Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2010 - 2020

RightsofWayImprovementPlanforKirklees2010‐2020


Foreword

Councillor David Sheard is Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Transportation with special responsibility for Highways.

The public rights of way network has always been an asset for recreation or for the purpose of everyday use such as getting to the local shop or to a bus stop for example. This valuable resource, often taken for granted, now plays an even more important role with regards to people’s health and well being and can significantly contribute towards reducing carbon emissions by encouraging travel on foot or by bicycle rather than by car.

Public Rights of Way help to boost tourism and thus contribute towards the local economy and without them it would be difficult for residents and visitors alike to access the wonderful countryside we have in and around Kirklees.

The purpose of this Rights of Way Improvement Plan is to identify what is required to allow people to get out and about in the surrounding countryside and to enjoy the many local attractions Kirklees has to offer. It also means making sure the network meets with the needs of local people who use it to get to school, work and to local facilities or other services and to ensure no one is excluded from using the network by making it accessible to everyone.

In finishing I would like to thank Roy Malkin, the main author of this plan who has laboured long and hard to produce this document, the first Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) for Kirklees. Many thanks Roy !

Councillor David Sheard Chair of Highways and Transportation Service


Contents ______________________________________________________ Page No Foreword Executive Summary Section 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Rights of Way Improvement plan 1 1.2 Rights of Way Assessment and Evaluation 3 1.3 Rights of Way and Other Access 4 Section 2 Background 7 2.1 Kirklees – A Place to Live, Work and Enjoy 7 2.2 Landscape Character 8 2.3 Parishes, Wards and Localities 8 2.4 Peak District National Park 8 2.5 Attractions 9 2.6 Promoted Routes 9 Section 3 Policies and Strategies relevant to the Rights of Way 11 Improvement Plan

3.1 Unitary Development Plan (UDP) 11 3.2 Local Development Framework (LDF) 11

3.3 Regeneration Areas 11 3.4 Cycling Strategy 12 3.5 Countryside Strategy 12

3.6 Tourism and Visitor Strategy 13 3.7 Health 14 3.8 Culture Strategy 14 3.9 White Rose forest 15 3.10 PROW Policies 15

3.11 West Yorkshire Local transport Plan (LTP) 16

Section 4 Use and Demand 17

4.1 Population 17 4.2 Disadvantaged Groups 17 4.3 Minority Ethnic groups 17 4.4 Healthy Living 17 4.5 Older People 17 4.6 Safer Routes to School 17 4.7 Children and Younger People 18 4.8 Neighbourhood Paths 18 4.9 Latent Demand 18

Section 5 Users Needs 20 5.1 Walking 20 5.2 Horse Riding 23 5.3 Cycling 25 5.4 Carriage Driving 26 5.5 Recreational Motoring 27


Section 6 Issues and Actions 28 Issue 1 Definitive Map and Statement 29 Issue 2 Mobility and other Impairments 32 Issue 3 Non Users 35 Issue 4 Local Transport/Green Travel 37 Issue 5 Bridleway Network 39 Issue 6 Maintenance 41 Issue 7 Promotion and Publicity 44 Issue 8 Partners 46 Issue 9 Open Countryside 49 Issue 10 Enforcement 51 Issue 11 Volunteers 53 Issue 12 Funding 55 Issue 13 Conflicting Interests 57 Issue 14 Stakeholder Liaison 59 Section 7 Statement of Action 61 Section 8 Monitoring and Review 63

Summary Conclusion 64 Glossary of terms and definitions 65

References 68

Appendices: 1 Public Rights of Way Statistics – Path Number and Length 2 Public Rights of Way Statistics – Outstanding Issues 3 Outstanding Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) Claims 4 Public Path Order Priority Matrix 5 Enforcement Priority Matrix and Guidelines 6 Promoted Routes in Kirklees 7 Promoted Routes Publications 8 Main Attractions in Kirklees 9 Path Priority Assessment (example) 10 Unitary Development Plan (PROW) Policies 11 Greenways 12 West Yorkshire Pennine Local Access Forum Proposals 13 Public Rights of Way Overview Maps 14 Open Access Land Overview Map 15 Parishes, Wards and Town and Valleys Committee Areas Maps 16 Consultation


Executive Summary The public rights of way network is a significant part of Kirklees’ heritage and a major recreational resource. It enables people to get outdoors and away from increasing motor traffic and to enjoy the countryside which they would not otherwise have access - or simply to use it for fresh air and exercise. These rights of way are also important in the daily lives of many people who use them for travelling, particularly on short journeys, to shops, schools and other facilities as well as being an important link between neighbourhoods and settlements. As part of Kirklees Vision, the Rights of Way Improvement Plan is to have a rights of way network; that is accessible for all, helps towards improving the health and well being of our residents, supports the economy through tourism and helps to reduce Kirklees’ “carbon footprint”. It aims towards improving sustainable transport with member authorities within West Yorkshire as well as working with other neighbouring authorities whose aims and objectives are the same or similar. The aims of the plan are to: 1. Protect, improve and develop the rights of way network as an important means of

access both within urban areas and the wider countryside to meet with the present and future needs of the public.

2. Ensure the condition of the rights of way network is maintained and enhanced in

keeping with the needs of local communities. 3. Afford opportunities for safe and sustainable travel and for access to work, schools,

shops and other facilities and amenities as well as providing further opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoyment of the area.

4. Improve the accessibility of rights of way for all members of the community in particular

those from ethnic and deprived areas and especially for those with mobility problems or other impairments.

5. Identify opportunities to further improve public access in Kirklees by working with

partners and volunteer groups in providing well-connected, well maintained, traffic free routes that are safe, attractive and well used by residents and visitors.

6. Enable and encourage people to enjoy the benefits of regular exercise whilst going

about their daily business and to take advantage of the wide variety of countryside that exists within Kirklees.

7. Ensure the rights of way network contributes to the development of economic

opportunities in Kirklees through tourism. Each highway authority is required to prepare “A Statement of Action” for the management of its Rights of Way Network and for securing improvements to local rights of way, with particular regards to the matters dealt with in the criteria contained in the Countryside and Rights of way Act 2000.

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Section 1- Introduction The public rights of way network provides the public with opportunities to explore the countryside. It enables people to get away from urban areas for fresh air and tranquillity and to enjoy the countryside by way of recreational/leisure interests. Equally, the rights of way network still functions as its original use for travelling to work, school, church, local markets etc. Rights of way can also be seen as an important historical and cultural asset from both a local and national perspective. Kirklees has over 2000 recorded rights of way (sometimes called public paths) covering 1100 kilometres (700 miles). The network is made up of a wide range of routes from short tarmac urban “snicketts”, medium distance natural surfaced paths in rural areas to long and often rough surfaced paths in exposed upland areas. Sections of national trails with other footpaths, bridleways and byways also forms valuable links to communities’ in between. Kirklees is a good example of where rights of way perform both a utilitarian and recreational function having equal amounts of large conurbations and large areas of countryside. Kirklees public rights of way are recorded on the Definitive Map and Statement (see Issue 1 under Section 6) and historically by Parishes and the former Urban/Rural District Council areas - shown on maps at Appendix 15. The status and length of paths are shown by Parish/District and by Ward at Appendix 1. However, there are many other routes which are not legally recorded on the Definitive Map that are used regularly by the public. 1.1 Rights Of Way Improvement Plan The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 placed a duty on all highway authorities to produce a Rights of Way Improvement Plan. Rights of Way Improvement Plans are intended to identify changes to highway authority’s public rights of way (PROW) network in line with the Governments aims for better provision for walkers, horse riders, cyclists and people with mobility and other problems. The Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) considers:

• The extent to which local rights of way meet the present and future needs of the public. • The opportunities provided by local rights of way for exercise and other forms of open air

recreation and the enjoyment of the local authority’s area. • The accessibility of local rights of way to blind or partially sighted persons and others

with mobility problems. • Such other matters relating to local rights of way as the Secretary of State may direct.

Although there is a duty to produce a Rights of Way Improvement Plan, there is no such duty to implement it and consequently no Central Government funding is available. Therefore, funding for implementation will have to be raised through partnership working, external funding bids, sponsorships and existing local authority budgets. Whilst the Council’s statutory duties regarding public rights of way are not diminished, this new duty provides an opportunity for Kirklees to move forward and build on the day to day work already being carried out, plan strategically on how we manage and improve Kirklees’ rights of way and other access, promote and publicise the wider network in line with what the local people would like and at the same time meeting the Council’s overall ambitions for Kirklees.

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Kirklees Rights of Way Improvement Plan is also loosely based on the “Milestones”¹ principles that all rights of way should be legally defined, properly maintained and well publicised as this concept is of great value to people who live in and visit the countryside. A poorly maintained network can cause many problems not only for users, who may be deterred from visiting, but also for farmers and land owners who may suffer trespass and damage as a result. Rights of way improvement plans are intended to be the means by which highway authorities will identify changes to be made in respect of the management and improvements to the local rights of way network in order to meet with the government’s aims of providing better provision for walkers, equestrians, cyclists and people with mobility problems. The guidance from the government does not define what “improvement” is and for Kirklees it is therefore envisaged that the following is a basic assumption:

• A correct record of routes and trails • A reduction in the number of obstructions • An improvement in signposting, way marking and visual attraction • Review of path repair and maintenance regime • The creation or improvement of existing links to the strategic network • The removal of barriers and improved access for those with mobility and other

impairments • Improved information, promotion and publicity • Improving the network to take account of sustainable transport • Improve the network towards health benefits • Improvements to attract tourism in support of the local economy

Although Kirklees rights of way network has significant provision for walkers, it is poor and fragmented for horse riders and off-road cycling. The network is also very limited for those with mobility and sensory impairments. The Rights of Way Improvement Plan should take account of local and regional objectives/strategies which includes; Kirklees Countryside Strategy, Tourism Strategy, Green Space Strategy the West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan, Local Development Framework, , Leeds City Region Transport and Regeneration Framework. The “Statement of Action” within the plan, identifies the action the Council intends to take towards future management and improvement of the network based on the criteria mentioned above. Within ten years of the first publication of the ROWIP (and subsequently not more than ten years thereafter) highway authorities are required to review their plans and decide whether to amend them or not. ¹ The Milestones Statement was an initiative by the Countryside Agency (now Natural England) which was part of their Recreation 2000 Policy to have all rights of way legally defined, properly maintained and well publicised by the end of the century (year 2000). It was obvious that local authorities would not be able to achieve the target so the “Milestones” Initiative was launched. There was no duty to do this although many local authorities (including Kirklees) did produce a “Milestones Statement”. The ROWIP is a duty and a further attempt to get the rights of way network in order but refocused with present day and future needs.

