Archived decisions

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

1. Summary

1.1 As part of the regular monitoring and reporting process for the Environment capital programme this report provides an overview of the proposed amendments since January 2007. This paper covers the following elements:

(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) Waste Management Programme; and

(v) Environmental Improvement Programmes.

1.2 The individual schemes and programmes within the Environment capital programme are monitored and reported during the year in order to ensure programme values represent the latest cost estimates.

1.3 It is necessary to adjust the 2007/08 programme since a number of project starts have slipped from 2006/07.

1.4 The wide variety of improvements and maintenance projects that make up the programme support the County Council's corporate priorities.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That the revised 2007/08 Integrated Transport capital programme, as set out in Appendix 1, be approved.

2.2 That rescheduled schemes, as set out in section 6.4, be approved.

2.3 That the proposed carry forwards, identified in section 6.6 and Appendix 2, be noted.

2.4 That the final costs of completed (financial) schemes, as set out in section 6.9 and Appendix 3, be noted.

3. Introduction

3.1 The Environment capital programme is funded from a number of sources. The transport programme is mostly funded through the Local Transport Plan (LTP) in the form of credit approvals and grants. The LTP funding covers integrated transport schemes (addressing safety, congestion, access and environmental problems) and structural maintenance of roads and bridges. In addition there is substantial external funding (EF) through developers' contributions.

3.2 The balance of the Environment capital programme is mostly funded from local resources within limits set by the Cabinet. Locally resourced programmes include a further allocation for highway maintenance, as well as funding for environmental improvements, urban regeneration schemes and waste management (household waste recycling centres and facilities management). There is often additional funding from external sources, usually district council, parish council, developer contributions or grants from the South East England Development Agency or other bodies.

3.3 The following table summarises the original 2007/08 capital programme over the main categories of expenditure:

4. Medium Term Financial Strategy (Capital) 2007/08-2009/10

4.1 On 21 May 2007 Cabinet considered a report which set out the County Council's current medium term financial strategy in one document, this included the capital programme 2007/08-2010/11.

4.2 The report recognised that, in common with a number of other counties, the County Council will not be taking up supported borrowing in full. The reductions in supported borrowing within the Environment Department has had a significant impact upon the LTP Integrated Transport Programme. The reductions which are, on average, over a third of the full borrowing approvals are planned as follows:

2007/08: £5.733 million reduction

2008/09: £4.894 million reduction

2009/10: £4.775 million reduction

2010/11: £4.701 million reduction.

4.3 In order to minimise the effect on the delivery of the 2007/08 programme, the target for 2006/07 integrated transport expenditure was reduced from £12.8 million to £10.4 million. This reduction was achieved though normal slippage in the programme, but more significantly by using new and additional external funding wherever possible. As a result £1.7 million has been carried forward to supplement funding in 2007/08.

4.4 At this time it is unlikely that a similar level will be achievable for 2008/09 because of the already reduced LTP this year and that the vast majority of uncommitted, but flexible EF has now been used.

4.5 A complete review of all contributions held by the County Council is underway to accelerate the expenditure of developer contributions. This is a four year project which aims to support the LTP programme by identifying monies to supplement LTP funded schemes, and by developing new schemes that align with the terms of the agreements.

5. Structural Maintenance of Principal and Non-Principal Roads and Bridges 2007/08

5.1 The funding for the 2007/08 programme is made up of the following elements:

5.2 Delivery and development of the programme is progressing according to the programme set out in January 2007.

5.3 This programme funds structural maintenance on all of Hampshire's highway assets, including those on roads, pavements, bridges, drainage, safety fencing, etc. The programme is diverse and extensive, being delivered by the Area Teams mainly through the Term Maintenance Contract. Below is an overview of the type and number of schemes being undertaken this year within the programme.

Road Schemes

5.4 There are 130 resurfacing and reconstruction schemes averaging £50,000 per scheme and 290 surface dressing schemes, repairing approximately 240 kilometres of the network.

5.5 In addition to the larger planned maintenance schemes, over £5 million of patching across 250,000 square metres of roads and footways is proposed, together with £250,000 of safety barrier replacement, £190,000 for New Forest fencing and cattle grids, plus a contribution of £125,000 towards maintenance elements within improvement schemes.

5.6 The larger maintenance schemes costing more than £100,000 are set out in Appendix 4.

Pavements

5.7 There are 130 resurfacing and reconstruction schemes averaging £25,000 per scheme and surface dressing approximately 21 kilometres annually.

Drainage

5.8 There are approximately 35 drainage repairs averaging £50,000 per scheme.

Major Maintenance

5.9 There are three schemes in this year's programme:

(i) A3023 Hayling Island preliminary design costing £50,000 to enable a start on site during 2008;

(ii) A35 Lyndhurst gyratory Phase 1 £250,000. Works are planned to commence in September and complete by December; and

(iii) A327 Minley £1.25 million. Works are planned to commence in June and complete by October.

Bridges and Other Structures

5.10 A summary of the programme is set out in Appendix 5. £3.66 million is allocated to structural bridge maintenance which is divided as follows:

Structural Maintenance £1.15 million

Road Rail Interfaces £1.03 million

Strengthening/Replacement £1.14 million

Assessments and Feasibility £335,000.

