Friday, 24 May 2013

I'm delighted to have been appointed Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment for Hampshire County Council.

Addressing traffic issues around Stubbington and access to the enterprise zone at Daedalus are very important local matters, and one of the first things I will be doing in my new role is to commission further work in relation to proposals for Stubbington By-pass. The first steps will be a review and updating of technical work, and an initial consultation on the development of options for a highways scheme around Stubbington, linking to Segensworth and the A27.

It's important that we work on proposals to bring forward scheme development so that we're in a position to bid for Government funding at the earliest opportunity. I recognise that the development of a second strategic highway access to the Gosport peninsula remains vitally important to the area's long term economic prosperity and to improving the quality of life for local residents.

I want us to work closely with the local community who are already experiencing the impact of traffic on the local highway network, and I will be considering proposals early next month for extending our planned consultation on the proposed Newgate Lane improvements to also consider initial ideas for a wider by pass for Stubbington.

The development of improved access for the Enterprise Zone at Daedalus, via the proposed Newgate Lane scheme is the immediate priority, and we have secured widespread support and a funding package to start this work in 2014. Any wider scheme proposed for Stubbington will need to complement this work and support the development of the Enterprise Zone.

I am very pleased to be working closely on these issues with our influential local MP Caroline Dineage, who said

"I've been campaigning for large-scale improvements to the local roads in and around the Gosport peninsula since my election, recently showing a Transport Minister first-hand the problems motorists have to endure on a daily basis.

I'm delighted that Seán Woodward's Transport Department at Hampshire County Council is now looking again at options for a Stubbington Bypass. I have also recently secured a visit from the Secretary of State for Transport to visit our area in June and Seán and I intend to use that meeting to further the case for major road investment in our area."

Monday, 20 May 2013

With fuel costs rising and continued pressure on household budgets, Hampshire residents have two weeks left to sign up for a collective energy switching scheme that could save them money on their gas and electric bills.

The County Council has joined up with the 13 local authorities across Hampshire (including Portsmouth and Southampton) to set up Switch Hampshire, which allows gas and electricity consumers to combine their purchasing power and get a better deal on bills.

Registering for the scheme is free and simple to do - all you need is your current tariff and energy use in terms of power (KWh) or cost. This information should be included on your annual energy statements or you can find out from your energy provider. There is no obligation to switch and the secure scheme is backed by the County Council.

Each household could save between £60 to £200 a year on energy bills by joining the scheme. Running a collective switching scheme three times a year could result in potential savings of up to £25 million for Hampshire residents.

People can register until 3 June, either online or by calling 01962 846828 (lines open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm). After the closing date, Switch Hampshire will begin negotiations with energy providers to secure the best deals on the strength of this collective buying power.

There is no obligation to switch energy supplier - Switch Hampshire will notify everyone who has registered about the best energy tariffs available to them and manage the process if they do decide to switch.

With around 760,000 households in Hampshire, just two per cent signing up to switch energy supplier through Switch Hampshire would give a combined purchasing power of just over 15,000 customers. The more people who sign up, the more negotiating power Switch Hampshire will have.

Switch Hampshire is part of a larger scheme, the Big Community Switch, involving several London boroughs.

Access to cheaper energy can have significant benefits to those on low incomes, the elderly and families in fuel poverty, including making a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. It can also offer an opportunity for greater savings for those who rely on electricity for heating and cooking because they are not connected to a mains gas supply.

Nationally, collective energy switching is supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Local Government Association and consumer groups including Consumer Focus.

• Switch Hampshire - Register with Switch Hampshire to see if you could save money on your energy bills

Friday, 3rd May 2013

Hampshire residents are being urged to register for Switch Hampshire, the collective energy switching service that could mean lower household bills for gas and electricity.

The County Council is working with other local authorities across Hampshire on the "Switch Hampshire" scheme that will enable gas and electricity consumers to use their combined purchasing power to seek a better deal on their bills. The scheme offers people the potential to get their gas and/or electricity at cheaper rates than if they buy either service as an individual customer.

As an example, customers could save in the region of £60 to £200 per year on their energy bills by joining the scheme. Running a collective switching scheme three times a year could lead to potential savings of up to £25 million for Hampshire residents.