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1.2 Rights of Way Assessment and Evaluation Rights of way survey - a condition survey of Kirklees’ entire rights of way network was undertaken in 2007 and much information was gathered about the legal alignment and physical condition. This information will be used as a baseline to measure the progress of general improvements and “Actions” identified in the Statement of Action - a summary of issues identified at the time of the survey and the present situation is given at Appendix 2. Rights of way improvement plan consultation - formal consultation was carried out by way of a questionnaire given to Kirklees “Talkback” Panel during 2005 and feedback from various Highways Customer Care questionnaires during 2009 and user group forums. Informal consultation was carried out during 2010 with various user groups, meetings with officers from other council services, outside organisations and agencies and certain individuals. Public consultation on the “Draft” ROWIP was between June and August 2010 and as well as paper copies and CD’s being available it was put onto the Council’s “Have Your Say” website and the availability of the draft was advertised in the local newspaper - mainly for the benefit of the general public. Each Ward Member was consulted. The response rate to the draft consultation was minimal (approximately 8%) and in most cases very positive which would indicate that Kirklees’ ROWIP is on the right track. The majority of the suggestions and comments received have been incorporated in this final document. A list of those consulted and a summary of responses is given at Appendix 16. Evaluation – the evaluation and assessment of the ROWIP identified “issues” (see Issues Section) which were then assessed and formulated a conclusion and, together with key points in broad terms, formed the basis for the recommended actions that should be taken to resolve the issues. The assessment and development of the ROWIP for Kirklees has been influenced by a number of factors:

• The Council’s (as highway authority) statutory duties • Government statutory guidance • Natural England’s (formerly the Countryside Agency) advice • Stakeholder consultations • Public consultation • Kirklees Public Rights of Way Forum • West Yorkshire Pennines Local Access Forum • Various other agencies and organisations • Other Kirklees Council Services • Relevant corporate strategies and plans • Kirklees’ Aims and Ambitions • Funding opportunities • Local Transport Plans • Local Development Framework

In evaluating the scope of the ROWIP, much consideration was given to user’s needs and demands, results of consultation, the Council’s objectives, analysis of the condition survey measured against the outstanding issues and the present state of the network. Key issues identified were:

• In many areas the Definitive Map does not accurately depict all the paths which are used on the ground,

• The network is fragmented with high concentrations in some areas and very little provision in others.

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• The network for horse riders (and consequently off-road cycling) is extremely poor.

• There is a need for short circular routes.

• Better integration of the rights of way network with the road network.

• The network of local rights of way is generally inaccessible to disabled/elderly users.

• There is a particular need to develop paths within regeneration areas.

• Provide better signposting with place names and distances.

• Better public information with regards to rights of way is required.

• Removal of obstructions should be a high priority.

• Ensure cyclists have equal opportunities to use the highway network and other available

access.

Rights of way hierarchy and priority - rights of way fall into two distinct uses; utilitarian and recreation and they are also categorised into urban, urban fringe and rural and as such have to be managed and maintained differently. In order to prioritise resources and to meet with the Council’s aims and ambitions, an assessment matrix showing each individual public path link has been devised and an extract from it is given at Appendix 9. Whilst the assessment determines the overall value of individual paths with regards influencing factors such as its value to the local community (by way of access to facilities and amenities) links to public transport, recreational value etc; other factors such as footpaths having the potential to become multi-use by way of upgrading them to bridleway status will also be included in the scoring – the overall aim being to prioritise routes into a strategic network following the “A, B, C” system of classification attributed to the road network. It is expected the results of the priority assessment will show the average volume of use to be: Urban routes – 50% Urban fringe – 25 % Promoted routes – 10% Rural – 13% Upland – 2% 1.3 Rights of Way and Other Access Kirklees district has over 2000 recorded public rights of way covering almost 1100 kilometres (700 miles). However, there are many other routes, both formal and informal which are not recorded on the definitive map that are used by the public. The public rights of way network in Kirklees is quite varied and ranges from well surfaced paths in urban areas, natural earth paths in rural pasture and woodland settings to peat or rough mineral paths on remote moorland. The rights of way network is used for both utilitarian and leisure purposes, providing key links for people to go about their daily business, whether this is a journey to a bus stop, school, work, shops, walking the dog etc. or undertaking a range of recreational activities such as walking in the countryside, a cycle ride, horse riding or simply being able to get to some other facility for

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leisure purposes for example; a rock face used by climbers or a place for anglers. Access opportunities available:

• Public Rights of Way – Footpaths, Bridleways, Restricted Byways and Byways Open to All Traffic (BOAT)

• Cycle tracks – specific paths mainly for cyclists • Greenways – multi user, easy access to off-road routes and trails • Permissive and other paths such as those provided by canal towpaths or through

woodlands and parks, paths provided by landowners within the Countryside Stewardship scheme

• Open Land – Open Access Land and Registered Common Land • Minor road network of unclassified highways (white roads)

There are many paths and access to land not recorded legally but are used by members of the public or used with some agreement of the landowner:

Unrecorded Paths – these are paths which were either missed off the original definitive map or have been established since then. They are often called “claimed” rights of way and generally have been used by members of the public without consent of the landowner or have nothing which prevented or impeded passage. There is a statutory process which enables such paths to be “claimed” and added to the definitive map - see list of outstanding claims at Appendix 3. Permissive Paths – these are paths (which also include “Greenways”) which landowners have agreed to give “permission” for members of the public to use. They often link to rights of way or to some attraction or place of interest. They can be of any “status” and be subject to conditions of use. They do not become rights of way and the landowner can withdraw permission at any time or subject to the terms of a formal agreement. The permissive path agreements within Kirklees (most of the Greenways in Kirklees are actually permissive paths) are as follows:

Footpath - Leak Hall Crescent, Upper Cumberworth Footpath - Holme Styes Wood, Hade Edge Footpath - Woodend Farm, Shepley Footpath - Jordan and Oliver Woods, Whitley Footpath - Deffer Woods, Clayton West Spen Valley Greenway Spen Ringway Meltham Greenway Calder Valley Greenway (part)

Countryside Stewardship – this scheme was set up by the Ministry of Food Agriculture and Fisheries (MAFF) now called DEFRA, which offered payments to land owners to improve the natural beauty and diversity of the countryside. It also allows for public access to land under the scheme or for permissive routes to be created - there is approximately 22 hectares of land and one permissive bridleway under countryside stewardship in Kirklees. Canal Towpaths – some canal towpaths are recorded on the definitive map as footpaths, however most are considered either as permissive paths, a public place or part of the navigable waterway. The value of these paths cannot be overestimated as generally they are level, usually well maintained, and on most sections, ideal for those with mobility problems. They also offer some interest from an historical or wildlife aspect. Woodland Trust – The Woodland Trust allows permissive access to approximately 60 hectares of woodland in its ownership within Kirklees district. Open Spaces - open areas/places where the public have access such as public parks and gardens, sports fields, village greens, children’s play areas, allotments etc. - see section 3.9 Strategy for Culture.

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Green Corridors - these are sites that offer opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding whether for leisure purposes or travel and they can also provide for wildlife habitat and include rights of way, canal towpaths, river banks, permissive paths road and rail corridors and walking and cycling routes within towns. They provide connectivity links to other access and transport routes and can be used for a specific purpose or be part of multifunctional open space areas. The general ease of use can therefore offer access availability for those with mobility problems. Greenways are largely off-road routes connecting people to facilities and open spaces around towns and the countryside and are available to people of all abilities on foot, horseback or bicycle for commuting, recreation and leisure. They are identified either as part of a section of green corridors or as a stand alone provision usually within the urban fringe areas of Kirklees. There is approximately 26 km (16 miles) presently available with approximately 6.5 km (4 miles) in development and these include: Public rights of way and Greenways compliment one another with regards to Green Travel Plans as they provide links to or form part of the Green Corridor Strategy.

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Section 2 - Background information

2.1 Kirklees as a Place to Live, Work and Enjoy Life Kirklees is located in the South Pennines and is at the heart of the Pennine Corridor, covering an area of 408 square kilometres (157 square miles) and is a Metropolitan Borough of West Yorkshire. Neighbouring authorities are Barnsley and Derbyshire to the south, Oldham to the west Bradford, Calderdale and Leeds to the north and Wakefield to the east. The south western part of Kirklees falls within the Peak District National Park. Kirklees has the largest population (401,000) of the 36 metropolitan districts and the 8th largest population of the 376 local authorities. It includes the settlements of Batley, Birstall, Cleckheaton, Denby Dale, Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Holmfirth, Huddersfield, Kirkburton, Marsden, Meltham, Mirfield and Slaithwaite. Huddersfield is the largest of the settlements and is the centre of local government administration. There is a wide range of industries across Kirklees, although much of the heavy industry that characterised the area in the 19th and 20th century such as textiles and engineering has disappeared, to be replaced by a broader range of innovative manufacturing and service industries. Having excellent communication road and rail links and in particular the M62 motorway in the North, the M1 to the east and a direct rail link from Huddersfield to Manchester Airport - Kirklees is easily accessible from Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield offering a central location for touring and exploring.

