Issue - meetings

To consider a report on the Cheshire East Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2011-26

The Committee considered a report on the Cheshire East Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) 2001-2026.

Public consultation had been carried out on the draft ROWIP document, in compliance with Section 61(1), (2) and (3) of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.  Reponses to the consultations had been assessed and changes made accordingly.  The ROWIP document set out the strategy by which the Council aimed to improve the public rights of way over the next 15 years.  The improvements to be made would be set out in the Implementation Plan.

Suggestions for improvement schemes had been submitted by members of the public.  In order for these to be fairly assessed, a prioritisation methodology had been devised.  Three options for this methodology had been put before the Cheshire Local Access Forum at its meeting on 10 December 2010.  The Forum had selected Option 2 – Focus on Need, as the methodology to be used and had requested that an additional criteria be added in relation to safety for non motorised uses.  The Forum had also suggested that the format be changed to a matrix and those improvement schemes which plotted high benefit/low cost be taken forward.

The Implementation Plan covering 2011-2015 would be drawn up using this methodology.  Officer delegation was requested so that the final version of the Implementation Plan could be prepared for approval by the Portfolio Holder in March 2011.  The Implementation Plan would be presented to the March meeting of the Public Rights of Way Committee for information.

RESOLVED:

1          The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing be recommended to approve the Appendix to the Report as the Cheshire East Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2011-2026.

2          The prioritisation methodology for projects to be delivered under the Rights of Way Improvement Plan be noted.

3          Mike Taylor, Green Spaces Manager, in consultation with the Chairman of the Public Rights of Way Committee, to confirm the final form of the Implementation Plan for approval by the Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, taking into account the prioritisation methodology advised by the Cheshire Local Access Forum.