Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence received.

Apologies were received from Councillor Carter and Councillor Frankum.

All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore all Members with a Non-Pecuniary interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 2 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Non-Pecuniary interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 2 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and agreed

To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.

The deputation procedure was summarised and it was confirmed that six deputations had been received for the meeting.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

There were no Chairman’s Announcements.

To consider a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment regarding an application for construction of a bypass for Botley, providing a connection from Station Hill (A334/A3051 junction) to Woodhouse Lane together with associated improvements/enabling works to Woodhouse Lane.

Committee considered a report from the Head of Strategic Planning regarding an application for the construction of Botley Bypass.

Committee were shown a location plan where the proposed bypass would be going, along with elevations and plans for road improvements along Woodhouse Lane. Detailed diagrams showed new junctions and road changes, along with uncontrolled pedestrian crossings.

Consultations and representations were summarised and issues included flood risks, displaced traffic, noise and lack of signalled crossings.

The Committee received five deputations on this item. Gail Johnson from the British Horse Society stated that they were supportive of the scheme, but wished for safer equestrian access, including that of controlled crossings. There were concerns regarding the amount of traffic and the speed of vehicles, making crossing the road potentially dangerous if there were no controlled crossings. Access to cycle ways and verges was considered important for being able to reach quieter roads and public rights of way.

            Councillor Eric Bodger from Curdridge Parish Council was strongly in favour of the scheme as the current route through Botley had seen many accidents, and the developments in Horton Heath were expected to make the traffic worse. Councillor Colin Mercer from Botley Parish Council stated that the majority of local residents were in strong favour of the scheme and it had been anticipated for a long time. The current pavements and the width of the road were felt dangerous for pedestrians, particularly with HGV lorries, of which there were approximately 500 movements per day.

            Heather Walmsley, Holly Wood and Rob Ward spoke on behalf of the applicant. The benefits of the bypass were summarised and it was confirmed that controlled crossings had not been taken into account as policy requirements had not been met, but were not ruled out for the future if considered necessary. There had been no objection from consultees on air quality grounds or effects to ecological sites.
            Finally, Hampshire County Councillor Rupert Kyrle addressed Committee in support of the proposals. He was hopeful that the bypass and reduction in through-traffic would improve access to the Botley centre and allow people to enjoy the historic village and what it had to offer.

During questions of the deputations, the following points were clarified:

• At the moment horses cross the road in one go, and a controlled crossing had been requested as part of the consultation.
• Installing a controlled crossing was not felt to be warranted for the number of users, and it was unsafe to install a crossing that is rarely used as traffic gets accustomed to ignoring it. It was also a priority that traffic is kept moving along the bypass. An independent audit process had confirmed that one was not needed at the moment.
• There would be minimal cost implications regardless of whether a crossing was installed now or in the future, and the County Council would likely pay for it in either circumstance.
• When considering whether controlled crossings are necessary, only existing and committed developments (those benefitting from planning permission)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

To consider a report from the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regarding an application for deregistration of common land at Blackbushe Airport, in the parish of Yateley.

Committee received an information report from the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regarding land at Blackbushe Airport.

The Chairman informed that the County Council had received an application to de-register Common Land, to which the County Council had received qualifying objections and was therefore obligated to refer the application to the Planning Inspector pursuant to the Commons Registration Act 2014. There would be no debate as no decision was required whilst the Planning Inspector was to decide the application, however in the event the planning inspector decided to return the application to the County Council members of the committee should not prejudice their position by debating prematurely.

The Officer introduced the item and Committee was shown a location plan and aerial photograph from 2013 showing the area.

The Committee had one deputy on the item from local resident Maritsa Singer who expressed her objection to the application for deregistration.

RESOLVED:

Committee noted the report and information therein.

There was no vote on this item.