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2.2. Countryside Landscape Character There are fairly large areas of varied countryside that is enjoyed by both residents and the many visitors which “encircle” urban conurbations, ranging from a rural patchwork of arable, grazing and woodland through to exposed moorland. Many of these areas are designated as Special Protection Areas (SPA) Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or other form of conservation protection providing a wealth of diverse wildlife habitats. Much of the land outside the urban areas is designated “Green Belt” and therefore is offered some protection from development. 2.3 Parishes, Wards and Localities Historically, “Kirklees” is made up of eleven districts which consist of Parishes, the former Huddersfield Borough and former Urban and Rural District Councils and to which the rights of way network is legally identified and recorded on the Definitive Map. Kirklees district presently has 23 Wards and now has 6 Town and Valleys Committee areas and now that local people can have more of a say in the management of their area, it is intended that public rights of way will be managed more in partnership with these areas. Overview maps of Parishes, Wards and the Town and Valleys Committee areas are shown at Appendix 15. 2.4 Peak District National Park The Peak District National Park was the first National Park designated in 1951 and is renowned for its dark rough gritstone edges, beautiful heather moorlands and gentle limestone dales. It is managed by the Peak District National Park Authority as an independent body funded by central government. Whilst it is not the Highway Authority, it is nevertheless the Planning Authority for the area it covers within Kirklees and is responsible for:

• Conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area.

• Promoting opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public.

• Fostering the economic and social well-being of local communities.

With more than 22 million visitor days each year, The Peak District National Park is one of the most visited in Europe. It is estimated that 16 million people live within an hours drive, making the Peak district an easy place to reach. Most visits are by day trippers and approximately 90% arrive by private car thus inevitably leading to traffic congestion and parking pressures. Visitors are attracted by the area’s outstanding scenery, its peace and tranquillity and for taking outdoor recreational activities such as walking, horse riding, cycling, rock climbing and caving. The network of public rights of way, trails and access to open land, provides a valuable resource for both visitors and residents alike. The area of Kirklees within the Peak District National Park is over 55 square kilometres (17 square miles) and approximately 60 km (37 miles) of Kirklees public rights of way lies within the Park boundary. Both Kirklees Public Rights of Way and Countryside Units have fostered good working relationships with officers of the Peak District National Park and will continue to do so, along with officers from other Council services.

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2.5 Attractions Apart from the beautiful and varied countryside which surrounds the built up areas of Kirklees, there are many other attractions ranging from Country Parks, Museums and Historic Houses, council owned woodland together with a variety of sporting and recreational facilities. Access to many of these attractions is usually via public rights of way or has rights of way passing through them – some of the most popular attractions are listed at Appendix 8.

2.6 Promoted Routes Kirklees is well served by a variety of promoted routes from short circular walks for families to long distance or multi user routes for those who seek more of a challenge. Promoted routes have been devised not only by Kirklees Council but other organisations such as The Ramblers Association, National Trust, Yorkshire Water, Civic Societies and other private individuals or organisations. There are many people who are familiar with or happy and confident to visit the countryside. However, there are equally as many who find it daunting for a variety of reasons – for instance “getting lost”.

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Promoting specific routes is a way of encouraging people to “get out into the countryside” and to give them some guidance by way of providing relevant signing/waymarking, leaflets and books and other forms of publicity. There are many routes which are promoted by the Council’s Countryside Unit as well as those by private individuals or organisations and tailored to the various user, walker, horse rider, cyclist, family group etc. They vary in theme from “challenge” on remote uplands to a leisurely stroll in or around a Country Park or to take in some attraction, history or just the scenery. More recently the Countryside Unit has produced some short easy circular local walks with health aspects in mind to encourage people to take exercise within their own locality - as most promoted routes tend to be either over rough terrain or require a car/transport to get to the start. It is intended that the ROWIP will review and provide more “walking for health” routes and cater for those with disabilities. Brief details of some of the main promoted routes approved by the Council are given at Appendix 6.

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Section 3 - Policies and Strategies relevant to the Rights of Way Improvement Plan The Rights of Way Improvement Plan compliments many other council strategies, plans and initiatives which have reference to and are relevant to public rights of way and also with regards to access and recreation. The ROWIP has the potential to deliver on several of the aims and objectives expressed in the current council priorities and are integral to the Local Development Plan/Local Development Framework and Local Transport Plan. Government guidance recommends that Rights of Way Improvement Plans be developed within the context of other plans and strategies produced by the Council and with particular reference to healthy living, leisure and recreation, sport, tourism, transport, countryside and disability. This plan should therefore influence the above areas of responsibility especially where they are relevant to the economic, social and well-being of local communities. The fundamental purpose of the ROWIP is to ensure that the rights of way network meets with the present and future needs of all our communities and in particular those which are disadvantaged. It also encourages the development of partnerships within and outside the Council in delivering its aims and the aspirations of local people. The value of public rights of way for walking, horse riding and cycling as a means of low carbon, sustainable travel as an alternative to the car is well recognised. 3.1 Unitary Development Plan The Unitary Development Plan (UDP) sets out the Council’s policies and proposals for the use and development of land and buildings. It constitutes the statutory development plan for Kirklees, with the exception of the Peak District National Park (where the national park plans are in force). The Unitary Development Plan (UDP) was adopted on 1 March 1999. As a result of a Direction issued by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in 2007, UDP policies were revised. Some policies were saved and remain in place. Key policy issues from the Unitary Development Plan relating to the Rights of Way Improvement Plan are shown at Appendix 10. 3.2 Local Development Framework The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 states that each council must prepare a Local Development Framework (LDF) to replace its existing statutory development plan, currently the UDP. The LDF is a collection of local development plan documents (DPDs) which deliver the spatial planning strategy for its area. The Core Strategy is the key plan within the LDF and sets out the overall vision for the area together with a spatial approach setting out how development is intended to happen. Once adopted documents will be reviewed and updated individually as necessary. The Local Development Scheme (LDS) identifies the timetable of the Local Development Framework (LDF) and indicates when the new policies will be in place. The Council has consulted on the draft options for the Core Strategy. This included related aspects to this document such as strategy for open spaces etc. 3.3 Regeneration Areas It has been recognised that some areas of Kirklees for various reasons have fallen behind with regards to economic growth, prosperity and social issues. Dewsbury has been specifically identified by the Council as in need of priority regeneration. This will include attracting new businesses, creating better homes and infrastructure. Local rights of way can play a part in this

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regeneration from the concepts mentioned in this document - recreation, utilitarian, social exclusion and health.

3.4 Cycling Strategy Kirklees Council has a Strategic Cycling Network Plan which shows existing cycle routes, both on-highway and off-road together with proposed routes for future development. Over the past 12 years Kirklees Council has built/provided; 3.5 km bus/cycle lanes 40 km cycle lanes 6 km other cycle facilities The cycling network includes the Kirklees Greenway Network (see under 1.3 Green Corridors) which provides traffic-free routes linking urban areas and providing corridors to access green spaces and to the wider countryside and are recognised National Cycle Network (NCN) routes. There are other disused railway corridors recently completed or in development and which could become part of the “Greenway” routes and some are protected under land use in the Councils UDP. In addition to the above Kirklees promotes leisure cycling routes many of which are sign posted some having National Cycling Network recognition: West Yorkshire Cycle Route is a sign-posted long distance route 241 km (150 miles) around the boundary of West Yorkshire of which 47 km (29 miles) passes through Kirklees. The Pennine Cycleway (South Pennines) is a 199 km (124 miles) route promoted by SUSTRANS (NCN 68) and passes north-south through Kirklees via Scammonden, Slaithwaite, Meltham and Holmfirth. Kirklees Eastern Riding Route (KERR) is 48 km (30 miles) signed route using quite roads and bridleways linking Denby Dale, Kirkburton, Emley and Shepley. North Kirklees Riding Route is an unsigned route using quite roads and bridleways. Kirklees also provides free cycle parking stands for short-stay parking and cycle lockers for longer stay parking in town centres. 3.5 Kirklees' Countryside Strategy Kirklees Countryside Unit is currently producing a draft strategy for countryside recreation and this section of the ROWIP will be updated accordingly when the final document is available. The predominant land use in Kirklees is countryside, covering over 70% of the area. The diverse range of groups with an interest in the countryside include; the farming community, residents of rural towns and villages, rural businesses and the urban residents who use their local countryside for leisure. A Countryside Strategy is highlighted as a key action plan within "Vision 2012 - Our community strategy for Kirklees". The Department of Culture Media and Sport would also like local authorities to publish countryside recreation strategies as a sub-document of their cultural strategies. The Countryside Agency in 2000 produced guidance on the preparation of local authority countryside recreation strategies. This well researched guidance is used as the outline for this Kirklees Countryside Recreation Strategy.

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Kirklees Countryside - in Kirklees the countryside and urban environment of the district are so closely linked that it is a very subjective task separating the two geographically and economically. Fingers of land with a distinctly countryside character extend into the towns, providing potential countryside experiences for Kirklees residents at little or no cost. Many businesses in the countryside depend on spending by a combination of external and local visitors, plus people who have made their homes in attractive Kirklees villages and commute to the surrounding towns and cities. The vision of the Countryside Strategy is to provide a quality countryside experience which is accessible to everyone and with the following aims;

• To get more people actively involved in the local areas of countryside

• To contribute to the development of a diverse countryside heritage

• Remove barriers to active enjoyment of the countryside

• Promote the value of the countryside as a life long learning opportunity

Countryside Recreation - there is a wide range of countryside recreational activities, which people can do in the countryside. Walking is the most popular activity, but other pastimes and sports such as cycling; horse riding, hang gliding, fishing, canoeing, golf, nature study, visiting heritage attractions and picnicking attract vast numbers of participants. All these activities depend on the resources of the countryside and careful management of these resources and sensitive promotion is required if we are to pass on a countryside of value to future generations. The Benefits of the Countryside - the urban fringe and wider countryside of Kirklees benefits, or has the potential to benefit all sections of society: • The countryside is potentially very accessible. • The diverse countryside attracts visitors and enhances the profile of the district, which

benefits the wider economy of Kirklees. • People with low disposable incomes can enjoy the countryside. • There are proven physical and psychological health benefits from visiting the countryside

and living in a green environment. • Opportunities for physical recreation range from gentle "health walks" in rolling countryside

such as Kirkburton and Denby Dale to strenuous days out in the more upland parts of Kirklees.

