Town District and County Councillor for Totton South, David Harrison, has expressed strong reservations about plans to extend the local Asda store.
The plans include extending the floor space, building a single storey car park over the existing car park and provision of 32 additional car parking spaces. They have already been welcomed by local conservative MP, Dr Julian Lewis who described the plans which might lead to extra jobs as “An early Christmas present for the people of Totton”.

However, Councillor David Harrison, a former Chairman of Totton & Eling Town Council, says the plans will not be universally welcomed. He says “Putting a very large box like structure in the town centre will not be an attractive feature. I’m also concerned about the prospect of added traffic congestion, especially as this is so near to the Air Quality Management area. Clearly, more traffic and more congestion is not going to improve matters”.

Councillor Harrison will be asking planners to fully consider the visual appearance of the proposed new structure, the likely impact of heavier traffic congestion, (especially on air quality) and to assess what effect expansion of the store will mean to smaller retail outlets in the town. He adds “Councillors have a duty to think about the wider community impact such a scheme will have. It is unwise to rush to judgement and refer to plans as Christmas presents”.

I have had a very busy week dealing with Highway issues in my County Council division. Apart from the usual bits and pieces of case-work, I have had meetings with Officers and other Councillors in Totton, Marchwood & Winchester, all looking at various highway issues.

I thought it might be useful to list some of the things discussed, with a bit of comment, starting with Marchwood :

Proposed HGV Ban – Hythe Road

The Portfolio Holder or the Environment, Cllr. Mel Kendal confirmed that this project had stalled. There is a problem, not easy to overcome. My wish matches that of the majority view of Marchwood residents who, when consulted, expressed the wish that Hampshire County Council tries to impose a complete ban on HGV movements in Hythe Road.

However, the operators of Marchwood Industrial Estate, Oceanic Estates, are opposed to this and will lodge a legal objection to any such move. They have apparently obtained something like 600 signatures on a petition, expressing objection to any such plan (mostly from business users of the estate but also some from residents who live nearby).

The District Councillor, Alison Hoare says that she supports a ban on HGV’s travelling southbound along Hythe Road, as opposed to a complete ban. There has been a very recent traffic count along the major roads into Marchwood. The figures are only just available, (and have not yet been shared with me).
Cllr. Kendal says he is uncertain about what to do because if we try and implement a complete ban, it will certainly be legally challenged and our case is considered vulnerable because the alternative route for HGV’s to take (A326 / Jacobs Gutter Lane/ Bury Road) is rather longer than the county policy guidelines stipulate.

I expressed the view that we should press ahead and try and get a complete ban. I’m doubtful that Oceanic Estates will drop their objection is we go for a southbound ban only. For me, the key issues are the support of the majority of villagers for a complete ban and the very real hazards of HGV movements (north or south) in Hythe road, especially near the junction with Twiggs Lane at school opening and closing time. The bypass is the proper route for HGV traffic. I am hoping that the authority will decide to try and impose a complete ban.

I was informed that Officers are looking at some further low cost measures to improve pedestrian safety in Hythe Road. There are no funds available for constructing a proper pavement or cycleway (in fact developers contributions relating to Marchwood only amount to some £3,000). It might be that one side of the road will be designated as a cycle / pedestrian route, with appropriate painted areas. I look forward to seeing detailed plans in due course.

Jacobs Gutter Lane – Junction with Trotts Lane

Tragically, this was the scene of a fatal accident a few weeks ago. A cyclist was killed when trying to cross Jacobs Gutter Lane, from the Eling direction, towards Trotts Lane. He was struck by a container lorry.

Officers have, as they always do, examined the accident scene. It seems very likely that a safer crossing will be installed. They always wait until the Coroner’s inquest has taken place before making a formal recommendation. I did make the point that we would have to also consider lowering the traffic speed along this stretch of road. To put in a crossing without the means of slowing approaching traffic may increase the risk of further accidents.

Normandy Way

Work has been undertaken to consider how best to improve arrangements for pedestrians to cross Normandy Way safely. There is a “safe refuge” for pedestrians to use (mainly for the residents of the Admiralty Quay Estate). However, this is considered unsatisfactory. I am keen for pedestrians to have the ability to stop traffic, especially in view of the high volumes of HGV traffic. Once again, speed is an issue. I reminded one and all that Oceanic Estates have informally indicated support for a reduction to the speed limit, from 40mph to 30mph.

