Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Executive Decision Record

1. The following decision was made:

a) That the Project Appraisal for pedestrian and accessibility improvements in Station Road and the junction of Hippodrome House, Station Road, Birchett Road in Aldershot town centre, at an estimated cost of £385,000 secured through external funding, be approved.

2. Reasons for the decision:

2.1. This scheme aims to improve accessibility to the town centre and the local facilities, provide a safer environment for all road users, including cyclists, enhance the main pedestrian route between the rail and bus station to the town centre and improve the highway conditions.

2.2. Widening of pavements which are in poor condition, the provision of puffin crossing technology, narrowing of the wide junction and upgrading of some street lighting will make it easier and safer for pedestrians to access local facilities and will provide a safer environment for people to cross the road. The improved road conditions for those more vulnerable users who need to access the local shops and facilities will be of particular benefit. The scheme will also provide improvements that will contribute to the efficient operation of the signalised junction and will improve reliability.

2.3. A proposed major development area, known as the Aldershot Urban Extension, which is just north of the town centre, is expected to provide over 4,500 new dwellings. The scheme will contribute towards the regeneration of the town and encourage its greater use in the future, particularly in this area which is in need of improvements.

2.4. Approval of the scheme will contribute towards:

(i) `Making Hampshire Safer and more secure for all' by providing improvements to footways and crossing facilities that will help the more vulnerable to access local facilities.

(ii) `Maximising well-being' by improving opportunities and ease with which people can access local facilities and services. Widening of footways and provision of wider footways and puffin crossing technology will promote greater use of facilities for access.

(iii) `Enhancing our quality of place' and improving this area of Aldershot by upgrading and improving existing facilities. The scheme will help to promote Aldershot as an area where people will want to visit.

2.5. Aldershot Town Centre is identified in the Local Transport Plan 2 as an area for improvement. As part of the Rushmoor Plan (the Local Development Framework) Rushmoor Borough Council has produced a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for Aldershot Town Centre and this area has been identified for improvements. The SPD was adopted in January 2009.

3. Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. Provision of a roundabout was considered and rejected as it would not improve accessibility at this location as pedestrians and cyclists would not be able to cross the road easily. There would also be a higher risk of accidents for cyclists and the more vulnerable user.

3.2. To do nothing was rejected as the improvements to this area are needed to provide a safer and improved environment for residents, commuters and visitors to Aldershot. Aldershot Town is identified as an area for improvement in the Local Transport Plan 2 and is a Major Development Area.

3.3. To improve other areas of the town centre was considered and rejected as there was utilities work programmed. Any delay would result in further deterioration of this area, resulting in additional costs and the risk of the loss of the available external funding. This is seen as the first phase of proposed improvements in Aldershot town centre to improve the pedestrian and highway facilities and contribute towards the regeneration of Aldershot.

4. Conflicts of interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker: none.

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive Members consulted: none.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee: none.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent: not applicable.

7. Statement from the Decision Maker:

2150Decn/1179/HM