• Trees in the countryside can trap particulate pollutants on their leaves, absorb carbon dioxide on a long-term basis and break up the movement of stale air.

• The diversity of wildlife in the countryside acts as an environmental barometer, for monitoring changes in land use and the impact of pollutants.

3.6 Tourism and Visitor Strategy There is a clear interface with tourism, the countryside and public rights of way. The Council’s Regeneration and Economic Development Service is in the process of rewriting their Tourism and Visitor Strategy. The Regional Development Agency has highlighted Tourism and the Visitor Economy as one of the priority areas for investment. Funding is accessible through the area tourism partnerships (for Kirklees this is the West Yorkshire Tourism Partnership), and for the first time activity across the region is focussed on common goals and marketing themes:

• Outdoors • Sport

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• Heritage • Family • Indulgence • Artistic • Delicious (food & drink) • City life

The visitor economy is a key part of Kirklees’ economic growth potential and important to many other aspects of life. Visitors and residents alike enjoy attractions; events, restaurants and markets Access to the countryside and waterways provides opportunities to learn; explore and take some exercise and vibrant towns have a greater potential to attract inward investment. Local residents as well as visitors from other areas benefit from facilities on offer in the district – local attractions, countryside walking, cycling routes and the culture, arts and events that are held throughout the year. These contribute also to the health agenda, aiding people to explore and exercise in the local area, as well as enabling local people to learn more about history, heritage and the diversity that Kirklees has to offer. 3.7 Health The government’s Chief Medical Officer’s report of 2004 highlighted the importance of taking regular exercise and stressed that increasing activity levels can improve physical and mental health and even small amounts of physical activity can reduce the risk of disease and disability. Further research has shown the positive effect nature and green spaces can have on people’s sense of well being. Encouraging more people to take more physical exercise is essential in reducing the cost of ill health to the economy. A lack of exercise is a key contributor to poor health and 70% of the population in England do not take enough exercise to benefit their health and well being. Walking and cycling are particularly good forms of exercise as they are relatively inexpensive; require little or no equipment and can be built into daily routines. Use of the public path network provides a free and accessible means of exercise available to everyone regardless of age, size or physical condition. There is therefore a very positive benefit to be gained from being in the natural environment whether engaging actively in walking and cycling or merely having a picnic or enjoying the views. Kirklees’ Community and Leisure Service has produced several “Walks to Health” leaflets in line with the national “Change for Life” initiative to encourage less active people to take up some form of exercise – leaflets and other publications currently available are given at Appendix 7. 3.8 Strategy for Culture Kirklees’ Culture and Leisure Services key objectives also contribute to the Council’s overall vision and aims and in particular to promote, develop and improve leisure, recreation and cultural opportunities for people who live, work or visit Kirklees. The rights of way and highway networks play an important role in accessing the many culture and leisure assets (in particular parks and open spaces) that the Council manages:

o 33 Parks o 260 Play area o 152 playing fields/sports pitches o 6 local nature reserves o 38 woodlands o 7 picnic areas o 100 allotment sites o 28 bowling greens

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o 73 tennis courts o 2 skateboard parks o Wilton Park Butterfly Conservation Centre o 1 cycle speedway circuit o Bradley Park Golf Club and Driving Range o 1 pitch and putt course o 3 all weather pitches o 15 floodlit multi-courts o 3 sports centres o 23 libraries o 3 museums o 2 historic houses o Town Halls o 8 mobile libraries o 3 home service libraries o Castle Hill Monument o Registration of births, deaths and marriages o Various other premises and public amenities

3.9 White Rose Forest The White Rose Forest was established on 1 August 2000 with the launch of a West Yorkshire wide strategy that aimed to realise the full economic, social and environmental value of a well-wooded landscape. Kirklees has signed up to a “Joint Venture Agreement” partnership within the Leeds City Region and aspires to: 1. Become a leader in sustainable economic development by working towards a low carbon economy in a high carbon landscape, where people want to live, businesses want to invest and environmental assets are utilised and valued. 2. Help local communities to be involved in the planning, management and recreational use of green space and greenways - encouraging more healthy lifestyles, community cohesion and quality of life. 3. Ensure that the region’s green infrastructure will be of such a scale and quality that it will protect and enhance biodiversity and reduce the impact of climate change on people and places. The White Rose Forest builds on the above and works closely with relevant organisations such as the Woodland Trust in providing greater access to woodlands in the region. The White Rose Operational Manager in Kirklees is presently engaged on several access initiatives, one notably working with Yorkshire Water and Kirklees’ Public Rights of Way Unit towards improvements to rights of way and access around Scammonden reservoir. 3.10 Rights of Way Policies Several policies are being produced or are in revision to effect better management of the rights of way network:

• Rights of Way Disabled Access Policy

• Rights of Way Enforcement Policy

• Definitive Map Procedures and Priorities

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• Working with Volunteers

• Open Access Land Management

3.11 West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan

The second West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan (LTP2) sets out a programme of wide ranging improvements to local transport from 2006 to 2011 and will also be an important step towards the longer term vision for transport. It is a statutory requirement to include the ROWIP within the Plan. LTP3 is currently in the proposals stage and will replace LTP2 in April 2011. Kirklees is bordered north and east by the M62 and M1 motorways and has other major trunk roads passing through such as the A58, A62, A629, A635. The public rights of way network is a key part of the local transportation infrastructure, providing connections, both for people without cars and those with cars who wish to reduce their carbon footprint – see Issue 4.

West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan core strategy approaches relevant to rights of way are:

A1 Improve physical accessibility by making public transport accessible, improving the continuity and signage of cycle/walk routes.

A2 Maintain and improve road, pavement and rights of way conditions for

pedestrians, cyclists, vehicle and freight users, C3 Encourage more cycling and walking by dealing with existing barriers, promoting

the benefits and integration with public transport. S2 Provide relevant skills for driving, riding, walking and cycling. M7 Maintenance of Rights of Way.

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Section 4 - Use and Demand Population – Kirklees has the eighth largest population of the 376 local authority districts not based on a major city. The population is generally centred in the larger urban areas of Huddersfield, Batley and Dewsbury. Large urban populations place a greater pressure on the countryside and the access network within it which is dwindling due to urban sprawl. However, it opens up opportunities for utilitarian use to work, schools and local amenities. Disadvantaged Groups – social exclusion can be the result of a number of factors which combine to prevent individuals from benefiting from the opportunities most people take for granted such as; good health, regular income, good education, reaching services and amenities. The traditional factors which are seen as barriers to enjoying the countryside are:

• Unemployment and poverty.

• Lack of private transport.

• Lack of information.

• Fear of the unknown. It is interesting that in areas which suffer from social exclusion; there is a low level of car ownership and the public transport service is lacking and as such there is a greater need to walk or cycle for local journeys. It is therefore very pertinent to improve local rights of way for both utilitarian and recreational use in these areas. Minority Ethnic Groups – ethnic groups account for 16% of the population of Kirklees the majority of these being Asian. They tend to fall into the “non users” category due mainly to their cultural background and in particular for Asian women. To encourage ethnic minorities to use the public rights of way network and access to the countryside it is necessary to provide more in the way of publicity not only as to where to go but also explaining what rights of way are and the opportunities and benefit of going into the countryside. Healthy Living – it is widely recognised that as part of a healthy lifestyle; moderate, regular exercise is necessary. The benefits of informal recreation, particularly walking and cycling are seen as a popular form of keeping fit. Access to the countryside is generally free and the rights of way network is available all day, every day. It has also been recognised that health benefits are gained by just walking 30 minutes a day. Therefore, as part of encouraging more people to take up physical activity, “Walking the Way to Health” leaflets have been produced by the Council’s Countryside Unit which also includes people recovering from ill health problems. Local rights of way can play an important role in this respect. Older People – the ageing population means that older people should be encouraged to take up some activities for their health and well being in particular those who have recently retired from work and have more leisure time. As mentioned previously, some of the rights of way network is not always available to certain groups of people such as the elderly for reasons not unlike those with disabilities. Nevertheless, routes can be devised to cater specifically for older people and structures such as stiles, steps, handrails on these routes should be reviewed to provide the “least restrictive” option. Safer Routes to School – there is a special need to provide easier and safer routes for children going to and from school and the Public Rights of Way Unit has a limited specific budget to improve paths which are used by schoolchildren - although this is soon to end. Nevertheless, improvements should be continued as far as possible and at the very least, paths which have been improved or identified should be subject to an annual maintenance regime to