The first opportunity for residents to register is open until 3 June. People can register online or by calling 01962 846828 (lines open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm). After the registration closing date, Switch Hampshire will begin negotiations with energy providers to secure the best deals on the strength of this collective buying power.

Registering for the scheme is free and does not commit anyone to switching energy supplier. Switch Hampshire will notify all those who have registered about the best energy tariffs available to them and will manage everything for them, if they do make the decision to switch supplier.

With approximately 760,000 households in Hampshire, if just two per cent signed up to switch energy supplier through Hampshire's collective energy switching service, this would give a combined purchasing power of just over 15,000 customers - enabling greater discounts to be negotiated on their behalf. The more people who sign up, the more negotiating power Switch Hampshire will have.

Access to cheaper energy has the potential to bring significant benefits to those on low incomes, the elderly and families in fuel poverty, including making a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. It can also offer an opportunity for greater savings for those who rely on electricity for heating and cooking because they are not connected to a mains gas supply.

Nationally, collective energy switching is supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Local Government Association and consumer groups including Consumer Focus.

• Switch Hampshire

Thursday, 11 April 2013

A £155,000 redevelopment scheme has been agreed by Hampshire County Council to improve its household waste recycling centre (HWRC) located on Grange Road in Netley.

A new customer exit will be built so that customers can access the recycling area in their cars without needing to travel through the servicing area. Visitors to the site currently have to drive through the container servicing area to get to the upper recycling area and dispose of their waste. Providing a separate exit will significantly reduce the risk of a customer colliding with a service vehicle and other machinery as well as reducing congestion and enabling the site to operate more efficiently.

In addition, a new pedestrian crossing zone will be created and on-site parking will be increased by six car parking spaces to provide a total of 20 spaces. Space will also be made for another three waste recycling containers and additional upper level storage areas for increased recycling capacity.

Subject to planning consent, construction is anticipated to start in early 2014, for 10 weeks and will be programmed to take place during the time of year when use of the facility is at its quietest. In order to complete the work as quickly as possible, and to avoid compromising the safety of staff and customers, the site will be closed while the redevelopment is taking place.

Nearby HWRCs are located in Hedge End, Segensworth and Southampton.

• Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs)

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

More Hampshire schools will be able to harness the power of the sun to help reduce their energy bills in future, as solar panels plan to be fitted on up to 20 school extension projects by Hampshire County Council over the next four years.

All new primary schools built by the County Council already feature solar PV technology, and in future, technical appraisals for possible solar panel installations will now be carried out on all schools identified for extension across Hampshire.

County Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "Solar PV panels on new primary schools and now school extension projects, can not only help schools to deliver savings in their energy consumption equivalent to lighting a classroom for four months, but they are also another way to help achieve energy reduction targets, particularly as schools make up around 60% of the County Council's total carbon emissions.

"We currently have around 30 solar PV installations on Hampshire schools and this programme is likely to double this over the next few years. Each new school extension scheme, regardless of the governance of that school, will be assessed to explore whether solar panels are suitable, and installed where appropriate.

"As is the case with the 1,800 smart meters we have already installed in Hampshire schools to help them measure their electricity and gas usage, these new solar PV panels will also benefit pupils in the classroom who will be able to tie in with the curriculum, the learning opportunities that come along with this technology. Armed with this knowledge, and the advice and tips we also provide on how they can save energy, they will be able to actively identify patterns, times of high consumption and unusual energy use levels, and take positive steps to tackle any issues."

The County Council has a strong track record when it comes to carbon reduction and energy cost savings, having recently exceeded its targets for a second year running, for cutting emissions from its buildings, schools, street lights and other operations.

Much work already takes place in schools to drive down carbon emissions in addition to positive behavioural change and focus on good energy management. This has been at the heart of the County Council's Carbon Management plan and work with its 498 schools. In addition to the smart meters in schools, there have also been a raft of measures to improve lighting, glazing and improved heating systems.

In addition, the County Council is fitting 1,500 boiler control devices in Hampshire's schools to save an estimated 10% from their heating fuel bills.

