Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB Partnership Roads and Planning

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Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB Partnership

Roads and Planning

Final Report

May 2007

Entec UK Limited

Document Revisions

No Details Date .

V1 Guide to Roads and Planning 14/8/06

V2 Roads and Planning 20/12/06

V3 V2 Tracked Changes 9/3/06

V4 Final Report 8/05/07

Contents

1. Introduction 1 1.1 Structure of Report 1 1.2 Glossary of Terminology 1 1.2.1 Design, Build, Finance & Operate (DBFO) 1 1.2.2 Detailed Application/Full Application 2 1.2.3 Outline Application 2 1.2.4 Permitted Development/Permitted Development Rights 2 1.2.5 Section 106 Agreement 2 1.2.6 Section 278 Agreement 2

2. Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB 3 2.1 Administrative Areas 3 2.2 Responsibilities 3

3. Permitted Development Rights 5 3.1 Statutory Planning System 5 3.2 Part 13 of the General Permitted Development Order 5 3.3 Development by Local Highway Authorities 6 3.3.1 Somerset County Council 6 3.3.2 Wiltshire County Council 6 3.3.3 Dorset County Council 6 3.3.4 Hampshire County Council 8 3.3.5 Summary 8

4. Existing Consultation Procedures 9 4.1 Introduction 9 4.2 Dorset County Council 9 4.3 Somerset County Council 9 4.4 Wiltshire County Council 10 4.4.1 Hampshire County Council 12 4.5 Highways Agency 12 4.6 Other AONBs 12

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5. Conclusion and Recommendations 13 5.1 Conclusion 13 5.2 Recommendations 14 5.2.1 Existing Consultation Arrangements 14 5.2.2 Future role for the AONB in Highways Consultations 14 5.2.3 Developing Working Relationships 15 5.2.4 Raising the profile of transport issues in the AONB 15 5.2.5 Detailed Recommendations 16

Figure 1 Site Location and Strategic Highway Network

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1. Introduction

1.1 Structure of Report This report identifies those local highway authorities responsible for highway improvement schemes within the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and identifies the permitted development rights and consultation procedures to which they adhere. By establishing current practice the aim of this report is to make recommendations regarding consultation on road improvement schemes and for those schemes that require planning permission. It is envisaged that such consultation arrangements would afford Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB sufficient time to consider any proposed highways schemes and feedback to the relevant highway authorities the potential implications on the AONB of proposed highways schemes being implemented. The report is structured as follows: • Section 2 describes those administrative areas with the AONB and those highway authorities that are responsible for development; • Section 3 describes the permitted development rights of local highway authorities and how these rights affect highway development in the AONB; • Section 4 describes existing consultation procedures by highway authority; • Section 5 provides conclusions and recommendations for future consultation with the Highways Authorities; and

1.2 Glossary of Terminology Terminology pertaining to planning and highways that has been used in this report is derived from Planning Portal; the Government’s online planning resource and the Highways Agency and is summarised below.

1.2.1 Design, Build, Finance & Operate (DBFO) A method of procurement whereby the private sector, under the Government's Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, assumes responsibility for the operation and maintenance of a length of existing road (where appropriate) and the detailed design and construction of specified improvement schemes and their subsequent operation and maintenance.

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1.2.2 Detailed Application/Full Application A planning application seeking full permission for a development proposal, with no matters reserved for later planning approval.

1.2.3 Outline Application A general application for planning permission to establish that a development is acceptable in principle, subject to subsequent approval of detailed matters. This does not apply to changes of use.

1.2.4 Permitted Development/Permitted Development Rights Permission to carry out certain limited forms of development without the need to make an application to a local planning authority, as granted under the terms of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order.

1.2.5 Section 106 Agreement A legal agreement, under Section 106 of the 1990 Town & Country Planning Act 1990, between a planning authority and a developer, or undertakings offered unilaterally by a developer that ensure that certain extra works related to a development are undertaken. An example would be an agreement to make improvements to the highway to safely accommodate additional traffic from a development. Section 106 agreements would relate to highway works in relation to the grant of planning permission rather than to permitted development.