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ensure the paths will remain useable for schoolchildren. The Rights of Way Unit works closely with Road Safety Officers with regards to “School Travel Plans” which involves trying to get more children to walk or cycle to and from school. It is hoped to work more closely with Schools to identify routes within the vicinity of their school. Children and Young People - most children want to play and explore and the rights of way network and other access provision gives them the opportunity to do so. However, parents fears of not knowing where their children are and the fear of crimes against children, whether real or perceived, is relevant. Therefore, routes which can accommodate “family walks and rides” should be devised to ensure that children have access to the countryside which not only benefits their health and well being but also can be an education or learning experience. Older children, teenagers in particular, should be encouraged more to take up walking and cycling activities and again the public rights of way network can provide for this. Because children appear to be fixated to computers these days, more by way of publicity and organised activities could help towards getting young people into the countryside for both health and interest reasons. Neighbourhood Paths - the Public rights of Way Unit has over the years improved many paths specifically for people to access shops and facilities in their local neighbourhood. This very successful project, whilst coming to an end, is, hopefully, to continue under “localities” working by way of improving local rights of way to the demand and wishes of local people. Latent Demand - this is potential demand which has not yet been developed and as far as the ROWIP is concerned, falls within the statutory guidance of assessment of the nature and scale of the present and future needs of the public in relation to the rights of way network, both in terms of local people and visitors alike. It is clear from consultation that current users would like the rights of way network to be further improved and developed and in particular with regards to maintenance and enforcement. Reasons which prevent increased use by current and potential users are primarily based upon the experiences whilst using the network and the availability and attractiveness for those who do not use the network. However it is clear that both groups desire the improvement of existing routes rather than just providing more routes. In 2000 the Countryside Agency (now Natural England) commissioned a “Use and Demand” survey and found that 70% of participants would increase countryside activities if more routes were made available. However, the survey concluded that such increase levels in activity would likely be higher for those already having and interest, although the level amongst non users would involve a significant increase. The survey also revealed that the provision of additional routes and facilities would increase activity for a variety of purposes:

• For health, leisure and recreation.

• Travel to shops and other local amenities.

• Travel to work.

• Children travelling to school.

It is also envisaged that the revised Tourism Strategy will promote more use of the public rights of way network and thus highlight the recreational need of the network - especially in areas such as the Holme and Colne Valleys whose economy is to some degree dependant upon tourist visitors.

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There also appears to be a latent demand for access to water for canoeists for example. This would involve possible creations or negotiating access through permissive agreement.

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Section 5 - Users Needs The needs of people using public rights of way vary greatly for many reasons and as mentioned previously, they are valued either for utilitarian or recreation purposes or both. Whilst the aim is to provide as many “multi-user” routes as possible, physical, financial and more importantly legal reasons are barriers which are often difficult to overcome. Factors that influence use are identified as follows: Location – routes can commence from outside the home or may require some form of travel to get to the start. There may be facilities available along or at the end of the route such as car parking, toilets, café or pub. The route may have some place of interest on, adjacent to or near it, for example; viewing point, historic monument, wildlife/nature interest or cultural significance. The route may also provide for other leisure interests such as getting to a place to fish or for jogging etc. Connectivity – routes that link rights of way with the road network should be available for all types of users - walkers, horse riders and cyclists and ideally for those with mobility problems. Terrain – routes may vary considerably from very flat to steep slopes. There may be natural obstacles such as streams and rivers to cross which may limit access to less-able people. Surface – routes may be even with smooth tarmac surface or rough and uneven with only an earth surface. They may also be subject to being wet and muddy and therefore the surface is a deciding factor on type of use - especially for those with mobility problems or people with pushchairs. Length – routes again may vary due to their length from very short “snicketts/ginnels” to long promoted routes and can be linear or circular. Width - the width of the route may also be a deciding factor (recorded rights of way have a defined width) as these vary considerably. Even on wide paths there may be “pinch points” such as narrow gaps, bridges or some natural feature. Access controls – stiles to prevent escape of stock and barriers to prevent illegal use can be a problem to some users. Safety – there is a whole raft of issues concerning public safety from the physical condition of the route, confrontation with animals, lack of lighting of urban routes, egress onto busy narrow roads to simply getting lost in isolated areas. Signposting – signposting and way marking gives confidence to users and the lack of such can deter people from using the network. Information – providing relevant and useful information about routes, raising awareness of the countryside, together with education and responsible use of the network. A brief description of the different types of user is given below which includes issues associated with each sub group: 5.1 Walking Walking is a very popular recreational pastime and a valuable alternative mode of transport especially in urban areas; providing access to local amenities. The needs of walkers must always be a priority as everyone is fundamentally a “pedestrian” (people who use mobility scooters are also classed as pedestrian). Walkers form a large and diverse group and have differing needs from the rights of way network. Pedestrians have the advantage of associated

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access such as to parks/ green space areas, reservoirs, common land, woodland and generally have access to almost anywhere in the district where allowed on foot. As well as a recreational or utilitarian purpose, walking also has an impact on reducing the carbon footprint – reducing the need of motor vehicles - health and well being and social and community benefits. Utilitarian Users – this category is for people who walk for a purpose other than for leisure; to get to work, to the shops, doctors’ surgery, bus stop, railway station, church or other facility. They may also visit friends and relatives using the path network – most people inevitably fall into this category and the paths they use are generally in urban areas and therefore require a higher standard of management - often being well surfaced, have street lighting and often an increased provision of safety aspects where appropriate. This sometimes is in contrast to utilitarian paths in rural areas, often these being poorly surfaced, unlit and usually connecting to unlit narrow roads with little or no safety aspects being taken into consideration. Schoolchildren – although schoolchildren use public rights of way from a utilitarian aspect, they deserve a special mention as it is important that schoolchildren be encouraged to walk (and cycle) to and from school for several reasons:

• For their personal health. Children tend to be less active today than in previous generations and therefore walking/cycling gives them the opportunity to get some physical exercise and fresh air.

• To help reduce pollution and congestion on the roads as a result of being taken to/picked up from school by car.

• It also allows children the opportunity to socialise by interacting with others on the

journey to school and encourages a feeling of independence.

• Makes them more aware of their local community and the countryside. Such paths need to be in very good condition with regards to width of the path, smooth surfacing - especially for infant and junior school children who may be accompanied with a parent or elderly grandparent (possibly with a pushchair) together with good lighting, signposting and safe crossing points. Therefore, these paths should as far as possible integrate with homes and the school and be away from busy roads. In previous years specific funding under the Safer Routes to School scheme has been made available and the Public Rights of Way Unit has over several years worked closely with Road Safety in trying to encourage schoolchildren to walk or cycle to school and ensure they do so in a safer and easier manner. Recreational Walkers – although these people walk mainly for pleasure, they can be categorised into differing needs; people who walk for specific health reasons or to keep fit, sightseeing, to get to some location in order to follow an hobby or activity such as, bird watching, fishing, rock climbing, kite flying, canoeing for example, or just for fresh air, peace and tranquillity. Recreational walking also varies; from short family walks to long and challenging walks and both can be either linear or circular. There should be accommodation facilities on routes which incorporate long or challenging routes such as National Trails. Recreational type paths tend to be in the countryside areas and these particular paths should be managed in character within the rural setting. Nevertheless, there is a requirement for better signage than in the urban areas and to ensure proper maintenance of gates, stiles etc. is carried out as tourists are attracted to the countryside in and around Kirklees. There is also a need to consider public transport availability to the rural network and in particular to the more remote areas of the district.

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Dog Walkers – dog walkers have particular needs and this activity is often seen in a social context - meeting with other dog walkers or as a family walk. Ideally, routes are circular and not particularly long, free from traffic and with minimum barriers such as stiles and ideally on routes where there is no conflict with livestock. There is a growing need for educating dog walkers as to their responsibilities - in particular to fouling footways, public footpaths and in particular control of dogs on farm land.

Walkers Needs: Sub Group Issues Utilitarian walkers

Hard surfaced well maintained paths free from encumbrances - dog fouling, dust bins, parked cars, overhanging vegetation, nettles, standing water. Free from litter and hazards e.g. broken glass. Wide enough for pushchairs/buggies. Well lit. Providing well maintained handrails on steps.

Recreational walkers Day Walkers Short circular or well connected routes.

Start from home or formal car park. Accommodate family groups. Accommodate organised groups. Route should have some historic, cultural and wildlife/nature aspect. Easy going /gentle terrain. Access to local transport. Well signposted and way marked. Well maintained surface. Well maintained stiles, gates, bridges. Routes free from obstructions.

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Hill Walkers Require longer often more challenging routes – can be circular or linear.

Remote/upland areas preferred. Parking facilities. Availability of public transport to/from remote areas.

Dog Walkers

Circular routes of varying lengths. Adapting stiles for dogs. A requirement for “dog bins”.

Family Walkers

Routes to accommodate differing ages of children. Flat well surfaced (not necessarily tarmac) routes. Access for pushchairs. Toilet facilities required on or near routes. Points of interest along route. Country Parks and Open Spaces.

Older Walkers

Gentle, gradients. No stiles and easy opening gates. Handrails on steps and/or long gradients. Well maintained surfaces. More information of relevant routes. Local public transport availability. Country Parks and Open Spaces.

Younger Walkers

Mix of safe easy to challenging routes. Leading to places of interest/facilities/activities. Country Parks and Open Spaces. Interesting / educational routes.

Wheelchair/Mobility Scooters (Can be both Utilitarian and Recreational)

Access to surfaced parking area. Accessible toilet facilities. Accessible gates on route. Requirement for more details of/and on routes. Seating for helpers. Suitable widths. Gradient consideration (wheelchairs) Routes connected to road network.