6. Integrated Transport Programme 2007/08

6.1 The funding for the 2007/08 programme is made up of the following elements:

6.2 There are some 50 named schemes in the programme, totalling over £14 million in value, plus a further £6.15 million of county-wide sub-programmes such as the Safe and Secure Communities Programme, Safer Routes to School and Casualty Reduction. The sub-programmes were approved in March and May 2007 and remain unchanged. The main programme is set out in Appendix 1.

6.3 Expenditure against schemes in the 2007/08 programme, plus older schemes still spending, and planned future scheme costs, such as continuing feasibility work on Chickenhall Lane Link Road at £850,000, need to be managed carefully in order to stay within the £10.553 million total identified in paragraph 6.1.

Rescheduling of Schemes in the 2007/08 Programme

6.4 Since setting the programme in January the following schemes, which are largely externally funded, are not now planned to start in 2007/08. One scheme (vii) is proposed to be dropped from the programme, rather than delayed.

(i) Alençon Link Bus Interchange Improvements: £420,000 externally funded

Potential redevelopment of retail area nearby will have an impact on this scheme. Officers are discussing the implications and impact of the development with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council which is the Planning Authority. At this time it is proposed that the scheme be deferred to 2008/09.

(ii) Brookvale, Basingstoke: £75,000 LTP, £200,000 ROUA, £20,000 externally funded

Details of potential development sites in the area have emerged and will impact on the extent and funding requirements of the scheme. The EF funding already identified includes £200,000 from the Regeneration of Older Urban Areas (ROUA) programme and £20,000 from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. At this time it is proposed to defer the scheme to 2009/10 with the current level of LTP, however it is expected that should developer contributions become available as a result of these developments the LTP funding will be reduced or withdrawn.

(iii) Old Basing Footway Improvements: £100,000 externally funded

This scheme includes provision of new and improved footways near two schools located on Milkingpen Lane, therefore it is preferable to implement the works during the school summer holiday. The delivery programme indicates that it is unlikely that construction could start before February 2008 in any case. It is therefore proposed that this scheme be deferred to 2008/09 when works will begin in July.

(iv) Overton Village Improvements: £250,000 externally funded

This scheme is being developed in response to a recent development on the east side of the village. Proposals to improve access between the site and other key destinations in Overton are being developed, and a road narrowing trial is proposed for the summer as part of the feasibility design phase. The delivery programme indicates that permanent works are unlikely to start during 2007/08. Furthermore, the remainder of funding due under the Section 106 Agreement will not be received until the autumn. It is therefore proposed that this scheme be deferred to 2008/09.

(v) Salisbury Road/Water Lane Junction, Environmental Improvements, Totton: £620,000 externally funded

Originally in the programme with £325,000 external funding while the scope and priorities for this scheme were being developed. This is now complete and the additional funding required to achieve the agreed objectives has been re-allocated from Water Lane Phase 2 (see item below). Significant preliminary scoping has been undertaken with the design team and project stakeholders. The preliminary programme has identified that it is unrealistic to propose a start during 2007/08.

(vi) Water Lane Phase 2, Totton: £75,000 externally funded

Following successful completion of Phase 1 of the project it was determined that the additional measures planned were no longer required. This project is proposed to be put on hold while funding is redirected to the Salisbury Road/Water Lane junction (see above).

(vii) Fontley Road Footway, Winchester: £200,000 externally funded

This scheme requires land dedications from a number of private dwellings in order to construct the proposed footway. Despite lengthy negotiations it has not been possible to secure all the land required within the funding available. A revised design to reduce the need for land has been investigated but costs would be far in excess of the funding available because of the need for road realignment and associated drainage alterations. It is therefore proposed to withdraw this scheme from the programme and reassign the developer contributions to an appropriate replacement.

(viii) Lyndhurst Approaches - Signals: £300,000 LTP

This scheme is now part of a major consultation exercise about transport infrastructure in the area which is planned to take place later this year. Additionally, the scheme will have a significant effect on traffic through Lyndhurst during construction, and so it is preferable to do it after the summer. The design is not far enough advanced to enable the scheme to be completed this autumn so it is sensible to reschedule to next year. It should be noted that the planned major consultation exercise may affect the ultimate deliverability of this project.

Carry Forward of Capital Schemes Not Started by 31 March 2007

6.6 The principle of carrying forward to 2007/08 capital schemes not started by 31 March 2007 was agreed by the Executive Member for Policy and Resources on 5 April 2007. The schemes in the Environment capital programme to be carried forward are listed in Appendix 2. This was also included in the report to Cabinet on 25 June 2007 on the final accounts. Previously reported carry forwards are not included.

6.7 Externally funded schemes are not required to be reported as carry forwards and will not be reported to Cabinet in the final accounts. However, Appendix 2 also identifies these for information.