1.2.6 Section 278 Agreement An agreement, under Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980, allowing works funded by developers to be carried out on the existing public highway. For example a developer as part of a proposed development may wish to improve the public highway e.g. signage, road markings, pedestrian crossings etc. They must enter into a Section 278 agreement with the Highway Authority before they are able to do this.

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2. Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB

2.1 Administrative Areas Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB spans parts of the administrative areas of the following local authorities: • Dorset County Council

- East Dorset District Council - North Dorset District Council

• Hampshire County Council - New Forest District Council

• Somerset County Council - Mendip District Council

- South Somerset District Council • Wiltshire County Council

- Salisbury District Council - West Wiltshire District Council Figure 1 illustrates the location of the AONB in relation to district and county boundaries and the strategic highway network.

2.2 Responsibilities Both the county and district councils, as statutory local planning authorities, are responsible for planning and development issues and for the application of planning policy. However, it is in their capacity as highway authorities that the county councils of Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire have responsibility for the production of Local Transport Plans (LTPs) setting out policies and proposals as a basis for seeking funding for their work programmes. They also provide transport advice and input on transport matters into the Local Development Frameworks.

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In addition to this ‘forward planning’ role, the county councils also exercise development control duties in response to planning applications received which may have a detrimental effect on transport and highways. They advise the planning authorities on the implications of development proposals on the capacity and safety of the highway network and on other transport issues such as public transport, walking and cycling and make recommendations. This may include advice to the planning authorities on whether to refuse planning applications where the impact of extra traffic is unacceptable or advice on mitigation work required to help accommodate extra traffic. There are no arrangements within these counties whereby powers and authority, in relation to highway development within the AONB, are delegated to the district councils. Highway Authorities and statutory undertakers have a duty under Section 85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) to have due regard for the purpose of AONB designation when discharging the functions. The Highways Agency is responsible for the construction and maintenance of motorways and major trunk roads in England. Within the AONB the Highways Agency has responsibility for two trunk roads the A36 and A303 It is the role of AONB authorities to ensure that relevant authorities, including the Highway Authorities and Highways Agency fulfil their duty of regard in Section 85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to take into account the objectives and purposes of AONBs.

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3. Permitted Development Rights

3.1 Statutory Planning System The basis of operation of the statutory planning system in the UK is set out in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Land use planning decisions are generally made by the respective local planning authority (District Councils) on anything considered to constitute ‘development’ as defined in the Act. In the case of minerals and waste development and development for their own service provision e.g. schools such decisions are made by the County Councils. If a proposal is considered to constitute development it therefore requires planning permission and an application needs to be submitted for determination by the local planning authority. However, in certain cases developments are allowed to proceed without the need to submit a planning application because they are afforded ‘permitted development rights’ (PDR) under Statutory Instrument 1995 No. 418: The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (GPDO). In such cases planning permission is deemed to have been granted, subject to certain parameters and conditions. The point of affording PDR is to prevent the development control system becoming overburdened with determining seemingly minor developments. This is also seen as important in terms of reducing the regulatory burden on householders, businesses and others.

3.2 Part 13 of the General Permitted Development Order Statutory Instrument 1995 No. 418: The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (GPDO) states in Schedule 2 at Part 13: Development by Local Highway Authorities that development is permitted, provided it is carried out by the local highway authority; (a) on land within the boundaries of a road, of any works required for the maintenance or improvement of the road, where such works involve development by virtue of Section 55(2)(b) of the Act;or (b) on land outside but adjoining the boundary of an existing highway of works required for or incidental to the maintenance or improvement of the highway The type of works that could be covered by Part 13 include ♦ road widening, ♦ lay-bys, ♦ installing highway drainage, ♦ lighting, ♦ signage,

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♦ kerbs, ♦ re-surfacing ♦ road markings and, ♦ ancillary storage such as salt bins. There is no provision in the GPDO which further restricts these Permitted Development rights in the AONB.

3.3 Development by Local Highway Authorities

3.3.1 Somerset County Council Somerset County Council has indicated that there would be no deviation from Part 13 of the GPDO within their administrative boundary, unless they receive specific requests from the planning authority concerned. Furthermore, the AONB falls within a small area of Somerset and any highway works that are required are generally limited to routine maintenance.