5.2 Horse Riding Bridleways can be considered “multi-user” being available to pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists. Kirklees bridleway network is very poor and fragmented and therefore horse riders have little choice with regards to riding along or across unsuitable roads especially for long journeys. The need to ride on the carriageway obviously brings them into conflict with motor vehicular traffic - there are over two million horse riders in the UK and approximately 3000 accidents annually involving horses on the road and therefore the safety of horse riders must be a consideration within the rights of way improvement plan. Added to this, is the poor state of

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the bridleways network, either the surface condition, overhanging tree branches or the infrastructure, for example poorly maintained or unsuitable opening of gates. Most of the bridleway network is signposted but there is need of further way marking. There is also a need to consider parking facilities for horse boxes near to bridleways start and end points. Bridleways in Kirklees amounts to only 8% of the network and this low figure is probably due to many bridleways being wrongly recorded as footpaths in the past. Most of the bridleway network is made up of short sections unconnected routes many which have now been tarmacked following development. Access for horse riders on byways is no better being just 1.6% of the entire public rights of way network and access on Greenways is limited. There is scope for using highway verges for horse riders either as a safe route or to link with existing bridleways. Unfortunately, horse riding is naturally viewed primarily as a leisure pursuit and therefore does not attract the designated funding which is made available for transportation. Maintenance of the existing bridleway network and efforts to create more bridleways is therefore considered a lower priority by the Council, although it must be remembered that bridleways also accommodate cycling - which is becoming an increasing activity both in terms of leisure and “green” travel. There is clearly a need for a “Bridleway Strategy” to be produced, not only from a maintenance perspective, but with regards to connectivity by way of upgrading exiting footpaths and creation of new bridleways and also incorporating “white” roads into the bridleway network.

Horse Riders Needs: Sub Group Issues Experienced Riders Medium to long distance rides.

Horse Box parking facilities. Livery facilities. Well signposted. Easy opening gates (from mounted position) Overhanging tree branches. Appropriate and well maintained surfaces. Traffic calming on “quiet” roads.

Young, Disabled or Less Experienced Riders Short safe routes. Country Parks. Routes close to riding stables.

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5.3 Cycling Cycling can either be utilitarian or for recreational purposes. There are over 3 million people who cycle every week and there is opportunity to make cycling safer and more enjoyable to encourage people to make more journeys by bicycle in order to reduce use of vehicles and hence reduce traffic congestion and in particular carbon emissions. Cycling is also healthier and a good form of physical exercise. Much improvement work has already been undertaken in providing routes specifically for cyclists by way of greenways and cycle-ways (see 1.3 above). As mentioned previously, the bridleway network is poor and fragmented for horse riding and improvement of the bridleway network will obviously benefit cyclists, especially for leisure use.

There can be conflict between cyclists, horse riders and walkers using the public rights of way network and with land owners where cyclists are trespassing over private land or cycling on footpaths without authority. However, this can be addressed by providing better information on their rights and responsibilities and with regards to their own and other users safety. Although much is being done in Kirklees with regards to cyclists by way of creating greenways and cycle ways, nevertheless, and as previously mentioned, the public rights of way network is poor for cyclists. This can be addressed by either the use of Cycle Track Orders in converting footpaths to Cycle Tracks or (and together with horse riders in mind) by creating new bridleways and, where appropriate, upgrading footpaths to bridleways. Utility cycling – mainly cycling to and from work but equally to the shops and visiting friends for example and most tend to use the road network and designated cycle ways. However, there is little in the way of connectivity for cyclists when leaving roads especially if not on a “mountain bike” as the bridleway network is poor and the surface of bridleways is usually unmade and normally earth or rough material. Nevertheless, work is ongoing to improve the provision and safety of cycling through the towns and urban areas of Kirklees. Recreational cycling – cycling for leisure purposes can be both on and off-road. Routes have been devised for “road” cycling and attempts to reduce motor vehicle speed on quiet roads (for horse riders and walkers also) is being considered. Off-road provision for cyclists is limited and reliant on the bridleway network and, as previously mentioned above, the bridleway network is poor and fragmented. However, the “Dark Peak Link” (section of Pennine bridleway feeder route) is an example of bridleway development. The use of Greenways for recreational cycling, especially for family groups, is very popular. However some are “permissive” paths and do not afford the legal protection as does public rights of way.

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Cyclists Needs: Sub Group Issues Utilitarian Cyclists Hard surface Direct routes to place of work/facilities/amenities Changing facilities at work Secure cycle storage Integrated cycle network Road crossing points Links from home to network Routes available to all age groups Good signage warning motorists

Links to Railway Stations and facilities to carry bikes on trains.

Road environment to encourage cycling (e.g. cycleways) Road Recreational/Sport Well maintained hard surface Varying challenging routes Various scenic routes Avoiding busy roads Well signed routes Off Road (Mountain Bikes) Wide range of terrain Varying length of routes Car parking facilities Links to trains Circular routes Accommodation facilities Signage to avoid conflicts/accidents Children or Family Groups Flat or gentle terrain Good surfacing Safer routes

Consideration of access control for various types of cycle such as “Tag-alongs”

Country Parks Away from water edges Free from vehicular traffic Mobility Impaired Cyclists Available range of cycle designs e.g. hand propelled,

tandem, trike Good level surfacing Consideration of barrier design Car parking facilities 5.4 Carriage Drivers The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 conferred a new status of right of way being “Restricted Byway” which gives a right of way to walkers, horse riders, cyclists and includes horse carriage drivers – motor vehicles are excluded. Kirklees has no recorded restricted byways and no claims for such have been received to date. However, if such rights do become available in future in Kirklees, this aspect will be dealt with on individual merits and/or within the review of the rights of way improvement plan. Carriage drivers have no legal access to bridleways and in any event most would be unsuitable or impassable to them. In the absence of any Restricted Byways in Kirklees which would

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provide safer use, carriage drivers want at least to be able to use byways or quiet lanes. However, although more robust than a horse rider, they still nevertheless come into conflict with motor vehicles. 5.6 Recreational (off-road) Motorists Byways Open to All Traffic (BOAT) amount to 1.6% of Kirklees network – the level of lawful vehicular use amounts to 5% of the national network - These are available for all users but the surface may not be suitable for the average car or heavy vehicles. There is a general feeling that motor vehicles are inappropriate in the countryside and detrimental to walkers and horse riders’ enjoyment to quiet tranquillity and fresh air. Unlawful use by motor vehicles in particular motor cycles has increased the conflict with both users and landowners - not only on public rights of way but on open country and other land. Due to the lack of facilities for recreational vehicular users responsible drivers are concentrated to the few available byways and consequently, conflict with other users and maintenance is becoming more of a problem. Many of the BOATs in Kirklees now have a tarmac sealed surface and street lighting on them and therefore, these should be fully “adopted” and removed from the Definitive Map - as they are considered all purpose carriageways other than by name. It is unlikely that provision for recreational motor vehicles will increase in Kirklees the future and in fact is counter to the “green” issues which is incorporated in Kirklees’ policies and visions. Nevertheless, existing provision should be well maintained, signed (almost all the BOATs in Kirklees have been signed) and available for use.

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Section 6 – Key Issues and Actions In the process of producing the Rights of Way Improvement Plan for Kirklees, all the information gathered was evaluated which includes the following:

• All available access – rights of way, permissive paths, public open space etc. • Types of user – walkers, horse riders, cyclists, non users etc. • Users needs and demands – older people, disabled, safer routes to school etc. • Comments from consultation. • Condition of the network and infrastructure requirements. • Interface with external organisations – Police, Metro, NHS etc. • Working with partners. • Major landowners. • Stakeholders. • The Council’ statutory duties. • Local economy. • Promotion of the network. • Green travel initiatives. • Volunteers

From the evaluation, “issues” emerged and a brief explanation, together with a conclusion, was given for each issue. Key points were identified which formed the basis of the “actions” the Council proposes to take and which are identified in the “Statement of Action” at Section 7. Also mentioned within each “issue” are the following:

• The people who are involved in taking forward each item in the “Statement of Action”. • Partners. • Estimated costs. • Resources and funding. • A single priority item from each issue. • Policy and other relevant links. • Some additional information/reference.

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Issue 1: Definitive Map and Statement The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 introduced a duty on local highway authorities to produce a “definitive map and statement” for their area. These two legal documents are conclusive evidence of the existence of a public right of way and are the reference points for rights of way issues. The map and statement (written description of the routes) was first produced in 1952 and excluded areas such as Huddersfield and Dewsbury - being large urban areas – which have now been mapped and recorded. As well as errors and anomalies there were many paths missed off the map for various reasons and many rights of way have been established over time since the first map (and subsequently the revised map of 1985) was produced. Although the intention was that the definitive map was to be reviewed every ten years this did not happen and as a result, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 conferred a duty to “continuously” revise the definitive map and statement in order to provide an accurate and up-to-date record of all public paths. The continuous review of the Definitive Map for Kirklees involves the following:

• Identifying and correcting errors and omissions.

• Investigating and processing “claims” - paths established over 20 years of uninterrupted use by members of the public.

• Processing outstanding Definitive Map Modification Orders to show the changes

resulting from Legal Event Orders (diversions, extinguishments and creations etc.) since the definitive map was first published.

• Consolidation of various definitive maps into a single map and statement for Kirklees.

• Adding to the Definitive Map public rights of way recorded on the “Street Register” but

not on the Definitive Map and Statement. Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 provision is made to extinguish all unrecorded rights of way, the cut off date being 2026. To try and record as many historic rights of way as possible before the cut-off date a project called “Discovering Lost Ways” has been initiated by Natural England and an Archive Research Unit has been set up to research historic rights of way not currently shown on the definitive map. This involves gathering evidence and submitting those with sufficient evidence to local highway authorities to process. This project does not create new rights of way; merely provides historical evidence to what already exists and for various reasons not recorded on the definitive map. If the highway authority is satisfied with evidence and merits of a particular path or way application it will then add the path or way to the definitive map through existing legal procedures. Assessment 1 - Definitive Map and Statement and network development Conclusion: The Definitive Map and Statement are the legal records of public rights of way and it is very important to keep these documents accurate and up to date. Kirklees’ Definitive Map and Statement do not accurately depict the nature of the public rights of way network on the ground as used by the public. Key points: 1. Kirklees has two separate Definitive Maps from the legacy of the former West Yorkshire

County Council and the previously excluded area of Dewsbury North.