Hopefully, a scheme with detailed drawings will be available to consider in the next few weeks.

Main Road

I understand that the entire length of Main Road is to be re-surfaced shortly.

20 MPH Speed Limits

The Parish Council asked Hampshire County Council to consider introducing a speed limit of 20 mph on some village roads, for safety reasons. I learned that this is something already done in some parts of Portsmouth, apparently quite successfully.

We had quite a long discussion about the merits of this. We seemed to agree that when we are residents, we love the idea of speed limits, but when we get into our cars, we often hate it! The local police have made their position quite clear in that they don’t generally support such schemes because most drivers will not abide to the lower limits and they won’t be practically enforceable.
I argued that there might be some areas that could be suitable. However, it was important to get public support for any such scheme, for me to support it, I would have to see some evidence that lowering the speed limit from 30mph to 20 mph actually made a difference to road safety. Lastly, we need to consider the environmental consequences.

Interestingly, there are proposals being considered, looking at the possibility of a 30mph limit right across the New Forest. I’m not at all sure this is of benefit. On most Forest roads, I would consider it right to travel at 40mph in daylight, when the conditions are good, with no animals about. However, even 30 mph might be too fast at night, with horses grazing close to the road. Sometimes blanket speed limits take away the responsibility of the driver to consider the conditions and drive appropriately. I prefer that each road is looked at on its merits, whether this is in Marchwood or anywhere else.

A326 / Twiggs Lane

Work on the promised pedestrian crossing is due to start later this month with street lighting being installed all around the junction first of all. I have asked about arrangements for dealing with traffic whilst the crossing is constructed, emphasising the importance of trying to avoid any diversions that will re-direct traffic through the village and particularly near the Marchwood Infants School. Officers will brief me on this and seem fully aware of the issue.

Mulberry Road

A one-way traffic, 20 mph scheme has been agreed for Mulberry Road and will now be implemented.

Totton South

Asda Roundabout

There are quite a few issues that are linked relating to highways in Totton. Consultants have been looking at improving the means of pedestrian access around the town centre and giving consideration to air quality issues, especially in the Junction Road area.

County Councillor Alan Weeks (Totton North) and I are to get an Officer briefing on this when the report is ready. I anticipate that some measures may involve getting rid of barriers and railings and introducing the concept of “Shared Space”, the idea being that pedestrians are given much greater freedom to cross where they please and that the users of motor vehicles are effectively forced to slow down, giving way to pedestrians without the need for speed humps or more traditional traffic calming measures.

Water Lane Triangle / Rumbridge Street

It is generally agreed that the improvements to this area of the Town are a great success. There is no word yet on the outcome of a review of the Rumbridge Street Scheme which went very badly over-budget.

High Street

Local police have promised that there will be improved enforcement of the 30mph speed limit in the High Street in the coming weeks and months. I have asked the Environmental Health Officers to monitor the noise nuisance from HGV traffic accessing and leaving the wharf. I understand this work has been completed. I expect to be briefed on it shortly.

Plans to improve the access to the wharf have been agreed. Hopefully, this will prevent HGV’s getting blocked at the entrance and reduce the incidents of them mounting the pavement opposite (a source of noise complaints and safety concerns).

Footway linking Greenfields Avenue to Hamtun Crescent

This proposal was one of a large number of schemes included on a “wish list”, but with only the funds to progress three of them. I explained that the pathway often gets flooded in wet weather, a real nuisance, especially to school children from Testwood Sports College. From discussions, it appeared that this scheme would not be taken forward due to lack of funds. However, I suggested that it stay in the top three on the basis that it probably would not be too costly to concentrate on solving the drainage issue, (accepting that we may not be able to afford a smooth tarmac finish). Officers agreed this proposal made good engineering sense and it was included as the third highest priority.

A326 – Jacobs Gutter Lane to Rushington Roundabout

The entire length of the A326 is to be re-surfaced. I reminded officers of the need to address the noise and vibration nuisance problem on this particular stretch of road. I would very much hope that they will resurface the road with the same sort of material that has been very successfully employed in Normandy Way, Marchwood. I was given assurance that this would indeed be factored in to the scheme.