3.3.2 Wiltshire County Council Wiltshire County Council may occasionally acquire third party land and, if there is a material level of development, development land could be brought into the highway in the future. However, potential development in the AONB is limited due to the nature of the area but, as stated on page 186 of the Wiltshire Local Transport Plan 2006/07 - 2010/11, the Council recognises: “…the need to continue to develop maintenance procedures to enhance the environmental value of roadside verges, especially in sensitive areas of known nature conservation value. In addition, the Council will continue to seek to use sympathetic materials in the New Forest National Park, the AONBs and conservation areas where appropriate.”

3.3.3 Dorset County Council In Dorset it is envisaged that the principles developed in the rural roads initiative, which focuses on the Dorset AONB, would be rolled out to include other rural roads and those within the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB. Furthermore, where treatments exist for different classes of road, each road will have its own guidance to ensure sensitive design and management. The Dorset Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 states at paragraph 2.46 that: “In accordance with Planning Policy Statement 7, major improvements to transport infrastructure within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) can only be justified in exceptional circumstances and if they are carried out to high environmental standards.”

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The PDR for local highway authorities, under Part 13 of the GPDO, are seen as having visual and character impacts in terms of the introduction of lighting and signage in AONBs. Therefore such work needs to be sympathetic to the character of the area and may include potential environmental enhancements such as the removal of signage clutter and unnecessary road markings and the use of sympathetic materials in the AONBs and other conservation areas, where appropriate, without compromising on safety. These considerations concur with Section 85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 which states that: “In exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land in an area of outstanding natural beauty, a relevant authority shall have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area of outstanding natural beauty.” In Dorset, all current Department for Transport (DfT) guidance applies inside and outside of the AONB. The application of guidance, however, is the subject of commentary made in the scoping report entitled Reclaiming Our Rural Highways. Reclaiming Our Rural Highways was published by Dorset AONB in 2005 and “explored various ways of maintaining the character of the county's rural roads and streets, and reducing the amount of unnecessary signs and highway ‘clutter’.” The report was formulated in response to consultations received from Dorset residents to the Dorset AONB Management Plan. “The report emphasises the importance of Dorset’s rural roads and the many pressures on them caused by modern life and includes best practice examples nationally and locally, finishing with a series of recommendations. These include actions like undertaking pilot projects to examine how more sensitive road management could actually work and writing a code of practice for use within Dorset County Council to ensure that, in future, the character of Dorset’s rural roads is respected and enhanced, not “urbanised” and destroyed.” Dorset AONB and Dorset County Council are working together to bring the series of recommendations forward to “improve the management of rural roads in Dorset to ensure that they retain their special character”. Indeed: “Initial work on two pilot schemes has already begun and is looking at the application of these methods to rural roads in the county. Rural roads need not have insensitive, damaging ad-hoc design and maintenance decisions applied to them.” One example of ensuring the roads and streets in rural Dorset retain their character is through the Dorset AONB Sustainable Development Fund which has provided grant assistance to Dorset County Council in order to undertake a major refurbishment programme of Dorset’s fingerposts. “Fingerposts are a common feature of the Dorset countryside and their particular design is thought to be unique. Along with other roadside features

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like bridge plates, turnpike artefacts, historic lamps, traditional phone boxes, fingerposts contribute hugely to local distinctiveness.” Refurbishing, rather than replacing the posts, enables their special character and heritage to remain without the need to adhere to standard designs and sizes. Furthermore, “an action plan is now underway to develop a new protocol for the sensitive treatment of rural roads, in the way they are designed and managed” and includes the development of a comprehensive signing methodology.

3.3.4 Hampshire County Council Hampshire County Council have indicated that they do not have any special arrangements with regard to the AONB area within Hampshire. Furthermore, the AONB falls within a small area of Hampshire and any highway works that are required are generally limited to routine maintenance.

3.3.5 Summary In summary the key issues identified through discussion with the Highway Authorities are as follows; ♦ Highway authorities within the AONB adhere to Part 13 of the GPDO and do not have any specific arrangements where AONBs are concerned.

