Archived decisions

Decision Maker:

Executive Member - Environment

Date of Decision:

11 November 2008

Decision Title:

Project Appraisal: Salisbury Road/Water Lane Junction, Totton - Environmental Improvements

Decision Reference:

239

Report From:

Director of Environment

Contact name:

Barry Armstrong

Tel:

02380 427600

Email:

[email protected]

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

SALISBURY ROAD/WATER LANE JUNCTION, TOTTON -ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

FEBRUARY 2009

COMPLETION DATE:

MAY 2009

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 2008

(at 2008

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Nil

Nil

Construction

505

505

Fees

183

183

688

688

Less developers/

628

628

other contributions

60

60

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Capital Programme

(a) Capital programme (as above)

nil

(b) Special Maintenance Budget

60

60

2.

From other resources

(a) New Forest District Council contribution

335

(b) Developers Contribution

293

(c)

TOTAL

688

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

1.3

0.001

Capital charges

45.0

0.034

TOTAL net expenditure

46.3

0.035

2.

SUMMARY

2.1

2.2

This scheme will improve access to shops and businesses in Totton town centre by providing a package of measures, including enhanced footways and carriageways, improved crossing facilities and landscape improvements to the triangle area at the Salisbury Road/ Water Lane junction.

The scheme will provide:

(i) additional crossing opportunities;

(ii) safer and widened footways;

(iii) reduced on-street parking;

(iv) improved lighting;

(v) new trees, planting and street furniture; and

(vi) improved facilities for cyclists.

3.

Recommendation

That the Project Appraisal for the construction of accessibility and environmental improvements in Salisbury Road/Water Lane, Totton, at an estimated cost of £688,000 including £628 external funding, be approved.

4.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.8

Proposed improvements for Totton town centre are set out in the Totton Urban Design Framework (UDF) 2003.

In line with the overall vision, New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council prepared design sketches for the Water Lane triangle area, one of the key spaces identified in the UDF.

The concept was to design the area as a "village green", in contrast to the more urban retail areas of the town, with avenues of trees and grassy areas to replace the existing large triangular areas of tarmacadam that flank the existing junction.

The intention was to improve pedestrian accessibility, creating facilities for cyclists and the mobility impaired by redistributing the existing road space to create delivery and disabled parking, whilst reducing the amount of available on-street parking to promote safer conditions and better use of the existing free local car parks.

Water Lane triangle is an important retail area of the town. It is a bus route and attracts a significant number of pedestrian movements. The A36 Salisbury Road is a major arterial route connecting the centre of Totton with the A36/M27 to the north-west of the town. The street is lit and restricted to 30 miles per hour through the urban area.

A traffic survey carried out in 2006 recorded 17,000 vehicles using Salisbury Road daily between Water Lane and the World Stores roundabout, reducing to just over 15,000 vehicles to the north of the Water Lane junction. A number of pedestrian desire lines and crossing opportunities have also been identified and crossing facilities are proposed to facilitate safer crossing of the highway.

Targets and Outcomes

The principal objectives of this scheme are to create an improved quality of place and provide improved accessibility for all by introducing additional and improved crossing facilities and enhanced footways. The scheme will meet the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users and the mobility impaired, and:

(i) increase the numbers of pedestrians and cyclists in the town centre;

(ii) improve levels of public satisfaction with the new and improved arrangements; and;

(iii) increase awareness between motor vehicle traffic, pedestrians, cyclists and the mobility impaired.

The scheme will help build and strengthen the local community and economy by meeting the needs of all users by embodying the principles of inclusive design to form part of a well-connected network. On-street surveys will take place to assess the views of users to record whether improvements have had a positive measurable impact.

5.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

5.1

The proposed improvements to Salisbury Road and Water Lane contribute to the following objectives of the Local Transport Plan by:

(i) increasing accessibility;

(ii) promoting safety;

(iii) widening travel choice; and

(iv) supporting wider quality of life objectives.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

5.2

The scheme consists of new raised tables and complete reconstruction and resurfacing of carriageways and service roads in Water Lane between A36 and Popes Lane.

5.3

It introduces widening and resurfacing of existing footways and the provision of new dropped kerb crossing opportunities. The existing Pelican crossing in Salisbury Road will be upgraded to Puffin status.

5.4

Refurbishment of the two triangular areas by removing tarmacadam surfacing and replacing it with a landscaped area with trees and shrubs is planned, together with provision of new street furniture and lighting. Additional street trees and planting to the verges bordering the A36 is incorporated in the scheme.

5.5

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

Environmental Impact

5.6

The combined effect of these works together with the introduction of trees, planting, improved lighting, street furniture and improved facilities for cyclists will upgrade this area of Totton and enhance the quality of place for the local people and visitors.

Land Requirements

5.7

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

Statutory Procedures

5.8

Planning permission is not required for any elements of the works. The processing of any new, revised or revoked Traffic Orders such as on-street parking restrictions will be undertaken by New Forest District Council under the Traffic Management Agency. Speed tables will be advertised by Hampshire County Council in accordance with the requirements of the Road Hump Regulations.

Public Consultation

5.9

Public support has been expressed through the UDF design document and a further public exhibition held at Totton and Eling Town Council offices in May and June 2007. Following consultation, objection in the form of a petition against the removal of some of the on-street parking was received. A public meeting convened at Totton Civic Centre, with District and County Members in attendance, addressed the concerns of local traders and members of the public and reminded objectors that plentiful free car parking was available for all. This scheme has the support of the Town Council and New Forest District Council and it is being jointly promoted by the County Council and the District Council.

Local Members' View

5.10

The local Members, Councillors Harrison and Weeks, support this scheme.

Impact Assessments

5.11

This scheme is intended to improve the sense of place for the town and improve the pedestrian realm, whilst complementing the local retailers and businesses in the vicinity, by the introduction of increased crossing opportunities for pedestrians and the mobility impaired. 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 and gender.

Maintenance Implications

5.12

The proposals include full refurbishment of sections of the carriageway and footways, therefore future maintenance requirements are not expected to significantly increase.

5.13

The revenue implications of this proposal will be taken into account in the setting of the annual base budget.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

5.14

The provisions of the Act have no impact on this proposal.

Sustainability

5.15

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

6.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

6.1

Given the long standing commitment to deliver improvements in the Totton town centre area, various design options have been presented for consultation; this final version being the one selected.

LINKS TO THE CORPORATE STRATEGY

Yes

No

Hampshire safer and more secure for all

Corporate Business plan link no (if appropriate)

Maximising well-being

Corporate Business plan link no (if appropriate)

Enhancing our quality of place

Corporate Business plan link no (if appropriate)

OTHER SIGNIFICANT LINKS:

Links to Previous member decisions:

Title

Ref

Date

Direct Links to Specific Legislation or Government Directives

Title

Date

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background documents

The following documents discuss facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and have been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report. (NB: the list excludes published works and any documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.)

Document

Location

Salisbury Road/Water Lane Junction, Totton - Environmental Improvements Project file. Results of public Consultation.

Environment Department
Area West, Totton