Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - POLICY AND RESOURCES

ITEM 5

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

RUMBRIDGE STREET, TOTTON - TRAFFIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEME - PHASE 2

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

JULY 2008

COMPLETION DATE:

DECEMBER 2008

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2008/09

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at 2007

(at 2007

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Nil

Nil

Construction (Phase 2 only)

1,331

1,331

Fees

200

200

1,531

1,531

Less developers/

195

195

other contributions

1,336

1,336

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Capital Programme

(a) Integrated Transport programme

168

(b) Other ROUA 2007/08

768

936

2.

From other resources

(a) Structural maintenance 2007/08

75

(b) Special maintenance 2008/09

325

(c) External Funding

195

TOTAL

1,531

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

1.7

0.002

Capital charges

59.0

0.045

TOTAL net expenditure

60.7

0.047

2.

SUMMARY

2.1

2.2

2.3

This revised scheme will complement the earlier completed works in Rumbridge Street which included new street lighting, removal of the deceleration lane on the A35 Totton bypass at the Rumbridge Street junction to slow traffic as it enters Rumbridge Street itself, and textured surface treatment laid along Rumbridge Street to encourage slower vehicle speeds.

Implementation of this project will visually enhance the appearance of one of the older parts of Totton and improve accessibility in Rumbridge Street for pedestrians and other vulnerable users. It will provide additional crossing opportunities with a reduced carriageway width of six metres and provide a safer environment for all.

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.

3.

3.1

3.2

Recommendations

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.

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.

4.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

Rumbridge Street represents the original `High Street' of Totton. The street retains a strong village character with a predominance of buildings of the late Victorian/Edwardian era. Due to neglect over a number of years and new development in other parts of Totton, Rumbridge Street has taken on a rundown appearance and has suffered the effects of under-investment from both the public and private sectors.

The street provides important local shopping facilities for Old Totton and Eling, together with a range of specialist outlets serving a wider area around the town. There is also a strong tradition of independent specialist traders operating from Rumbridge Street.

Like many urban areas, the street is dominated by traffic to the detriment of pedestrians and the local environment. The retail trade is also under threat from nearby out-of-town shopping and large scale commercial development, such as West Quay in Southampton and other outlets at Nursling Industrial Park.

The scheme provides an opportunity to add further value to the range of initiatives already undertaken in Rumbridge Street and the surrounding areas.

These initiatives are included in the Urban Design Framework adopted by New Forest District Council as Supplementary Planning Guidance. This framework has identified the need to make major improvements in the town centre which will overcome the existing traffic congestion in the area, and at the same time improve the built environment which has been decaying in recent years. This will make the area a better place to live and work and help to support its economic vitality.

Targets and Outcomes

The principal objectives of this scheme are to improve accessibility for all by reducing the level of through traffic and the average speed of vehicles to less than 30 miles per hour, the introduction of additional crossing opportunities and improved footways to meet the needs of pedestrians and public transport users, so that growth in these modes of travel are increased.

The scheme provides significant benefits for all and seeks to improve the quality of place. Attitudinal qualitative surveys will take place to access the views of users to record whether the improvements have had a positive measurable impact.

5.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

5.1

The proposed improvements in Rumbridge Street support the County Council's road safety and casualty reduction policies and enhance pedestrian facilities. The scheme contributes to the following objectives of the Local Transport Plan:

(i) increased accessibility;

(ii) promote safety;

(iii) widen travel choice; and

(iv) support wider quality of life objectives.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5

5.6

The scheme consists of the complete redesign and replacement of the existing drainage system, the resurfacing and narrowing of the carriageway to six metres in width, realignment and replacement of kerbs and footways, and the provision of new crossing points. These new crossing points in Rumbridge Street will be located close to Batts Corner, close to Osborne Road between the Co-op and close to the Post Office, in accordance with the adopted urban design framework and transportation strategy for this area.

Details of the second Phase of these works in Rumbridge Street will include:

(i) re-kerbing with high quality stone kerbs;

(ii) resurfacing of roads and pavements; and

(iii) landscape planting and new street furniture.

The footways designed for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists in phase 1 are being converted now due to an oversight on the phase 1 decision sheet. Landscaping at the entrance to Rumbridge Street from the A35, undertaken in phase 1, will also need to be revisited once the new drainage works have been completed due to salt water contamination caused by the existing drainage system.

The design of this scheme adheres to Hampshire County Council's standards and national guidance.

A location plan is attached and a detailed design plan will be displayed at the meeting.

Environmental Impact

5.7

The effects of these works and the use of environmentally-sensitive materials will greatly improve the general environment and streetscene in this part of Old Totton. Construction materials will be selected for their quality and long life, providing better value for money for long term maintenance costs. Recycled materials will be used where possible.

Land Requirements

5.8

No land acquisition required. Agreements with adjacent land owners will be sought to carry out the new surface finishes from the kerb line to the building line across any private frontages. The boundary of the highway and private forecourts will be delineated with appropriate materials. Failure of any landowner to give permission for improvement work to be carried out on their land would not be considered prejudicial to the overall success of the scheme, with all the main elements still able to be delivered.

Statutory Procedures

5.9

Planning permission is not required for any elements of the work including that on private forecourts and frontages.

Public Consultation

5.10

5.11

Public consultation on a broad range of improvements for Totton Town Centre, including Rumbridge Street, was undertaken in September 2002 and the results of the exercise indicated a high level of support for the overall initiative, particularly for the Old Totton area.

A separate public exhibition displaying the detailed proposals for Rumbridge Street only was undertaken on 24 June 2004. The plans were subsequently displayed at the Totton and Eling Town Council Offices from 28 June to 15 July 2004. Regular progress meetings have continued to take place with Totton and Eling Town Council and New Forest District Council and they have, in principle, agreed to this scheme.

Local Members' Views

5.12

The local Members, Councillors Weeks and Harrison, support the proposals.

Impact Assessments

5.13

The scheme is intended to improve access for pedestrians and other vulnerable users and complement local retailers and businesses in the vicinity. An 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 or gender, but to improve accessibility for all.

Maintenance Implications

5.14

The renewal of the existing drainage system will reduce future maintenance liabilities and the overall scheme will have minimal effect on maintenance given that it is constructed on areas of existing carriageway and footway which has been taken into account when setting the annual budget.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

5.15

The provision of the Act has no impact on this proposal. Improved street lighting, together with the surrounding environment and an increase in economic activity in the area, would have the likely effect of deterring anti-social behaviour.

Sustainability

5.16

The scheme seeks to further improve the environment, streetscene and accessibility for pedestrians and other vulnerable users.

6.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

6.1

6.2

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.

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

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

Regeneration of Older Urban Areas

Programme and Local Transport Plan -

Traffic and Environmental accessibility

Improvement Scheme Rumbridge Street,

Totton - Phase 2 Project File

Environment Department