♦ Evidence from Wiltshire and Dorset County Councils is that they have policies in place to encourage a more sensitive approach to highway works in the AONB. Dorset County Council has a very positive approach through the “Reclaiming Our Rural Highways” document which calls for the management of rural roads in a way that takes better account of landscape character.

♦ The AONB Planning Topic Group indicates that considerable concern remains about how highway improvements are implemented. There is concern that maintenance and improvements carried out do not always reflect the more sensitive approach advocated in policy. The perception is that there is a significant gap between the Highway Authorities policies and what actually happens on the ground.

♦ The application of Permitted Development rights (PDR) could be confusing. For example, a local highway authority may interpret the GPDO differently from another and, under PDR, could widen a road to whatever width they deem appropriate, providing it is required for or incidental to the maintenance or improvement of the highway. What constitutes ‘maintenance’ and ‘improvement’ could also be open to interpretation by different highway authorities.

♦ In reality the scope and scale of changes to highways within the AONB are likely to only pertain to relatively low-key localised works, such as road safety improvement schemes, and are normally covered within the existing highway.

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4. Existing Consultation Procedures

4.1 Introduction Where highway schemes are likely to be more than routine maintenance the local highway authorities would normally consult with the district councils and neighbouring highway authorities that may be affected as a result. However, no specific consultation procedures exist where development in the AONB is concerned. Responses from the local highway authorities and the Highways Agency to the question of existing consultation procedures are summarised by highway authority.

4.2 Dorset County Council • Dorset County Council is the Highway Authority, without delegation, for the districts of East & North Dorset; • No formal arrangements exist in respect of highway development control, although the district local planning authorities do have arrangements in place for consultation with the AONB.; and • At a broader level, Dorset County Council participates in a half yearly networking group with the other highway authorities in the South West.

4.3 Somerset County Council • Planning applications and schemes are generally developer or planner led and, if located in a sensitive area, the highway authority would work with the planning authority and their colleagues in conservation; • Any planning application would be a matter for the local planning authority who would then consult with the relevant planning and highway authorities that that application would affect;

• As highway authority, Somerset County Council does not consult directly with, but rather makes recommendations to, the relevant planning authority; and

• Any highways schemes that are likely to come ‘on-line’ will be a matter for the Road Highways Team and put out for consultation with the relevant authorities including Parish Councils and other stakeholders. • The Highway Scheme Proposal Register (HSPR) is used to integrate identified highway maintenance schemes, within Somerset, with the improvement works proposed. The HSPR, which consists of an integrated database and GIS mapping of schemes, is used as a tool for consultation with other highway authorities that

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would be affected by any identified scheme within the HSPR. The Register won a ‘Green Apple’ award for environmental best practice in 2004. Chapter 9: Highway Maintenance of the Somerset Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 states on page 211 that: “When physical maintenance or improvement works are proposed on PRoW, it is important to consider the visual impact of such proposals on the wider landscape, particularly within the boundary of any special environmental designation such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)…” In such instances consultation with the planning departments of local authorities “…will be made on cases where planning permission may be required for new routes.” Furthermore: “the Somerset Highways Biodiversity Action Plan (SHBAP) is a guide by which biodiversity is taken into account of in the planning and carrying out of all maintenance operations on county roads, new highways schemes and Rights of Way work in Somerset. It is also an important part of the County Council’s Highway Management Network Plan (HNMP) and will be included in the Asset Management plan as it could affect the programme of works and limit the timing to coincide with seasonal requirements or preparatory work.”

4.4 Wiltshire County Council • Improvement works that are undertaken within the AONB are often insignificant when compared to the larger capital schemes that the highway authority would be involved with;

• If any permitted development work was to be carried out within the AONB it would often be low-key localised works, such as road safety improvement schemes, which would be advertised by the parish councils. As such, there is no perceived need to consult with the other local authorities or the AONB; and

• Any works that are associated with Section 278 or 106 agreements may involve consultation. Again, it is unlikely that this would occur due to the small scale nature of the works that would occur within the AONB. In any event, such works would be considered as part of a planning application where, at the outline stage, no details would be forthcoming. The Wiltshire Local Transport Plan 2006/07 - 2010/11, on page 186, states that: “In rural areas, the Council’s Parish Lengthsman scheme has proved to be particularly effective at meeting local needs with regard to highway maintenance issues and is an effective way of liaising with the Parish Councils. It is intended to expand this scheme in the near future so that it covers the market towns as well.”

