Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Environment and Transport which advised of the outcome of the public consultation on the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP) 2025-2035 and sought approval of the Plan and associated action plan.  A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 7’ is filed with these minutes.

A written submission from the Leicestershire Footpath Association had been received and circulated separately and a copy is filed with these minutes.  The Director of Environment and Transport gave assurance that the sites listed by the Footpath Association would be assessed to see what work could be carried out.  However, it would not be possible for everything to be undertaken due to resources.

Mr. C. Whitford CC stated that this was a forward looking plan, which had been shaped by extensive public consultation and engagement and he thanked all who had taken part in this process. 

Mr. V. Richichi CC also welcomed the report and was pleased to note that the Plan had been developed with local communities.  He noted that there was a lack of awareness of public Rights of Way due to neglected footpaths and stiles not being replaced, but it was hoped that the RoWIP would help and the investment made in this area would assist in connecting people within and to rural areas.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the outcome of the 12 week public consultation exercise on the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP) 2025-2035, including the comments of the Highways and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee, be noted;

b)    That the RoWIP 2025-2035 and its Action Plan be approved.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The Government’s statutory RoWIP guidance recommends that authorities undertake a 12 week public consultation on a draft RoWIP to allow for representations to be made.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 requires relevant authorities to assess and review a RoWIP every 10 years.  Approval of the RoWIP will also enable completion of the action ‘S12’, set out in the County Council’s Cycling and Walking Strategy (CaWS) Action Plan, to prepare a revised RoWIP be 2026.

To ensure the Action Plan remains current, effective, informative and deliverable over the 10 year period of the RoWIP.