The meeting received an update on the Farnham Infrastructure Programme. It was noted that construction on the Water Lane Roundabout scheme had been completed and that the Upper Hale Road 20 mph speed limit would likely be finished in July/August 2024. A report was presented to the Board that included a number of actions that will need to be undertaken in the coming months, ahead of the next meeting of the Board.

Town Centre Improvement Scheme

The meeting received an update on the Town Centre Improvement Scheme, which is due to begin in September 2024.

The Board heard that a decision has been made to remove the loading bays on the south side of The Borough, Farnham. This was done to address concerns about buses blocking traffic. This change means that the pavements on this side of the road will also now be narrower than originally planned.

The design has therefore been updated to include a widened eastbound lane where cars can pass by the bus while stopped and a single westbound lane. This alteration means that the loading bays have been removed on the southern side and the pavements have not been widened to the same extent as the previous design.

The Board also heard that it will not be possible to include the proposed cycle lane on Castle Street in the scheme at this time.

EM confirmed that to keep the town centre programme moving forward, the cycle lane cannot be included at this time, but it will be considered in future via the LCWIPs.

The Board decided to remove the cycle lane on High Park Road and the closure of Park Row from the scheme because it proved unpopular during consultation.

Our recommendation is to remove this from the scheme to align with the public opinion from the consultation.

Farnham A31 Corridor

The meeting received an update on the A31 Hickley’s Corner project. The Board heard that as two and a half years have passed since the Strategic Outline Business Case was submitted to the DfT, the costs, programme and design are all being reviewed.

As 2.5 years has passed, we are reviewing the costs, programme, and design to ensure that it is cost effective with the best benefits for Farnham.

A number of concerns were raised about the project including the lack of engagement with Network Rail about connecting Farnham Station to the town centre, and the impact of displaced traffic on residents of Station Hill.

Air Quality

A number of concerns were raised about the impact on air quality of the various schemes being discussed by the Board. Concerns were raised that the displacement of traffic from the town centre would lead to a deterioration in air quality elsewhere. Councillor Powell raised concerns that the proposed locations for air quality monitoring would not be sufficient to capture the impact of the schemes. It was agreed that the possibility of installing further monitoring points would be investigated.

EM said mitigations will be considered in detail once the scheme has been constructed and monitored meaning the real impacts are known.

Heavy Goods Vehicles

The Board heard that a new ANPR-equipped enforcement vehicle will shortly be used to enforce the existing HGV ban on Upper Hale Road. This will initially involve working with Hampshire County Council to install signs at appropriate locations.

EM said that Surrey now has an ANPR camera enforcement car which is receiving software updates and being configured for various types of traffic enforcement activity including HGV enforcement.

The Board also heard about a planning application in Hampshire for a large warehouse that could generate a significant amount of HGV traffic. There was concern that Hampshire County Council was unaware of the HGV ban when considering the application.

CP raised that at the M3/A287 (Hampshire) there is a planning application for a large warehouse.

Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

The meeting received a verbal update on the Farnham Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan. The Board heard that an addendum to the plan, requested by Waverley Borough Council, will be considered at the next meeting of the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

WBC proposed additions/updates to LCWIP report put forward to WBC Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Resources committee.

20 mph Schemes

The meeting heard an update on the various 20 mph schemes that are being taken forward in Farnham. The Board heard that work is due to begin in July 2024 on a scheme for Upper Hale Road that will include traffic calming measures and a new pedestrian crossing.

EM outlined that the Upper Hale Road Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) for the physical measures (tables and crossings) and the speed limit has been advertised.

Concerns were raised about the impact of this work on a proposed School Streets scheme for a school on Bullers Road, which is close to Upper Hale Road. The meeting heard that this was because two children had been hit by a car on Bullers Road earlier this year.

CP said there are schemes missing from list – road safety scheme on Weybourne Road (new pedestrian and cycle crossing) and Bullers Road (first school street in Surrey). Engagement with the schools and residents of Bullers Road has started, they are aware of works proposed. Consultation to take place in April. CP said this work needs to be done before town centre and asked to do the work over the summer. They have not booked road space. Want to integrate as two children hit by car earlier this year.

The Board also heard an update on the Borelli Walk cycle improvement scheme. The meeting was told that an arboriculture survey had recently taken place and that construction is due to begin in December 2024.

Further Information

Further information about the meeting can be found in the meeting pack: Public reports pack Friday 14-Jun-2024 10.00 Farnham Board and the minutes of the previous meeting: 22.03.24 Farnham Board - Minutes.