement this scheme. Phase 2 of the project has already been cut from the future programmes until further EF can be identified. Unfortunately there is currently no suitable EF to cover this additional requirement or phase 2.

Emsworth Town Centre (LTP £250,000 EF £2,300)

2.16 Latest design estimates indicate that the original allocation, set in January 2006, is not sufficient to implement the full extent of this scheme. It is proposed to allocate an additional £23,000 LTP to this scheme which is in line with the project appraisal.

Pedestrian Crossing Programme (LTP £366,000, EF £197,000)

2.17 With the proposed addition of the scheme at Delme, Fareham, the EF programme will be increased to £294,000 taking into account latest estimates across the whole programme. One significant amendment to note within the pedestrian programme is the allocation of new contributions to the West End, Swaythling refuges scheme, making this entirely EF funded.

Safer Routes to School Programme (LTP £1,000,000)

2.18 The total value of design and construction work in the 2006/07 programme is currently £1.3 million. It may be possible and prudent to revise the £1 million allocation for 2006/07 in order that more schemes can be delivered this year which could create some level of saving from the 2007/08 programme. Appendix 4 sets out the programme in more detail. A full review of the 2007/08 Capital Programme is ongoing and a number of options will be brought forward in due course.

Casualty Reduction Programme (LTP £2,500,000)

2.19 This sub-programme is managed under four key areas - Casualty Reduction Partnership (£350,000); Low Cost Safety Schemes (£650,000); Carriageway Surface Treatment Programme (£1,300,000) and Refurbishment and Betterment schemes (£200,000). These schemes are low-cost/high yield safety improvements, designed to have a major impact on the reduction of killed and serious injuries (KSI). This programme contributes directly to achieving LTP2 and PSA targets for 2008 and national targets for casualty reduction for 2010. Appendix 5 is a detailed list of the Low Cost and Carriageway Surface Treatment Programmes for information.

Community Safety Initiative Programme (LTP £60,000)

2.20 This sub-programme sets out to improve personal safety at locally identified sites through the installation of individual street lights or small lighting schemes. The programme is joint funded with Districts and Parishes. All improvements are planned to take place prior to November. Appendix 6 sets out the locations in this year's programme.

3. Structural Maintenance of Principal and Non-Principal Roads 2006/07 Programme (LTP £15,001,000 and Local Resources £12,362,000)

3.1 A total of £1,756,000 was carried forward from 2005/06. All works are currently on programme. Significant schemes to note are the A325 major maintenance scheme, which is under construction and due for completion in October. The A338 major maintenance scheme and Stoner Hill remedial measures are due to start in September.

3.2 Over 150 (50%) of the footway and carriageway schemes have been completed, together with 75% of the carriageway surface dressing programme. The footway surface dressing programme is due to begin in September. Appendix 7a sets out the highways maintenance programme, and Appendix 7b sets out the bridges programme.

4. Environmental Improvement Programmes

4.1 Environmental Improvement programmes and schemes are set out in Appendix 8. The programmes include the Regeneration of Older Urban Areas Initiative, Country Towns Initiative and the Hampshire Villages Initiative comprising a broad range of schemes aimed at stewardship of Hampshire's unique urban and rural environment, promoting economic regeneration, and building strong and safe communities. The initiatives 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.

Regeneration of Older Urban Areas Initiative (ROUA)

4.2 Significant schemes to note include the recently completed environmental enhancement at The Hard, Warsash; Church End Green, Yateley where work has just started; and improvements at The Square, Hamble which are expected to start in November. Further details about the initiative are given in Appendix 8.

Country Towns Initiative (CTI)

4.3 The initiative is actively developing schemes in New Milton and Titchfield, both of which are expected to start this financial year. Both schemes are partnerships with local councils and are attracting significant external funding. Swanmore and Odiham are also in progress and will be completed by the autumn. Recently completed improvements at Hythe Promenade are now open to the public and were well received. Feasibility work for schemes in next year's programme at Forest Centre, Bordon and Whitchurch town centre is well advanced. Further details of the initiative are given in Appendix 8.