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2. There is a need to review and prioritise all outstanding Definitive Map work with regards to public path orders (PPO) legal event orders (LEMO), definitive map modification orders (DMMO) review files and anomalies.

3. Improve the existing availability of digitised map of rights of way and other rights of way

information for the benefit of the general public.

4. A need to secure improvements from developers through the planning process to facilitate improvements to existing routes and to secure new routes.

5. There are several public rights of way that are now “fully adopted” carriage roads and

therefore which need to be removed from the Definitive Map and Statement.

6. There are many rural Unclassified County Roads & White Roads which would be of great benefit to the public rights of way network and should be added to the Definitive Map as a footpath, bridleway, restricted byway or Byway Open to All Traffic.

7. There is a duty to make available in electronic form, registers of applications and

declarations relevant to the Definitive Map and Statement.

8. There are many rights of way recorded on the “Street Register” that are not recorded on the Definitive Map.

9. There may be a requirement to Investigate and process any rights of way which are applied

for under “Discovering Lost Ways”. 10. There is a need to simplify and improve the internal procedures (notwithstanding any legal

requirements) with regards to definitive map work. 11. Develop programmes to identify and explore opportunities for path creation, dedication

(and diversion – where it is to benefit public) particularly those affecting the strategic network.

12 Working more closely with Highways Development Management can secure improvements

to existing paths and/or create new paths with developers at planning application stage.

Who is involved: Public Rights of Way staff, Legal Services, Colleagues in Strategic Investment Service.

Partners: Adjoining Local Authorities. Estimated costs: Difficult to ascertain as this will mainly be staff costs within

a revenue budget. Resources/funding: As most of definitive map work is a duty and guided by

statute, funding will come from existing revenue budget or as other budgets allow. However, funding improvements to existing and the creation of new paths can be secured through Planning/Highways Development Management.

Statement of Action Priority: DMS 2 - Work more closely with Highways

Development Management to identify and ensure that the Council maximises planning sustainability and maintenance with regards improvements to existing rights of way and the creation of new public paths as may be required.

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Policy and other links: National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Countryside and Rights of way Act 2000, DOE Circulars 1/83, 2/93, 18/90, Corporate IT, Milestones Statement, Local Development Framework, Discovering Lost ways, Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Additional information: Appendix 1 - PROW Number and Length by

Parish/District. Appendix 1 - PROW Number and Length by Ward. Appendix 3 - Outstanding Map Modification Orders

(DMMO). Appendix 4 - Priority Matrix for applications to change the

Definitive Map and Statement. Appendix 12 - The WYPLAF proposals with regards the

guiding principles for ROWIPs. Appendix 13 - Overview maps showing; Whole path

network, Footpaths, Bridleways and Byways. Appendix 15 – Overview maps showing Parish and Districts, Wards and Town and Valleys Committee Areas.

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Issue 2: Mobility and other Impairments The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 places a duty on local highway authorities to have regard to the needs of blind or partially sighted people and those with mobility problems. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995/2005 classified public rights of way as a service and therefore local authorities must take responsible steps to provide “reasonable” access for disabled people. The nature of the countryside and in particular the topography of Kirklees together with the character of public rights of way means there are relatively few paths suitable for use by those with mobility or other impairment problems. It is difficult to accommodate people who are totally blind on the overall rights of way network other than providing “talking” information panels on specific routes. However, minor improvements can be carried out for partially sighted persons for example; painting handrails in an appropriate colour, painting steps, ensure signage is in appropriate font size and colours. Major limitations to disabled users is the number of stiles, narrow footbridges, uneven and poorly maintained surfacing other concerns such as heavy farm gates. However, a policy document is currently being produced to highlight the least restrictive options on the rights of way network and take account of the management, maintenance and improvement together with relevant promotion and publicity of local rights of way. Routes can be a single path or way, on roads and have defined start and end points such as a car park or viewing point for example. Therefore an audit of the network needs to be carried out to ascertain feasibility and to ensure improvements result in a complete and useable route. Nevertheless, Kirklees Council has already made attempts to meet with the legislation Culture and Leisure Services in partnership with Highways have made most of the paths on Castle Hill Monument (a very high profile attraction) accessible to those in wheelchairs. The Public Rights of Way Unit has also constructed a footpath and is in the process of construction a viewing area to allow wheelchair users and those with mobility scooters, to gain access to Open Access Land at Slaithwaite Moor. Other paths are being identified for wheelchair users and where possible brought up to standard. Such paths are then identified by adding the disabled logo to signposting.

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The issue with regards to blind or partially sighted people is difficult to address for example; trials for a “tapping rail” along a path was found to be a trip hazard for others. However, revision of colours for signage and more information in Braille is being investigated. Kirklees’ Highway Service has its own Disability Liaison Group and therefore has a good working relationship with its members and the Council’s Access Officer not only with regards to public paths but the whole highway network. Assessment 2 - Development and improvement of access for users with limited mobility Conclusion: The public rights of way network in Kirklees is generally inaccessible to those in wheelchairs. The presence of stiles and other structures limits accessibility to the network not only for wheelchair users but also to others with mobility problems. Improving paths for wheelchair users also improves them for the elderly, children and family and group outings. Key points: 1. There is a need to carry out an audit on the path network and other access sites to

assess access provision for those with mobility problems. 2. The Public Rights of Way Disability Access Policy should be completed as soon as possible. 3. Improve surfaces to wheelchair standard (where reasonable) on identified routes especially those on strategic routes. 4. Provide disabled access information for inclusion on the Public Rights of Way Web site. 5. Produce leaflets of promoted trails/routes specifically relevant to those with mobility problems. 6. Continue to work with disability groups and maintain input at the Disability Liaison Group meetings. 7. Many stiles are difficult to use by older/less agile people especially ladder stiles and consideration with regards this should be given to new or replacement stiles or ideally provide pedestrian gates instead. 8. Some bridleways are ideal for use with mobility scooters and wheelchairs. 9. It is recognised that people with disabilities should have equal opportunities to visit the countryside and use rights of way for leisure and not just utilitarian purposes. 10. There is very little consideration for blind or partially sighted persons and a few paths

could be identified for recreational use by this group of people. Who is involved: Public Rights of Way Staff, Colleagues in Streetscene,

Colleagues in Strategic Investment Service, Corporate IT, Community and Leisure Service, Kirklees’ Access Officer

Partners: Disability Groups, Volunteers, Major Landowners,

Fieldfare Trust, West Yorkshire Pennine Local Access Form.

Estimated costs: To be determined.

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Resources/funding: PROW revenue budget and as other budgets allow, Local Transport Plan, Local Enterprise Partnership. Fieldfare Trust.

Statement of Action Priority: MOB 1 - Carry out an audit on all routes to assess the

feasibility of improvements for those with mobility problems and in particular those in wheelchairs. This can be done either as a project to ensure connectivity or on an individual path basis.

Policy and other links: Disability Discrimination Act 1995/2005, Local Transport

Plan, PROW Disability Policy. Statement of Action 5 – Bridleway Strategy.

Additional information: Appendix 12 - The WYPLAF proposals with regards the

guiding principles for ROWIPs.

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Issue 3: Current Non Users

Whilst the use of rights of way is free, some sections of the population choose not to - simply because of the cost in getting to specific parts of the path network or wider countryside. Many people in poor health believe walking involves long or difficult routes and therefore consider is too strenuous an activity. There are many people who are not aware of rights of way network outside their community. Those of a different culture, particularly of Asian origin who are either not aware or do not understand the purpose of rights of way network, especially in the countryside, as a recreation asset. There are other factors why people choose not to use the rights of way network;

• Poor condition and lack of maintenance/signposting.

• Unsure of where they can go and their rights.

• Fears of being on a narrow enclosed or conversely, on open and isolated path.

• Cultural differences.

• Disadvantaged groups.

• Lack of awareness of the network.

• Intimidation by animals and other users/landowners.

• Health issues. Assessment 3 - Encourage non users to use the public rights of way network and other access facilities Conclusion : There are many people who do not use access facilities because of the nature of their culture, health issues, for fear of crime, due to poor maintenance, perceived cost in getting to the wider countryside or simply that they are not aware of what is available in and outside their locality. Key points: 1. There is a need to identify people who do not use the public rights of way network and the reasons why and to find ways in which to encourage them to do so. 2. Areas identified for regeneration should incorporate improvements to existing and possible creation of new access, especially for the benefit of ethnic minorities and disadvantaged groups. 3. Information specifically aimed at non-users could help both in terms of explanation of the path network and the benefits of using such. 4. There are many people who do not use rights of way because of health problems and who could be encouraged to take up exercise. 5. Leaflets of “walks to health” have already been produced but could be extended to ensure routes are devised in every locality. Who is involved: Public Rights of Way Staff, Colleagues in Strategic

Investment, Community and Leisure, Colleagues in Streetscene.

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Partners: Community groups, Volunteers, NHS (Hospital Trusts and Surgeries) Kirklees Housing Associations.

Estimated costs: To be determined. Resources/funding: - Statement of Action Priority: NON 3 - Work closely with the District Hospital and

doctors surgeries to encourage those with health issues and those residents who do not take part in any form of exercise, to use the public rights of way network positively towards improving their health generally and to assist those in poor health or recovering from a previous illness.