• County Council beats carbon emissions target for a second year

Friday, 08 March 2013

Insulate Hampshire has won the 'Best Local Initiative' category in the 2013 Climate Week Awards, beating competition from three other finalists: the Lake District National Park Authority, Greater London Authority and the London Borough of Camden.

The 11 strong judging panel included luminaries such as: the Met Office's Chief Scientist, Professor Julia Slingo; The Right Honourable John Gummer, Chairman of the Committee on Climate Change and Professor Paul Elkins, Professor of Energy and Environment Policy at University College London.

Insulate Hampshire was backed by all members of the Hampshire Senate plus Eastleigh and Fareham Borough Councils with funding from ScottishPower. In the judges' opinion the scheme won because: "The work they are doing to support the local community is a fantastic example of a simple yet effective solution to climate change, that not only is having a direct impact on thousands of residents, but equally has facilitated the dissemination of information on energy efficiency among the wider public."

The Climate Week Awards consider the work of the United Kingdom's most innovative, effective, and ambitious organisations, communities and individuals to combat climate change. The Awards recognise the most inspirational projects and initiatives from all across Britain.

Councillor Ken Thornber, Chairman of the Hampshire Senate says "This is excellent news and the Insulate Hampshire team deserves every credit for the scheme's achievements. Tackling fuel poverty is a priority for the Hampshire Senate, and thanks to the thousands of insulation measures installed during the scheme, households across the county have taken the opportunity to reduce their bills and at the same time improve their health and wellbeing.

"All the partners involved with Insulate Hampshire have worked hard to combat fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions through the project. This will reap benefits for Hampshire residents in helping them to save money on their fuel bills and to lower their household carbon emissions."

The Insulate Hampshire scheme has been responsible for installing over 18,600 insulation measures in Hampshire homes. As a result, Hampshire residents are expected to collectively save over £91 million in fuel bill savings and over 9,000 tonnes of CO2 over the lifespan of their insulation measures.

Award winners were announced on 4 March 2013. Climate Week is a national climate change campaign, aimed at engaging with all sectors to create a sustainable future. Climate Week 2013 runs from 4 March until 10 March.

• Climate Week Awards

Tuesday, 05 March 2013

Hampshire's Minerals and Waste Plan has reached the next stage towards adoption, with the independent Planning Inspector confirming that the Public Hearing will be resumed in Winchester for two days on 13-14 March 2013.

Following scrutiny of the draft Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan at the public examination hearings held in June 2012, the recommendations for changes to ensure the draft Plan is 'sound' (which means it is positively prepared, justified, effective and consistent with national policy) were published, with people having until 17 December 2012 to comment on the changes. This will form the focus for the resumption of the Public Hearing.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council, commented: "The Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan will play a fundamental role in protecting Hampshire's environment and communities over the next 20 years. It will ensure that the local economy is supported by enabling an adequate supply of minerals and sustainably managing Hampshire's waste. Comments received on the proposed changes to the draft Plan were submitted to the independent planning inspector for his consideration and he has concluded that the public hearing should resume, and identified the areas he wishes to be covered.

"The hearing is in public, and therefore anyone can attend and observe the proceedings but only those invited by the Planning Inspector may participate. If the Inspector decides that he has collected all the necessary evidence in March, he will close the hearing and finalise his report which will confirm whether he considers the plan to be a sound document and suitable for the Hampshire authorities to adopt as planning policy. If this is the case it will replace the current policy - the 'Hampshire Minerals and Waste Core Strategy' - and all future planning applications for minerals and waste development will be assessed and determined on the basis of the policies in the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan. This includes measures to manage and mitigate the impact of development on local communities and the surrounding environment."

Hampshire's draft Plan has been jointly prepared by the five minerals and waste planning authorities in the county, as part of their statutory responsibility for minerals and waste planning. The effects on surrounding areas have also been considered, including regular liaision with the relevant councils and communities.

• More information about the draft Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan and public examination

Thursday, 28 February 2013

The Insulate Hampshire scheme has been named as one of the finalists in the Climate Week 2013 Awards, after being shortlisted in the category of 'Best Local Initiative'.

The Climate Week Awards consider the work of the United Kingdom's most innovative, effective, and ambitious organisations, communities and individuals to combat climate change. The Awards recognise the most inspirational projects and initiatives from all across Britain.