Hampshire Villages Initiative (HVI)

4.4 The initiative is progressing a range of partnership schemes working with parish councils in a number of villages. Schemes at North Waltham, Crondall and Headley will be implemented by parish councils, with work at West Wellow focusing on the area around the village war memorial. Works at Milford-on-Sea are at the feasibility stage. Further details of the initiative are given in Appendix 8.

5. Waste Management Programme

Landfill Sites Remedial Works

5.1 The locally resourced capital provision for 2006/07 totalled £63,000. This is increased by a further £34,000 due to a carry forward of funds from 2005/06 giving a total provision of £97,000 for 2006/07.

5.2 In 2006/07 major works are required at Casbrook and Bramshill closed landfill sites, with further minor works required to be carried out at Westwood and Minley Wood. Enhanced leachate management control systems also need to be provided at Bramshill, Warsash and Somerley. The combined forecast costs are £104,000, leaving a potential shortfall of £7,000 on the local resourced capital funds in 2006/07.

5.3 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 for 2006/07.

5.4 Revenue savings resulting from the installation of flow meters and telemetric systems at Somerley, Bramshill and Warsash combined with a tighter control of revenue expenditure could potentially be between £45,000 and £50,000.

5.5 The expected revenue savings will enable the capital expenditure within 2006/07 on closed landfill sites to be contained within the available funding. It is planned to utilise the remainder of the planned revenue savings for major remedial restoration works at Bramshill and minor remedial works at Somerley and Warsash.

5.6 The major capital works required in 2006/07 include the enhancement of the current landfill gas control system at Casbrook. These works are essential to overcome areas of concern raised in an Environmental Consultant's Report on behalf of Test Valley Borough Council and to ensure proper long term control of risks to receptors adjacent to the site. Bramshill closed landfill site also requires replacement of failed leachate wells to prevent enforcement action being taken by the Environment Agency. There are also further planned minor works schemes estimated to cost £16,000.

5.7 Major pollution control works have been undertaken at Efford landfill site since 2001/02 at a total cost to date of £4.0 million, which has been funded externally by Supported Capital Expenditure (SCE). The work is anticipated to be completed during 2006 although monitoring and control costs associated with the site will continue to provide an ongoing pressure on resources.

Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC)

5.8 The annual HWRC capital programme budget was increased to £1,000,000 a year for a minimum of three consecutive years effective from 1 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.

5.9 The additional financial support is providing much needed investment to improve and upgrade the HWRC network and enabling higher recycling performance to be achieved.

5.10 A number of existing HWRCs are either too small for the level of use they now receive or are of an outdated design. Some sites only have the benefit of temporary planning consent and additionally in certain specific parts of the county there are `service gap' areas where the provision of a site is either very limited or non-existent.

5.11 The increase in funding is allowing 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 the target of 65% by 2010, as set out in the latest Waste Management Business Plan.

5.12 A set of priority sites for action has been drawn up comprising either major redevelopments of existing HWRCs or relocation schemes to provide new, bigger and 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. It is both a lengthy and difficult process and in addition land purchase costs are typically very high.

5.13 In 2006/07 a new `split-level' site to principally serve the residents of Romsey is being progressed as the top priority. The existing site at Timsbury is small and poorly located with limited development opportunities. A relocation site has been identified just to the east of Romsey. As well as serving the residents of Romsey it will provide an alternative facility for residents living in the North Baddesley and Chandlers Ford areas. This will help to relieve some of the pressure on the existing Eastleigh HWRC.

5.14 Other priority schemes which are currently being progressed include the relocation of the Andover HWRC and the redevelopment of the Fair Oak HWRC. It is hoped that these can be developed to a successful outcome before the end of the 2007/08 financial year.

5.15 An HWRC scheme can take between two to four years to complete. Speed of progress depends on a variety of factors, the most significant being land acquisition. In addition, land purchase costs and design and construction costs are increasing all the time, usually above the rate of inflation.

5.16 Despite these pressures a programme of HWRC improvement schemes is scheduled to be delivered within budget (£3 million) and within the allotted timescale (by 31 March 2008).

6. Impact Assessments

6.1 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. Schemes within the programmes are not expected to compromise the County Council's policies for equality and diversity, but to improve access for all users.

Recommendation

That the revised 2006/07 Environment Capital Programme and revisions be approved.

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