Agenda item

To consider a report on the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2026 – 36.

The committee considered a report which presented the work undertaken so far in renewing the Council’s statutory Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). The report sought approval to launch a public consultation to ensure that local communities have the opportunity to help shape the ROWIP.

The Council’s current ROWIP covered the period 2011-2026. It was a statutory duty of the Council to prepare and publish a ROWIP, under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 s60, and therefore a new ROWIP was being developed to cover the period 2026-36.

The evidence base which comprised an assessment of the current gap between the PROW and countryside access network, and the demand and use of that network currently seen or anticipated was outlined in the report, which also included the draft vision, objectives and statement of action of the draft ROWIP.

Subject to approval by Committee, a 12-week consultation, as stipulated in government guidance, was proposed to engage stakeholders and residents to help further refine the draft vision, aims and objectives. A Consultation and Engagement Plan was included in the report.

In response to a question raised in respect of erosion and path responsibility officers explained that responsibility depended on the type of path and each case must be assessed individually.

In response to a question raised in respect of long-distance paths officers explained that these could be created and promoted through various mechanisms:

- Council initiatives (e.g. Gritstone Trail)

- National bodies or user groups

The Council could maintain and improve sections within its area, including with grant funding.

In respect of a question raised about the need for new literature promoting walking routes in light of new housing across the borough officers reported that:-

-       paper copies would unlikely be produced due to resource constraints.

-       The Rights of Way Improvement Plan included aspirations to refresh and promote local walking routes.

-       Town Councils may be able to assist with printing and local distribution.

Members were encouraged to contact officers if they were aware of any routes which needed further linkages or promotion to encourage people to be more active.

Concerns were raised regarding difficulty in evidencing claims for long-standing public use of footpaths, especially when new developments disrupt historic routes.

It was requested that evidence requirements were reviewed to consider historical use, gaps in usage, and renewed public interest in walking and active travel.

It was acknowledged that the process was onerous and time-consuming, but it was governed by national legislation, guidance and case law (under the Definitive Map Modification Order application process), therefore the Council did not have authority to alter evidence requirements.

RESOLVED: (By Majority)

That the Highways and Transport Committee

1. Approve the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan set out at Appendices 1 and 2 of the report as a basis for public consultation.

2. Approve the proposed approach to public consultation in line with the Consultation and Engagement Plan in Appendix 3 of the report.

3. Delegate authority to the Director of Growth and Enterprise, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of Highways and Transport Committee, to finalise the consultation material and undertake the public consultation.