Councillor Ken Thornber, Chairman of the Hampshire Senate says "It is very good news that Insulate Hampshire has been shortlisted for a Climate Week Award as the scheme has delivered such positive outcomes for many Hampshire residents. All the partners involved have worked hard to combat fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions through the project. Hampshire residents have been able to save money on their fuel bills as well as reduce their household carbon emissions.

"Tackling fuel poverty is a priority for the Hampshire Senate, and thanks to the thousands of insulation measures installed during the scheme, households across the county have taken positive action to reduce their bills and at the same time improve their health and wellbeing."

The Insulate Hampshire scheme has been responsible for installing over 18,600 insulation measures in Hampshire homes. As a result, Hampshire residents have collectively saved over £91 million in fuel bill savings and over 9,000 tonnes of CO2 over the lifespan of their insulation measures.

Award winners will be announced on 4 March 2013. Climate Week is a national climate change campaign, aimed at engaging with all sectors to create a sustainable future. Climate Week 2013 runs from 4 March until 10 March.

• Further information about the Climate Week Awards

Tuesday, 12 February 2013

A draft long-term action plan for managing surface water flooding in specific areas of the Eastleigh borough has been published to offer local residents, communities and organisations the opportunity to give their views before the plan is developed further and finalised.

In its capacity as the Lead Local Flood Authority, the County Council has worked with Eastleigh Borough Council, the Environment Agency and the water companies, to prepare a draft Surface Water Management Plan.

Surface water flooding relates to flooding from groundwater and run-off from land, small water courses and ditches that occurs as a result of heavy rainfall. The Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) identifies locations in the borough that are likely to flood from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses (smaller ditches and streams not classified by the Environment Agency as main rivers). It will also establish a long term action plan to manage surface water in an area.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council, commented: "In preparing the draft SWMP, we have worked with our partners to understand the causes and effects of surface water flooding and agree the most cost-effective way of managing the risk of surface water flooding in the long term.

"Exceptional periods of rain can cause flooding that can inundate roads and buildings and overload drainage systems. Highway drainage systems are designed to deal with certain frequencies of storm and rainfall intensity but sudden heavy downpours can be a problem and lead to short term surface flooding. In identifying problem areas and the action that can be taken the SWMP will serve to influence decision making relating to future capital investment in drainage, land use planning and inform decisions about appropriate drainage solutions for housing and infrastructure developments."

Aside from any action that the various agencies undertake to alleviate flooding, householders too have a role to play. Councillor Kendal, explained:

"Every householder has a responsibility to ensure ditches on their land are clear to ensure water can flow freely. Many people are unaware of their responsibilities in terms of waste water, drainage and sewage and, as part of the SWMP, the partners will be working to ensure householders are made aware of their obligations in this area."

In addition to keeping ditches on their land clear, householders are also responsible for:

• waste water from inside their property such as from sinks, toilets, washing machines etc;
• drainage from their property, including rain falling on the roofs and gardens;
• and the private foul sewers within a property to the point they connect to the public sewer.

Sewers are not designed to dispel flood water. Bailing flood water into the sewer system can engulf it and cause foul water flooding. Both the public foul sewer and public surface water sewers are the responsibility of the sewage authority (Southern Water, Thames Water, Wessex Water). The County Council has responsibility only for drains provided specifically to drain the highway.

• Eastleigh Surface Water Management Plan

Thursday, 17 January 2013

A report that sets out Hampshire County Council's proposed position on large wind turbine and wind farms on Council-owned land will be considered on 24 January 2013.

The Executive Member for Policy and Resources, Councillor Ken Thornber, whose function includes strategy for the use of resources such as Council owned land, will be asked to consider a position statement.

The decision by Council Leader, Councillor Thornber, will be in relation to the Council's role as a landowner in Hampshire, and it would provide clear guidance for scheme promoters. It also aims to recognise the often conflicting objectives between the benefits of wind power in providing clean renewable energy, and the visual and amenity impact on Hampshire's outstanding, high quality landscapes and countryside. These are important economic assets in their own right, as well as being a key aspect of the character of Hampshire.

