THE NEXT element for plans for a multi-million-pound bypass project is set to be given the go-ahead by Hampshire’s transport chief next week.

Land acquisition proposals for the £24m Botley Bypass are set to be approved by Hampshire County Council transport portfolio holder Councillor Rob Humby next week.

Under the plans, the council will commence negotiations to acquire all third party interests in all land required for the scheme and any associated access rights and if these are unsuccessful the council will resort to using compulsory purchase powers to acquire the land.

In a statement, Hampshire County Council said: “To provide certainty of delivery in a timely manner, and in the event that negotiations to acquire all third-party land by agreement are unsuccessful, it will be necessary to make and progress a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to secure the necessary land.

“Given that it can take around two years to complete the CPO process, including confirmation by the Secretary of State, it is proposed to commence this process as soon as is reasonably possible.”

Colin Mercer, chairman of Botley Parish Council, said: “The parish council have been involved with this for many years, it’s a very positive move and the county council is fully determined to achieve the best it can for the Botley community as a whole.

“When the county council consulted on the bypass, over 80 per cent of the people that attended were in favour of the scheme, one of its highest for a road traffic scheme of its kind in Hampshire.”

The works for the scheme will improve traffic flow, reduce congestion in Botley and improve air quality and road safety.

Councillor Keith House, leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, said: “The Council has been working hard over many years to bring about a bypass for Botley and is very supportive of the principle of it.”

The site for the new bypass runs from the junction of the A334 and A3051, near to Mill Hill, at the south-eastern end to Woodhouse Lane, passing to the north and east of Botley village and crossing Winchester Street.

The scheme is expected to start early next year.