Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ITEM 3

PROJECT APPRAISAL

(Externally Funded)

PROJECT:

TIMBERLAKE ROAD, BASINGSTOKE - SUBWAY

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

FEBRUARY 2007

COMPLETION DATE:

APRIL 2007

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

1.

Scheme

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

Introduction

The scheme will promote safety and security, easing anxiety and encouraging people to make the journey to the town centre on foot rather than travel by car. It will also improve the general environment in this part of Basingstoke.

Access to Town Centre

The existing subway provides an important pedestrian link to the town centre, especially for students attending the Basingstoke Technology College. The proposed improvement to the subway and access ramps/steps will greatly enhance the users personal safety, security and accessibility.

Linking to Existing Footways

The improvements to the subway will be carried out using materials that are compatible with those used in the recent footway improvements in the adjacent Glebe Gardens Park.

Residential Parking

There is currently a small number of on-road resident parking spaces adjacent to the subway ramps on the north side of Timberlake Road in Church Square. The enhancements to the access ramp and steps to the subway will enable an additional resident's parking space to be provided at this location.

1.5

1.6

Details

The scheme proposals include:

(i) provision of enhanced lighting within the subway and on the access ramps/steps and sections of roads leading up to the subway;

(ii) installation of improved drainage to overcome the problem of light flooding following heavy rainfall;

(iii) construction of a new stepped access that will improve the visibility into and through the subway;

(iv) provision of additional landscaping;

(v) provision of wall covering on the accesses to the subway to improve visibility and lighting;

(vi) provision of suitable artwork murals on the subway walls and on the access ramp walls; and

(vii) provision of additional resident's off-road parking space.

A location plan is attached and a detailed drawing of the proposals will be displayed at the meeting.

1.7

Standards

The improvements will be designed to current highway standards and Hampshire County Council standard details.

1.8

1.9

Targets and Outcomes

The scheme's outcomes support the following Local Transport Plan objectives, to:

(i) increase accessibility to services; and

(ii) support quality of life objectives.

The success of the scheme will be measured by `before and after' surveys on usage and by questionnaire surveys of local people following the improvements.

1.10

1.11

1.12

1.13

Statutory Procedures and Consultation

On 5 October 2006 a public consultation exhibition was held at the nearby church hall in Basingstoke. Over 200 letters were sent to residents, local businesses, organisations and local County and District Members inviting them to attend the exhibition. The exhibition was attended by approximately 30 people of which 18 completed the questionnaire on the scheme proposals. Plans of the proposed scheme were also displayed for one week at the District Council Offices which resulted in additional questionnaires being completed.

Analysis of the completed questionnaires showed that the main concern was the blind corners from the access ramps into and out of the subway, fear of assault and flooding in periods of bad weather.

Furthermore the main improvements that the respondents supported were enhanced lighting and visibility both in the subway and the approaches to the subway, better surfacing throughout, better drainage and more frequent litter collection.

All these construction measures are included in the proposed improvements to the subway.

1.14

Policy Considerations

This proposal is consistent with the aims and objectives of the Local Transport Plan and the North East Hampshire Transport Strategy. When implemented this will considerably benefit pedestrians, especially the mobility and visually impaired, the elderly and people with pushchairs.

1.15

Environmental Impacts

There is no significant environmental impact from this proposal. It is expected that the general environment in this area will be improved once the scheme is completed.

1.16

Land Requirement

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

1.17

Alternative Arrangements

The provision of an at-grade Puffin controlled crossing on Timberlake Road was investigated on the same desire line as the existing subway. However due to the high volume of both pedestrian and road traffic the option was rejected as it would have caused significant queueing and delays on Timberlake Road and adjoining roads in the town centre.

1.18

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Jo Kelly, supports the scheme. However, she did request that a mirror be provided to enable pedestrians to see around the remaining blind right angle corner. This request is being considered.

1.19

Impact Assessments

Assessment of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has been considered in the development of this scheme; no adverse impact has been identified. This scheme will contribute towards a safer environment for all pedestrians, especially visually and mobility impaired persons.

1.20

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

This proposal enhances safety in support of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

1.21

Sustainability

The proposal supports the County Council's policy to encourage walking as an alternative to the use of motorised transport. The improvements will make this a preferred option for pedestrians to use rather than discouragement that partly exists at present.

2.

Financial Arrangements

2.1

Expenditure

£'000

Funds Available

£'000

Design Fee

75

Developer Funding

245

Supervision

Project Works

170

Land

nil

____

____

Total

245

Total

245

____

____

2.2

Revenue Implications

£'000

% Variation to Committee's budget

Net increase in

current expenditure

nil

nil

Capital Charge

nil

nil

____

____

Total Expenditure

nil

nil

____

____

2.3

Maintenance Implications

The improvements to the subway and its approaches will result in a net saving in maintenance expenditure in future years.

LINK(S) TO CORPORATE STRATEGY

Yes

No

Hampshire safer and more secure for all

√

Maximising well-being

Enhancing our quality of place

√

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

Timberlake Road, Subway Enhancement Working File

Environment Department

Room 415