Almost half of the County's overall landscape is protected as a result of its landscape or biodiversity importance; encompassing the New Forest and South Downs National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the North Wessex Downs, Cranborne Chase, West Wiltshire Downs and Chichester Harbour as well as a host of nature conservation sites. Outside these areas, landscapes are still sensitive to development including wind turbines or wind farms, as these are often tracts of undeveloped land between areas of existing development, or small-scale, ancient landscapes with tranquil character. The management of the County Council's rural estate, which is mostly farmland or land managed for countryside access, contributes to the character of the County's landscape and to quality of life for Hampshire residents.

The report to be considered highlights that large wind turbines and wind farms are major developments (an average on-shore wind farm of eight, 100metre high turbines can cover an area equivalent to 220 football pitches), and their introduction within rural Hampshire would have a significant impact in the countryside, and on the County's historic character. It is also considered that at present, the business case generally does not support large on-shore turbine developments, though in the future, there could be improvements to the design, technology, efficiency, operation and cost of wind turbines, which could make them a more attractive option. Therefore the County Council's position is to be kept under close scrutiny.

Councillor Thornber said: "We are completely signed up to the benefits of secure, affordable and low carbon energy and are already exploring a number of options within the Energy Strategy agreed by Cabinet at the end of last year, that would ensure Hampshire has future access to sustainable and secure energy sources. Plans are moving forward to create a District Energy Network (DEN) in Winchester to reduce carbon emissions, save money, and help reduce the energy consumption of major organisations, such as the hospital, the University, Winchester Prison, and the County and City Councils. On-shore wind power is not the only source of low carbon energy.

"The County Council is a significant landowner in Hampshire and we have a duty to ensure our land is used responsibly in the wider public interest. It is important that we carefully consider the benefits and impact of large scale wind turbines on our land, whether they might come at the expense of Hampshire's character and environment, and if they justify the loss of some of Hampshire's most prized undeveloped countryside."

The County Council is not the Local Planning Authority for wind turbines or wind farm development, and has no responsibility for making planning policy, nor for deciding planning applications for wind turbines or wind farms.

• Agenda and papers for the meeting of the Executive Member for Policy and Resources on 24 January 2013

Thursday, 17 January 2013

Hampshire County Council's street lighting replacement programme will be arriving in Bishopstoke in the summer of 2013, improving the local streetlights with the latest energy efficient equipment.

Much of the county's lighting stock is over 30 years old and needs replacing. As part of the improvement programme, 150,000 street lights, illuminated signs and bollards across Hampshire are being replaced or upgraded with the latest technology in energy saving lamps and dimming controls. Hampshire's new street lighting will also comply with Government targets for carbon reduction.

The new lighting in Bishopstoke will see the replacement of approximately 422 lanterns and a further 628 lanterns and posts. The introduction of flexible lighting levels and white 'natural' lighting will result in:

• better lighting clarity
• less light pollution due to the new lights pointing downwards
• improved road safety
• improved personal security
• a reduction in carbon.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Transport and Environment said: "A lot of preparation and planning has gone into the Bishopstoke Street Lighting programme and we will try to keep disruption to a minimum. This means coordinating works with other schemes and ensuring that work on key roads is planned to take place outside of rush hour periods.

"This long term investment will help to improve the county's energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions. As well as replacing older lighting columns which are coming to the end of their life, the new lamps will improve lighting levels on the ground, reduce light pollution at night and help make people feel safer in town centres and residential streets.

"The project is an excellent example of using some of the latest technology to save energy costs and carbon emissions well into the future."

Further information about the Street Lighting PFI

The Street Lighting Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is in partnership with Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and will see the replacement or updating of 150,000 street lights, illuminated signs and bollards in Hampshire with the latest energy efficient equipment during the course of the five year core investment period. The scheme will bring many benefits for residents including reduced carbon emissions, reduced light pollution and the capacity to target lighting in areas of high crime.

Implementation of the initiative began in April 2010, starting in Basingstoke, Gosport, Eastleigh, Hedge End, and Winchester. So far 60,000 units (columns and lanterns) have been replaced or changed, using the latest in energy saving lamps and dimming control.

The South Coast Street Lighting PFI won the Best Local Government Project Team 2010 in the Public Private Finance Awards.

• Hampshire PFI Lighting Portal