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Two trunk roads; the A36 and A303, both run through the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB, and are the responsibility of the Highways Agency. However, Wiltshire County Council is the only highway authority that is affected by these trunk roads and, at present, no arrangements for local consultation exist between Wiltshire County Council, the Highways Agency or any third party operators (i.e. DBFO schemes) in this area of the county. Although, as stated on Page 186 of the Wiltshire Local Transport Plan 2006/07 - 2010/11, the Council does liaise: “With the Highways Agency and neighbouring local authorities in connection with highway maintenance issues, especially with regard to winter maintenance and other cross border issues.” Additionally, as stated on Page 188 of the Wiltshire Local Transport Plan 2006/07 - 2010/11: “The working arrangements with the Highways Agency are currently being reviewed with a view to updating the local operating agreement. Recent work with the Highways Agency has included consideration and identification of suitable diversion routes for use during Trunk Road closures and a presentation on the role of the new Traffic Officer service.” Wiltshire County Council’s website1 sets out their approach to consultation on highway schemes; “

1. The development and implementation of Highway Schemes involves consultation with many interested parties. The list of consultees will vary from scheme to scheme depending on the nature of the project. Consultees could include elected members from all tiers; emergency services; officers from all tiers; community groups; frontagers; business interests; disabled groups; and many others. Some traffic schemes require the formal advertisement of Traffic Regulation Orders.

2. As a minimum, consultation will take place with the relevant Town or Parish Council, County Councillor and Divisional Highways Manager before the design of Highway Schemes is finalised and before works commence. The County Council's emerging Consultation Strategy will be followed. Copies of correspondence with Town or Parish Councils will be forwarded to the local Member for information. “ Wiltshire County Council have also published Community Area Highway Information documents which provide an overview of the characteristics of the road network in each community area and details work carried out in the previous year, and work planned for the coming year.

1http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/transport/maintenance-structural-surveys/community-area- highway-information.htm

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4.4.1 Hampshire County Council There are no formal arrangements in place for consultation with the AONB, regarding highway schemes.

4.5 Highways Agency The Highways Agency is the highway authority for the A36 and A303 and, if any major schemes are undertaken by the Highways Agency, then, as a matter of course, the Highways Agency would consult with the AONB and appropriate environmental groups. However, the Highways Agency may not feel it necessary to consult on smaller schemes that are undertaken within the highway boundary. The Highways Agency hope the A36 will be de-trunked in due course and the responsibility for the A36 is to be handed to the local highway authorities. In view of this, the Highways Agency only promotes safety schemes on the A36.

4.6 Other AONBs Kent Downs are developing a Highways Design Handbook which will be issued for consultation early Jan. 2007. They are seeking to get this approved as policy through the County Councils Highways Advisory Board. Good relationships have been established with the highway engineers who are keen on pursuing more sensitive highway design in the AONB. The AONB have become involved in advising on new traffic calming scheme in a village involving 120 traffic signs. The High Weald, Blackdown Hills and South Devon have no consultation mechanisms in place. The Chilterns AONB are currently reviewing guidance produced in 1997. No mechanism in place for consultation although the AONB do input to schemes when consulted or made aware of schemes. The North Pennines AONB have produced an informative guidance document,” North Pennines AONB: Guidance for the Management and Maintenance of Roads.2” So are there things to learn from this.

