Issue - meetings

To consider a proposal to create a new public right of way in the Parish of Cranage.

That the proposal be supported in principle but that further work be carried out to identify funding sources for the construction of the bridge, and to produce a detailed cost benefit analysis to inform the business case being developed.

During discussion of this item Councillor A Kolker declared a non-pecuniary interest by virtue of being a member of the Dane Meadow Project Board.

It was reported that for a number of years, Cheshire East Council, Holmes Chapel Parish Council and Cranage Parish Council had been discussing means to improve access between the two communities.  A possible off-road route via the Cranage playing fields, over the River Dane, and then on to Holmes Chapel via the Dane Meadow public open space has now been identified.

The Council has powers to create new public rights of way.  Due to the number of separate landholdings within the proposed route there were a number of different legal processes, however, which needed to be completed, some of which might be against the wishes of the landowner and therefore open the Council to adverse publicity and to the payment of compensation to those with an interest in the land.  At present the financial implications could not be calculated exactly but adequate estimates with regard to compensation and for the construction of the bridge had been included in the costings. 

With reference to the cost of the bridge, and the need for additional grant aid, it was explained that it was unlikely that the availability of any grant would be confirmed until such time as permission had been secured for the associated Public Right of Way and it would, therefore, be unknown until a later stage

In addition to linking the two areas the proposed Public Right of Way would have additional benefits for the health and wellbeing of residents who would be able to access the areas of open space.  In addition, it might provide an available walking route to school for the children who lived in Cranage but went to school in Holmes Chapel and for whom school transport had to be provided.

Whilst he supported the many benefits the proposal would bring the Portfolio Holder was concerned at the estimated costs of the bridge crossing in particular, and on the need for additional grant assistance which could not as yet be guaranteed.  He requested that further work be carried out on a cost benefit analysis, and on the position with regard to grant assistance, to further inform the business case being developed.    

RESOLVED

That the proposal be supported in principle but that further work be carried out to identify funding sources for the construction of the bridge, and to produce a detailed cost benefit analysis to inform the business case being developed.