Agenda item

Report reference NWDF10.

(Report NWDF 10 refers)

The Forum received and noted the report of the North Whiteley Implementation Officer which provided an update on progress with issues relating to the North Whiteley Major Development Area.

The Forum was briefed on a number of issues contained within the report, including that;

• It was anticipated that an official start date for work at Junction 9 would be September 2019, which was expected to take two years.
• Tree clearance was underway as part of the first phase to enable the extension of Bluebell way
• Tree clearance along the top section of the Botley Road had commenced which enables the provision of the Footpath/Cycleway.
• Contractors had been appointed for the Western Access junction with work starting in January 2019.
• Two of the housing developers had now submitted reserved matters applications for some parcels of land. If approved it was anticipated that this would enable construction to commence on site in April 2019.
• Hampshire County Council and Cornerstone CEA Primary School had agreed to reschedule the start of construction of the new school which was anticipated to open in September 2021.  

The Forum raised a number of points concerning the detail of the report which were responded to as summarised below:

• Members raised a number of points concerning the detail of the report. In particular, questions were asked regarding the triggers required to enable the school build, the delivery of all-weather pitches and the 5-metre lighting posts along the B3051 cycleway. Regarding concerns with parking restrictions on Bluebell Way, Members were advised that this was an issue that should be raised with Transport Officers at Winchester City Council.

• Members further debated the issues concerning GP facilities and felt that an invitation should be extended to representatives of the Clinical Commissioning Group and/or the General Practice to attend a future meeting.

• Regarding the issues connected with Air Quality, it was suggested that a monitoring system was implemented to monitor compliance with the Air Quality Management Plan. The Forum was advised that the issue had already been raised with them and meetings were underway with Ward Members.

• Regarding questions over biodiversity, Members of the forum were advised that as the reserved matters applications come forward to the Planning Committee, that individuals or parish councils would be able to make representations to the committee. It was requested that an update be provided to the Forum on this issue at the next meeting.   

• In response to a specific question, Councillor Humby reported that the County Council was responsible for approximately 1,500 bridges which were all regularly tested. He advised that no issues were known of in relation to the road bridges in the locality.

Finally, Officers from Hampshire County Council provided the Forum with an update of Transport Infrastructure issues, including; funding and progress at M27, Junction 9, Whiteley Way and Botley footpath and cycleway.  In addition, officers updated the Forum regarding plans for R1, Whiteley Roundabout which was anticipated to commence Summer 2019 with a two year construction period. Following the awarding of this contract, a public exhibition was planned.  

RESOLVED:

That the content of the report be noted.

The Chairman thanked those attending this meeting of the Forum.