Minutes:
Jeff Davis (Tetra Tech) provided the forum with a presentation which had been made available on the council’s website. (available here) The presentation covered a range of issues, which included the following:
1. Overview - Highways
2. Phase 1 Bluebell Way Area
3. Strategic Cycleway: Footpath 9
4. Phase 2 - Off-Site Whiteley Way
5. Phase 3 - Station Hill - Whiteley Way / Curbridge Way to Whiteley Way
6. Open Space – Delivery Update
7. Bus Service
In addition, he advised of the following specific points.
1. Phase 1 Bus Service commenced on 9th Jan 2023. Currently the contract is out to tender as the initial tendering process did not succeed. This time the tender is for a longer period. The current bus service contract has been extended to 30 June 2024 but faced viability issues, with an average of 3 passengers per journey as of Feb 2024.
2. Further traffic management is under consideration.
3. The Southern Local Centre contract was nearing agreement, with discussions ongoing with the Winchester City Council Planning team.
4. Footpath 9 Phase 1 s278 legal agreement agreed in principle but still not complete as additional work required for equestrian visibility. Construction delayed to spring 2024.
5. Footpath 9 Phase 2 being designed with planning application to follow summer 2024.
6. The works to off-site Whiteley Way to commence 11th March 2024 . communications for advance warnings about construction starting were planned. Target completion by late 2025/early 2026.
7. Whiteley Way and Curbridge Way opened to through traffic on 14th Sept 2023, with traffic management measures implemented.
8. Detailed planning permission had been granted for 3102 houses, with a significant number already started or occupied.
9. Open space development updates include completed allotments and LEAP areas, with ongoing landscape works.
Members asked several questions and made comments regarding the following:
1. Concerns were raised about the lack of directional signage at the mini roundabout on Whiteley Way, particularly signs directing to Tesco and other local amenities.
2. Regarding the four-year extension of bus services, a question was asked about whether the bus company had considered adjusting the timetable to align with school opening hours to facilitate use by students and parents.
3. An update was requested on the provision of bus shelters within the area.
4. Regarding the development of the play area, it was asked about the legal formalities pending completion and whether the council could assist in expediting these processes.
5. The necessity for post boxes in North Whiteley was highlighted, especially in Whiteley Meadows and Curbridge Meadows, due to the area's growing population.
6. The importance of aligning bus schedules with train times at Swanwick and Botley stations was emphasised to improve connectivity and usability.
7. Issues were raised regarding parking problems at the Test Rd and Avon Rd junction, including near-miss accidents and obstructions caused by vehicles parking on footpaths.
8. A suggestion was made to consider extending bus routes through Hedge End to Eastleigh, to enhance viability by increasing usage through improved access to Whiteley's amenities.
9. Concerns were raised regarding parking issues on Brunel Way.
These points were responded to by Jeff Davis, and Hilary Oliver accordingly.
Hilary Oliver, Implementation Officer, Winchester City Council, addressed the forum and provided updates on the following which included responses to several questions received from residents (full details of the questions from residents are attached to these minutes)
1. Confirmation from Hampshire County Council on the anticipated planning application for the secondary school, construction was planned to start in 2025 and complete in 2027.
2. Progress on the Southern Local Centre, with contracts expected to be signed soon, and a planning application to follow. The Northern Local Centre was progressing, and discussions were ongoing about a community centre in the north, with a temporary solution being explored.
3. Updates on Play Areas, with Play Area 2 opening shortly and Play Area 1 to follow.
4. A second entrance to Hangmans Copse was expected to be completed this year.
5. Queries about parking issues, specifically the need for double yellow lines at the flats opposite Redpoll Way, were under consideration.
6. Discussions on finishing streetlights on the cycleway to Botley Station were ongoing.
7. Sports pitches and allotments off Tortoiseshell Close were expected to be completed by mid-year, with works starting in April and May, respectively.
8. A clean-up operation was planned to address debris and metal left in the area, with specific attention to Monks Brook Road.
9. Questions about retail development timing and additional parking at Whiteley Leisure Centre were addressed.
10. The situation on Test Road and Avon Road was being actively managed.
11. Updates on footpath developments around Whiteley Way and Segensworth roundabout were provided, including adjustments to speed limits and ongoing negotiations with Network Rail.
Members asked several questions and made comments regarding the following:
1. Further information was sought regarding the development and opening schedule of a second primary school in North Whiteley.
2. A question was raised about the status of a new telephone mast that had been installed, but not yet activated and it was advised that it was anticipated that the mast will go live at the end of March/early April.
3. That following a question from a member of the public, it was felt that an opportunity had been missed to provide a safe connection to Burridge Scout hut.
4. Regarding the completion works required for the cycle path along Botley Road, officers were asked to request that these works be undertaken during the night.
These points were responded to by Hilary Oliver accordingly who advised that further responses would be provided to the forum following the meeting.