Zig-Zag Lines

The hazard zig-zag lines outside of school gates in Totton are to be made legally enforceable by next year. I very much welcomed this.

Sylvia Road

New parking restrictions in Sylvia Crescent, at the junction with Salisbury Road have been approved by local Councillors, including myself. I have also asked for a “Keep Clear” or yellow box at the end of the service road in Sylvia Crescent, to prevent vehicles being blocked as they turn into Sylvia from Salisbury Road. This was agreed. It might be necessary to further extend the yellow lines further on down Sylvia than the present proposals but it was agreed to implement what has been advertised and agreed upon currently.

Waterside Passenger Rail Service

Cllr. Kendal announced that he supports the idea of a new waterside passenger rail service and that Hampshire County Council would be working with other organisations to take this initiative forward. My fellow Totton County Councillor, Alan Weeks quite rightly pointed out the need to properly address the Junction Road issue – the fact that the train gates are closed for 20 minutes every hour, contributing to congestion and air quality issues.

Should Hampshire County Council get into the business of dealing with waste from outside the County? It is a reasonable question and there are probably some good reasons for doing so. However, I can also think of some significant disadvantages.

I have been battling to find out what the authority has been getting up to when it comes to disposing of our waste. I have some very serious concerns that decisions are being taken without the chance for the public to have a say. A lot of my fellow council members also feel that we have been misled or kept in the dark.

Alarm bells starting ringing with me when I noticed that an application was being made to vary the condition that would allow the Marchwood Energy Recovery Facility (The Dome) to handle waste brought in from outside Hampshire. Amazingly, there were initially no objections to this from any other authority or individual. Officers implied I was wasting their time raising an objection as similar conditions had already been agreed by officers under “delegated authority” at the two other Energy Recovery Facilities in Hampshire.

Have you been asked whether you think it a good idea for Hampshire to start processing waste in the County? If you live near one of these plants, or near a busy road, are you likely to support the increased HGV movements that will inevitably lead from this stealthy change of policy?

I have twice found myself making speeches to the Regulatory Committee of Hampshire County Council, pointing out that there is, in fact, no policy that states the authority will import waste from other Counties, that to do so would seriously harm areas like Marchwood and Totton, already incredibly stressed by high volumes of HGV traffic, where there have been fatal accidents.

Possibly the fact that members voted in favour of allowing a condition was inevitable, given the fact that Hampshire County Council had already issued an official press release stating what a very good thing this was. This means that members could not weigh up the issues objectively, with an open mind – something they are legally obliged to do.

I know that there are plans to increase the handling capacity of the Marchwood ERF. Consultants have been appointed to conduct a feasibility study. It’s all under wraps and Hampshire County Council does not want you to know about it. Agreeing to change the condition that permits the operators to process waste from outside the County is part of a wider picture.

I am absolutely determined to see no further growth of HGV movements in the area I represent. That is why I am busy objecting to everything. I’m considering a judicial review of the decision taken. I have made a Freedom of Information request in an effort to discover the plans for the Marchwood ERF. I think all of the people who are concerned about highway safety, those that are worried about air quality issues and those that suffer sleepless nights from HGV noise and vibration, expect this from me.

Permission has been granted for the Energy Recovery Facility (The Dome) at Marchwood to start processing waste brought in from outside the County.

The decision was taken today by the Regulatory Committee of Hampshire County Council which had earlier deferred the decision. The committee accepted the advice of Officers and reassurances from Richard Johnson, the Director of Veolia, who manage the plant, that the change in operating conditions would not lead to increased HGV movements to and from the site.

However, the application was vigorously opposed by the local County Councillor for Totton South & Marchwood, David Harrison who warned that the change in condition would indeed open the door for even more HGV movements into Marchwood at a later date.

Councillor Harrison told the Regulatory Committee that the area he represents is already the most stressed in Hampshire when it comes to excessive HGV movements and referred to fatal accidents, including a recent incident resulting in the death of a cyclist in Jacobs Gutter Lane.