2 http://www.northpennines.org.uk/media/pdf/c/g/Roads%20Guidance%20for%20website.pdf

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5. Conclusion and Recommendations

5.1 Conclusion In addition to the Highways Agency, who are responsible for Trunk Roads in England, this report identifies the county councils of Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire as those that are responsible for highway development within the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB. There are no arrangements within these counties whereby powers and authority, in relation to highway development, are delegated to the district councils. A summary of the current procedures as reported to Entec during discussions with the Highway Authorities is given below; ♦ Each highway authority within the AONB adheres to Part 13 of the GPDO and does not have any specific arrangements where AONBs are concerned. ♦ Currently there is no formal consultation procedure that exists between the local highway authorities, the district councils and the AONB. However there are existing consultation arrangements locally with Parish and Town Councils, community groups and other stakeholders. ♦ The scope and scale of changes to highways within the AONB are considered by the Highway Authorities to be relatively low-key schemes and are normally covered within the existing highway. As such there is also no perceived reason on the part of the local highway authorities to consult with the AONB. Furthermore, consultation on works that are associated with Section 278 or 106 agreements are also unlikely as they would be considered as part of a planning application.

♦ Each highway authority indicates that they consider the sensitive nature of the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB and understands that any highway work needs to be sympathetic to the character of the area, where appropriate, without compromising on safety. Notwithstanding this understanding (gained through contact with the Highway Authorities), there is a perception amongst the AONB Planning Topic Group that highway schemes are not always implemented sensitively within the AONB and with regard to the AONB objectives. Without further research it is difficult to understand why this difference in perception exists. However, it has been suggested that whilst highway authority policy may advocate a sensitive approach to highway design in the AONB this is not necessarily taken account of when schemes are actually implemented on the ground The number of highway schemes coming forward within the AONB area in any one year has not been estimated but is likely to be significant. These will vary significantly in their potential to impact on the AONB varying from surface dressing which have minimal impacts to traffic management involving significant signage, road markings etc which could have a more significant impact.

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In the case of other AONBs contacted many do not have mechanisms in place for consultation. Those that are more proactive in this area such as Kent Downs are becoming involved in commenting on and influencing individual schemes and establishing positive and proactive relationships with the highway authority. With no formal consultation procedure existing between the local highway authorities, the district councils and the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB the potential exists for cumulative highway development to have a detrimental effect on the AONB. It is clear that more proactive liaison between the local planning and highway authorities and Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB on road improvement schemes, in addition to those that require planning permission, would be beneficial. However it is noted that generally the largest Highway Authority, Wiltshire County Council does not perceive a need to consult with the AONB partnership due to limited scale of the improvements proposed. Within Dorset County Council there is well developed strategy for rural roads developed in respect of the Dorset AONB “Reclaiming our Rural Highways”. There is a perception amongst the AONB Planning Topic Group that highway schemes are being implemented in the AONB which are not necessarily sensitive to the landscape character of the AONB.

5.2 Recommendations The following section discusses some recommendations for enhancing the AONB Partnership role in influencing highway schemes within the AONB.

5.2.1 Existing Consultation Arrangements It should be noted that Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB is a non-statutory body and can only influence change. It is clear that the Highway Authorities do already have consultation processes in place for highway schemes which involve local organisations such as Parish Councils and therefore there would appear to be no reason in principle why the AONB Partnership could not also been involved in these consultations. We have not been able to identify any other AONBs who have formal consultation procedures on highway schemes although some are involved in influencing individual schemes.

5.2.2 Future role for the AONB in Highways Consultations There are likely to be a significant number of highway schemes within the AONB within any one year. A large number of these will be relatively minor, whilst a smaller number, including for example traffic management schemes will have a greater impact. Wiltshire County Council’s Community Area Highway Information profiles provide a clear opportunity for the AONB Partnership to review forthcoming highway schemes. It would be helpful if the AONB Partnership could review lists of highway schemes proposed each year in order to identify those which may have significant effects. This may prove to be more effective and efficient than being consulted on each highway scheme which is proposed, as many of these are unlikely to require input. An another example of a helpful scheme is Somerset’s Highway Scheme Proposal Register (HSPR) which is used to integrate identified highway maintenance schemes with proposed improvement works. The HSPR is used as a tool for consultation with those local authorities that would be affected by any identified scheme within the HSPR;

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Whilst the Wiltshire or Somerset models appear to be good ones, arrangements will differ between Highway Authorities and the AONB Partnership will need to liaise with each Highway Authority to agree the best way of being informed and consulted on highway schemes. Without further research it is not possible to determine if a common consultation protocol across all four authorities is practicable, although this may warrant further consideration. However, it is recommended that, as a non-statutory body, Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB have a more proactive role in highway schemes across the AONB, Indeed, the AONB Management Plan 2004-2009 would help support a more interactive relationship between the AONB and the relevant highway authorities.

