Contact: Barry Armstrong, tel 02380 427600

email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the Executive Member for Environment approves, under sections 65 and 66 of the Highways Act 1980, the conversion of the existing and proposed footways, which comprised Phase 1 of the scheme, to shared use for pedestrians and cyclists.

(ii) That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources approves this revised Project Appraisal for the construction of Phase 2 of the Traffic and Environmental Improvement Scheme in Rumbridge Street, Totton, at an estimated cost of £1.531 million.

2. Reason

2.1 Following the approval of the original £800,000 Project Appraisal in September 2006 for Phase 2 of this scheme, works were postponed at the contract audit stage, pending further investigations of the carriageway. The results revealed inconsistencies in the drainage and carriageway capabilities in Rumbridge Street and similar carriageway concerns in Winsor Road.

2.2 This decision:

(i) creates opportunities to improve conditions for pedestrian safety, particularly for those with disabilities, the elderly and children;

(ii) enhances access to community facilities and services, promoting local pride, by improving the setting for economic activity, raising confidence in the business community and encouraging investment; and

(iii) enhances the distinctiveness and environmental quality of Totton, ensuring it remains a place where people want to live.

2.3 The County Council's Regeneration of Older Urban Areas Initiative (ROUAi) 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.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 After extensive testing, it was clear that no works to Rumbridge Street should commence without the provision of a new drainage system. This additional element would significantly increase the total cost of the original scheme proposals and therefore prompted a complete revision of the Phase 2 scheme design. This new proposal is consistent with the adopted urban design framework and transport strategy for the area.

3.2 Replace drainage system only. This was rejected because it would not meet the original objectives for Older Urban Areas.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

Approved by: Date: ...................................

Councillor M J Kendal

Executive Member for Environment

Approved by: ..................................... Date: ...................................

Councillor T K Thornber CBE

Executive Member for Policy and Resources

1514Decn/BA