The campaigning councillor told members that he had heard on good authority that consultants had been instructed by Hampshire County Council to examine the feasibility of increasing the handling capacity of the Marchwood ERF. “He says “Permitting this change to conditions will clear the way for the next step which will indeed lead to even more HGV movements. The County Council is being quite deceptive with the public”.

Following the meeting, Cllr. Harrison confronted Mr Johnson of Veolia who refused to deny that consultants were looking at increasing the capacity of the plant, only saying that “Any such proposals will have to go through the full planning process”.

Councillor Harrison adds “The relationship that Hampshire County Council has with Veolia is far too cosy. They always get their way, despite howls of protest. Most other organisations would have been forced to contribute funds that would have provided a decent, safe cycle and pedestrian route between Marchwood and Totton, but not Veolia. The two organisations are not treating the people I represent in a reasonable manner”.

Councillor Harrison now plans to submit a Freedom of information request in an effort to force Hampshire County Council to disclose details of the report looking at increasing the capacity of the Marchwood ERF.

News that children in Southampton suffer no more tooth decay than the national average has called into further question the decision to add fluoride to tap water in local homes.

County Councillor David Harrison is a leading campaigner against the plans. He is a member of the County’s Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee. Following the latest publication of statistics, Councillor Harrison has written to the Chief Executive of the South Central Strategic Health Authority demanding that the original decision be reconsidered.

Councillor Harrison says “Good public health policy should always be guided by evidence. It is frankly inconceivable that the original decision to proceed with adding fluoride to tap water should not now be revisited.
If the main reason for undertaking this costly and unpopular step has now gone, logic demands that those responsible for deciding the issue should reconsider.”

The New Forest National Park Authority has approved a revised plan for managing the park in future years.

The authority has had a difficult time in the first four years of operation, with no permanent headquarters, the resignation of its first Chief Executive and criticism for including ideas such as tough new rules on owning horses, banning dog walkers from some car-parks and even road tolls.

However, this year, things have taken a positive turn. An interim Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, was appointed. With the support of new authority members, ideas that have upset local people have been dropped and a major public relations exercise was undertaken, aimed at improving communication.
Instead of building a new headquarters, a decision was made to pursue the use of existing office space in Lymington, currently occupied by New Forest District Council staff.

There is still time for some final changes to the plan to be made, following a further period of consultation. However, it is hoped that a final draft plan can be approved when the Park Authority meets in December.

One of the new members behind the change of strategy is Councillor David Harrison, appointed onto the Park Authority by Hampshire County Council. He says “I think things have now been turned around. I’m proud to have played a part in this. The new draft management plan is a great document, packed with really good objectives. It’s a sensible means of going forward, working with local people and organisations in a supportive way rather than imposing our ideas upon them”.

New Forest District Council is set to object to proposals for port development at Dibden Bay.

Local authorities in the area have been asked to respond to a draft Port Master Plan, prepared by Associated British Ports (ABP). It follows past failed attempts to develop the New Forest coastal land for port use.
In a report to the Cabinet, planning officers are recommending that the council object on the basis of the impact that the development would have upon the amenity of local people, including transport impacts, noise disturbance and visual impact. Hampshire County Council have already lodged objection to the plans.

Councillor David Harrison, Leader of the Liberal Democrat New Forest District Council group, represents Totton at Town, District & County level. He says “Here in the New Forest there is total agreement amongst local councillors of all political parties that a port development at Dibden Bay would be a complete disaster. We already have major challenges, especially coping with existing HGV movements. We will work together, as we have in the past, to see off this recent threat”.

Hounsdown School in Totton has become only the third school in Hampshire to be awarded the prestigious title of Eco-School.

Local County Councillor David Harrison was guest of honour at a special event held at the school to promote green activities and was asked to raise the green flag to mark the success of the school in achieving the special status.

The children and staff at the school have been working with partners to help make the school operate in more environmentally friendly way. Initiatives undertaken so far include the growing of vegetables on a specially created allotment, the use of solar panels and various energy saving methods.

Councillor Harrison says “I’m thrilled that Hounsdown School has really understood the need for us all to operate in a more environmentally sustainable way and is taking a lead. The work will also have a lasting impact on the wider community”.