5.2.3 Developing Working Relationships It is suggested that at the outset there is considerable work to be carried out in establishing relationships with the Highway Authorities. For this reason it is suggested that the AONBs Landscape and Planning Adviser seeks to set up early dialogue with relevant highway officers, potentially Area Highway Managers who will have a degree of local knowledge and influence over local highway schemes. One-to-one liaison with Officers has the potential to strengthen links and enables issues to be addressed effectively. The aim of this dialogue should be to examine; • The nature of highway works undertaken within the AONB and awareness raising of the issues that effect the AONB. • The mechanisms for planning, consulting on and delivering local highway schemes. • The best way for AONB to be made aware of proposed highway schemes. • The potential for the Highway Authority to pilot a co-operative approach to highway scheme design with the AONB Partnership which takes account of AONB interests. The last of these points seems to offer considerable potential for the AONB Partnership to utilise limited resources to raise the profile of AONB interests, through a specific scheme and to able to demonstrate the potential to influence and improve highway scheme design. The example quoted by Kent Downs AONB in section 4.6 appears to be a good practice in this regard. Such initial dialogue may lead to potentially more formal consultation arrangements and an agreed protocol whether individually or across the AONB. These initial discussions and piloted involvement in highway schemes is viewed by Entec as essential before moving onto this next stage.

5.2.4 Raising the profile of transport issues in the AONB

The AONB Management Plan sets out a specific action to develop an “AONB wide strategy for highway hierarchy, design, maintenance, furniture and signage” and also to establish a transport and traffic topic group. As you know, a Planning Topic group was set up, and this has now been expanded to include transportation issues, making the Planning and Transportation Topic Group rather than a separate T&T topic group. Both of these measures have the potential to contribute substantially to raising the profile of traffic and transport issues in the AONB and provide a basis for developing relationships. Again Entec would recommend that resources are

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put into these actions before any formal consultation mechanisms are established with the Highway Authorities.

5.2.5 Detailed Recommendations In conclusion, Entec would therefore recommend the following to develop consultation arrangements on highway schemes within the AONB.

• As a priority identify and establish contact with key highway officers, potentially Area Highway Managers who will have a degree of local knowledge and influence over local highway schemes within the two main Highway Authorities, Wiltshire and Dorset County Councils. Discussions should be held regarding the nature of highway works in the AONB, current and potential mechanisms for consultation, opportunities for the AONB to be involved in specific schemes. In due course similar discussions should take place with Somerset and Hampshire County Councils. • To identify with the highway authority one or more significant local highway schemes which the AONB can pilot a collaborative approach to influencing design. This is recommended as a preferred approach in the first instance to trying to establish formal consultation procedures on highway schemes with the Highway Authority. • A formal consultation procedure for Highways scheme should not be established at the present. This position should be reviewed following the outcome of detailed discussions with the Highways Authorities and involvement in pilot schemes as set out above. Consideration should then be given as to whether a formal protocol with the Highway Authorities is appropriate.

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Figure 1 Site Location and Strategic Highway Network

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A350 A46 West Wiltshire D.C. Key

Area of Outstanding Natural Mendip D.C. Beauty Strategic highway

District boundaries

County boundaries Somerset A303 Salisbury D.C. A350 Wiltshire

A303

A36

A350

South Somerset D.C.

A36

A30

Dorset A354

North Dorset D.C.

A350 New Forest D.C. 0km 1km

Not to scale

Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB East Dorset D.C. Follow up Planning Issues 2005/2006 Figure 1 Site Location and Strategic Hampshire Highway Network

A354

A350 February 2006 17566-L01.cdr bernb

Based upon the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright. Entec UK Ltd. AL100001776.