Summary of changes to the LTP Programme

6.8 The following table sets out the changes to the LTP capital programme including external funding:

	£'000
LTP Programme approved in January 2007	46,364
Add schemes carried forward from 2006/07	2688
Less schemes rescheduled to later programmes	-1965
Variations in costs of schemes	1120
TOTAL	47,865

Final Cost of Capital Schemes Completed in 2006/07

6.9 In accordance with the County Council's Financial Procedures, the final costs of schemes completed in 2006/07 are listed in Appendix 3. This includes the completion of Chandler's Ford Railway Station at a cost of £3.5 million, this project having started in 2002/03. `Completed' in this context means when the final payment has been made. Some of these schemes may have been in operation prior to April 2006 but the final payment was only made in 2006/07.

6.9 The final cost of the schemes completed in 2006/07 is £284,000 less than the latest approved estimate for those schemes charged to the service's capital cash limit. However, this variation in expenditure has already been taken into account in assessing resources available to support other schemes in the capital programme.

7. Waste Management Programme 2007/08

7.1 There are no changes to the programme approved in January.

Below is a brief update on the progress to date.

Household Waste Recycling Centres

7.2 Feasibility studies and prioritisation concluded that a new `split-level' site was required to serve the residents of Andover. Progress on the relocation of the site in terms of site identification and land acquisition is at an advanced stage and, subject to planning permission, should be operational in early to mid 2008. The total cost of the project is £1.2 million which will be a combination of grant and local funding.

7.3 After extensive feasibility studies and site identification for a new site to serve Romsey, on 6 December 2006 the Executive Member for Policy and Resources decided that minor improvements to the existing Casbrook household waste recycling centre be evaluated and the replacement at the Luzborough Depot be discontinued.

7.4 Other sites being assessed include the relocation or development of sites in Marchwood, Fair Oak, Waterlooville, Aldershot, Hartley Wintney, Gosport, Havant and Somerley. It is not envisaged that any construction will begin until after 2007/08.

Facilities Management

7.5 The 2007/08 programme for facilities management is £64,000. It will be used to deliver pollution control works at closed unlicensed landfill sites and pollution control/remediation works at closed licensed sites managed under contract with Hampshire Waste Services Limited.

7.6 The current allocation enables a programme of short term solutions to be delivered, while efforts are continuing to develop a programme that will provide the necessary long term solutions to reduce risk and reduce increasing revenue costs.

8. Environmental Improvements Programme 2007/08

8.1 The Environmental Improvement Programme is set out in Appendix 6. It comprises the Regeneration of Older Urban Areas Initiative (ROUA), the Country Towns Initiative and Hampshire Villages Initiative. Each initiative is unique in the way schemes are initiated, developed and delivered but all share the common aim of environmental enhancement, partnership working and sustainable development.

Regeneration of Older Urban Areas Initiative

8.2 It is proposed to spend in the region of £657,000 during 2007/08. This will include £346,000 on five projects that have started, £198,000 on two projects that will start during the financial year and £108,000 on three projects currently in the design stage. All projects are currently running within planned expenditure levels.

8.3 Since January 2007 the North Camp, Farnborough and Stoke Road, Gosport schemes have started on site. In the next quarter The Square, Hamble and Church End Green, Yateley will be complete on site.

8.4 The Rumbridge Street (Old Totton) scheme was delayed as a result of a complication arising from detailed site investigations and surveys of the infrastructure. Recognising the need to minimise disruption to local business activity, it is proposed to start on site in March 2008 to enable works to proceed in good time and be completed in advance of sensitive trading periods and inclement weather.

Country Towns Initiative

8.5 It is proposed to spend in the region of £479,481 during 2007/08. This will include £376,481 on four projects that have started, £50,000 on one project that will start during the year and £53,000 on one project at the feasibility stage.

8.6 Since January 2007 Titchfield Square has started on site. In the next quarter The Bury, Odiham will be complete on site; this project was delayed due to resurfacing difficulties. New Milton, Station Road and Mallard Court scheme Phase 1 will commence.

Hampshire Villages Initiative

8.7 It is proposed to spend in the region of £74,250 during 2007/08. This will include £22,850 on five projects that have started; £46,400 on eight projects that will start during the year and £5,000 on one project at the feasibility stage.

8.8 Since January 2007 schemes have started on site at Headley, Upper Wield and North Waltham. In the next quarter West Wellow will be completed and projects at Oliver's Battery, Monk Sherborne and Mottisfont will commence.

9. Impact Assessments

9.1 The proposals in this report are derived from the departmental service plans and LTP objectives and are in accordance with the budget strategy and the County Council's financial management policy. The proposals in this report are not considered to be discriminatory.

10. Conclusion

10.1 This report proposes the approval of amendments to the 2007/08 Environment capital programme. It also sets out schemes that are to be carried forward from 2006/07 and identifies completed capital schemes for information.

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APPENDIX 1

Integrated Transport Capital Programme for 2007/08

APPENDIX 2

Schemes to be carried forward to start in 2007/08

APPENDIX 3

Final Cost of capital schemes completed in 2006/07

APPENDIX 4

List of the larger Capital Maintenance Schemes over £100k - including Bridges

APPENDIX 5

Summary of the Bridges Programme 2007/08

APPENDIX 6

Environmental Improvements Programme Overview