A3023 Traffic Figures Concern
HIRA’s website and Facebook page have helped publicise Havant Borough Council’s Draft Local Plan to 2036. Please read Hayling Island specific sections, found from Section 2 onwards in the online document. Diagrams of intended developments are included in, for examples, Figures 7-10 for easy viewing. It is essential that as many Islanders as possible write their own, reasoned, responses to this Plan before 16th February 2018. View the Plan (and response form) online http://www.havant.gov.uk/localplan or visit the Plaza, Havant; Libraries should have a copy. HIRA members also received considered concerns about Barratt’s Sinah Lane proposed development.
Please also view the Council’s Brownfield sites list (https://www.havant.gov.uk/evidence-base-studies/strategic-housing-land-availability-assessment) to check – and let the Planning team know – if there are sites they haven’t listed. Every Council is legally obliged to develop such sites first but need residents to update the Council.
Hayling’s Infrastructure Advisory Group’s work is incomplete and there remains fundamental disagreement by both County and Borough Councils about whether or not the A3023 has limited ‘capacity’, despite the fact that at least one other similar road has been so designated. To date, neither Hants. CC nor Havant BC has provided any analysis on the A3023 capacity or loading. Hayling’s Advisory Group continues to press the Council to publish the A3023 Review urgently, as it is an essential element in guiding the infrastructure and housing programmes.
Hayling’s Island status, with its one bridge access across a strongly tidal waterway that would make temporary bridge connection difficult, we understand, does not appear to present concerns to planners. At the Infrastructure Advisory Group, we have heard comments such as all drivers needing to accept much slower speeds to accommodate the A3023 junctions. Slower speeds mean inefficient running of petrol and diesel engines resulting in greater air pollution to residents, cyclists and pedestrians on and near the A3023.
What we have yet to hear is how proposed safe cycling and pedestrian routes, to connect all parts of the Island, can be added to our relatively narrow residential roads. Quite apart from the bridge being, however briefly, closed during a recent high tide, HIRA’s A3023 traffic figures make additional high volume Hayling development of real concern not only for commuters but especially for essential services and Emergency vehicles. Even Development Levy funding cannot provide another bridge route.
A January meeting focussing on Hayling Ferry support was initiated by a member, Mark Coates and it was very encouraging to see Hayling’s County Councillor and 4 of our Borough Councillors in attendance with the Ferry Skipper, his crew, Area Manager of the Ferryboat’s Classic Inns, myself and campaigners. All the Councillors agreed that the Ferry is a going and worthwhile concern for residents and tourists alike, and they promised to seek County and Stagecoach support for the planned February meeting. Cllr. Lance Quantrill agreed to seek County support – as provided for the Hythe Ferry - to cover the Ferry’s Licence fees by protecting the taxpayer and paying them directly to the Harbour Board. The Borough Councillors agreed in principle to work with the Portsmouth Councillors to facilitate a seamless bus link. All agreed that Stagecoach buses need to be persuaded to provide a reliable morning and evening Island service for users.
Following HIRA’s insistence, at the last Infrastructure Advisory Group, that Hayling must have planned Community Resilience in the event of an emergency preventing, for whatever reason, mainland help for up to 48 hours, it was a welcome surprise to find a ‘Household Emergency Action Plan’ booklet at the Health Centre recently. Anyone interested in getting involved in helping to establish localised practical ‘Resilience’ networks should contact HIRA as the Community Resilience Officer has provided us with examples of how such self help groups can be developed. One Committee member is initiating such work amongst our schools but all sections of our Island need a plan.
As if to underline Hayling’s vulnerabilities, regular beach visitors need only view the almost routine movement of our beach huts after heavy winds and sea surges. One wonders how the Draft Plan’s beach regenerations will match up with coastal ‘management’ of shifting pebbles.
Diary Date: Wednesday February 21st 7:30 pm URC for Presentations by 1)Hayling’s Speedwatch PCSO and 2) Havant’s Chief Planning Officer’s Update on Hayling’s Infrastructure Advisory Group. Listen and put your questions and comments.
Contact us: hello@haylingresidentsassociation.co.uk ; www.haylingresidentsassociation.co.uk; drop boxes Library, Elm Grove; Morris Dibben, Mengham; The Terracotta Pot and Gift Shop, Eastoke; Hayling Island Community Centre, West Town.