Policy and other links: Kirklees’ Vision, Local Transport Plan, Health Initiatives. Additional information:

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Issue 4: Local Transport /Green Travel The new Local Transport Plan (LTP3) guidance recognises the role of active travel solutions such as walking and cycling. There is now an opportunity for local authorities to take a broader, more holistic approach to transport and address the rights of way network as an integral part of urban and rural transport systems and in contributing to the achievement of all the national transport goals:

• reducing carbon emissions; • supporting economic growth; • promoting equality of opportunity; • contributing to better safety, security and health; and • improving quality of life and a healthy natural environment

The urban rights of way network is extremely valuable. Walking and cycling are important to everyone and especially to those without cars – elderly, children, disabled and those on low incomes. They provide important links between communities and workplaces. Improved routes which can be accessed by people with mobility problems will naturally improve access for and be more attractive to other users. The Rights of way Improvement Plan can contribute to the Local Transport Plan and links the main Government ‘s transport aims of reducing congestion, reducing pollution/poor air quality, reducing noise and reducing physical inactivity and the growing levels of obesity. Key issues are as follows:

• Deliver a more sustainable transport system, with growth in the use of alternatives to the private car including bus and the use of trains.

• Provide improved accessibility to jobs and key facilities such as hospitals.

• Improve road safety and reduce road casualties.

• Reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality in those areas worst affected by

pollution.

• Improve journey safety and security.

• Deliver better travel information through the use of modern technology.

• Provide better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Improve the condition of the local highways and bridges.

Assessment 4 - Develop the Rights of Way Network to meet with the Government’s aims, the Council’s own aims and objectives and the Local Transport Plan 3 objectives to reduce the district’s “carbon footprint” and encourage “greener travel”. Conclusion: Rights of way can contribute significantly to Kirklees’ overall reduction of the district’s “carbon footprint”. Improving the condition and connectivity and integration with the road and rail network would encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport as an alternative to travelling in cars.

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Key points: 1. Review the existing network and other access facilities with regards to connectivity. 2. Prioritize the network to provide strategic walking and cycling routes. 3. Prioritize those paths which link to the Core Transport Corridors. 4. Continue with the development of the Greenways programme for Kirklees. 5. Investigate and develop the integration of rights of way with the road / rail network. Who is involved: Public Rights of Way Staff, Colleagues in Strategic

Investment Service. Partners: West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan Partnership,

METRO, Sustrans, PROW Forum, West Yorkshire Pennines Local Access Forum.

Estimated costs: To be determined. Resources/funding: Local Transport Plan, as other budgets allow.

Statement of Action Priority: LTP 6 - Complete the rights of way priority assessment and categorise paths with an “A, B, C” route classification system.

Policy and other links: Local Transport Plan, Local Development

Framework, Health initiatives, Walking/Cycling, Carbon reduction, Public Transport.

Additional information: Appendix 9 - Path Priority Assessment. Appendix 10 - Unitary Development Plan (PROW)

Policies.

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Issue 5: Bridleway Network Due to the poor and fragmented bridleway network in Kirklees, it is felt that a specific strategy should be produced to address this issue - especially as bridleways also offer a facility for “off road” cycling. Horse riding is seen only as a recreational activity and is not recognised within transportation plans and therefore does not attract funding. Improving the existing network of bridleways and increasing the number through creation and dedication will also be of benefit to other users. As mentioned previously, there would be better provision for off-road cycling, better access for those with mobility problems and walkers would also benefit. Another benefit of bridleways is their width as they are usually quite wide and therefore gives a feeling of “openness” as opposed to most footpaths which are generally narrow and often enclosed so giving opportunities for family and group walking. There is an economic base with regards horse riding with requirements for stabling, livery businesses, riding schools, lease of grazing land, and events/shows etc. Providing more bridleways, especially as part of a well connected network, would take horse riders off the roads and reduce conflict with vehicles. In order to improve the bridleway network, the following items should be included in the strategy:

• Maintenance of the existing bridleway network in good condition and made easily accessible

• Increased promotion of the bridleway network

• Identify routes that should have been recorded as bridleways on the original Definitive

Map and effect a programme to deal with this issue

• Assess connectivity to existing bridleways

• Identify and improve links to and promoted more use of Greenways

• Identify routes which link to the Pennine Bridleway via the “Dark Peak Link”

• Identify and negotiate dedication/creation of routes which can accommodate bridleway use

• Identify stables and livery/blacksmith facilities

• Identify road verges that can be used for horse riders

Assessment 5 - Provide better provision for horse riders Conclusion : Horse riders in Kirklees are not very well provided for due to the lack of bridleway provision and the fragmented nature of the existing bridleway network. Support is unavailable from the LTP. Bridleways also accommodate cyclists and walkers and many are suitable for wheelchair users and therefore have a “multi-use” value.

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Key points: 1. There is a need to produce a specific strategy for bridleways with regards to missing

links and increase bridleway network through creation, upgrading, dedication or Section 106 agreements to ensure a well connected, well maintained bridleway network.

2. Because bridleways are considered multi user, priority should be given to “upgrading” claims for bridleways.

3. Produce leaflets of promoted trails/routes specifically relevant to horse riders. 4. Investigate traffic calming measures on quiet roads used by horse riders and the safety

aspects of road crossings at the junction with a bridleway. 5. Roadside verges could be used for horse riders and this should be Investigate feasibility of using more of the roadside verge for horse riders. 6. Stables and Liveries should be contacted with a view to partnership work on bridleways. 7. Many bridleways were recorded as footpaths on the original and subsequent definitive map and research should be undertaken to identify and redress this issue. Who is involved: Public Rights of Way Staff, Colleagues in Strategic

Investment Service, Colleagues in Streetscene, Community and Leisure Service, Legal Service.

Partners: Equestrian Organisations, Livery Outlets, Stables,

Riding Schools, Land Managers, Volunteers. Estimated costs: To be determined. Resources/funding: Natural England grant funding, available internal

funding, local sponsorships, Regional Development Agency.

Statement of Action Priority: BRI 2 - Prioritise claims for upgrading of

footpaths to bridleway status and also when processing any bridleway creation/ dedication.

Policy and other links: Section 71 Highways Act 1980, Statement of

Action 1(DMS 10). Additional information: Appendix 1 - PROW Number and Length. Appendix 12 - The WYPLAF proposals with

regards the guiding principles for ROWIPs. Appendix 13 - Overview map of bridleways,

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Issue 6: Maintenance

Condition of the Network Section 130 of the Highways Act places a duty on the highway authority to protect and assert the rights of the public to the use and enjoyment of a highway (public rights of way are by definition highways) and Section 41 of the Act places a duty to maintain all highways which are maintained at public expense. Many people are discouraged from using public paths due to issues such as; obstructions, overhanging and surface vegetation which prevent easy passage; drainage and poor path surfaces making passage difficult; litter, graffiti, enclosed and dog-leg routes which makes paths unattractive to use. People not familiar with the area may be deterred from using a path simply due to the lack of signposting. The PROW condition survey carried out during 2007 highlighted many defects ranging from lack of maintenance, obstructions and path alignment issues - current outstanding issues as at September 2010 by Parish/District are given at Appendix 2.

Maintenance Maintenance plays a vital role with regards to the use of the network as overgrown, poorly drained or badly eroded paths are unlikely to be used and may lead to people trespassing. A well maintained network is therefore a main component of the ROWIP. Maintenance also needs to be considered along with regards to the character of the route, environmental impact, conservation and the use of appropriate and sustainable/recycled materials and in particular those within a rural setting. Annual or regular maintenance regimes can reduce complaints and overall costs. There is a requirement to move from a “reactive” to a more “proactive role if it is to meet the demands of the ROWIP and also a need to reassess working practices and procedures in line with innovation, efficiency and best value working. The rights of way network plays an important part in the local economy through tourism and the promoted routes should be maintained to a high standard to encourage more visitors and to ensure they have a good experience.

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Assessment 6: Ensure that the existing public rights of way network is kept in good condition Conclusion: In order that people can use and be encouraged to use public rights of way, it is important that the network is well maintained relative to the character of individual routes. Key Points: 1. Surface Vegetation – the removal of nettles, brambles and other weeds has been a

constant concern over the years. The lack of resources and unclear procedures has resulted in delays in the clearance of surface vegetation. The low number of routes which can be cleared within the existing budget is also of concern especially during the summer months when path usage is at its highest. Therefore there is a need to review the procurement and procedures regarding this activity to meet with the aims of the ROWIP in line with current available resources.

2. Surfacing – this is the most costly aspect of path maintenance and the type of materials

used and standard of construction varies as to whether it is urban or rural. Urban paths require a higher standard because of the general utilitarian use and tend to have more associated structures such as steps and handrails. Many of these paths require “reconstruction” and funding such work has to rely heavily on external or other funding.

Rural paths mainly have a “natural” surface; earth, grass and tend to be subject to weather erosion and become muddy, waterlogged and severely rutted.

3. Drainage – the nature of the topography of Kirklees lends itself to many drainage

problems on public paths. Again this is quite costly exercise to address all the issues although the PROW Rangers carry out significant amounts of this type of work.

4. Structures - bridges, steps, revetments (supporting structures) on public paths in the

past were overlooked with regards to maintenance and replacement. However, the Public Rights of Way Unit now works closely with the Structures Section to jointly manage this aspect. Sponsorship from the Peak and Northern Footpaths Society, has enabled the construction of new or replacement footbridges in several locations in the district.

5. Signposting – signposting is extremely important as it shows the status of the path and

gives confidence to those who use public rights of way and also helps to prevent trespass. There are requests for signs to show destination and distance.

6. Waymarking – is equally important as this can prevent people getting lost on a route and

prevent accidental trespass onto private land and is especially useful to guide people through farmyards for example.

7. Volunteers – volunteers can assist the PROW Unit in maintaining the network and are a

valuable and useful asset. They fill the gap where the Council cannot resource works or have other priorities.

8. General – there needs to be consideration for general day to day maintenance issues

such as litter and rubbish and to effect an annual maintenance regime on paths which have been specifically improved such as routes to school paths and routes which are promoted by the council.

9. There is a large backlog of issues and problems (as identified at Appendix 2) on the

rights of way network and a method and /or programme should be devised in order to try and reduce this.

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Who is involved: Public Rights of Way Staff, Streetscene, Legal Services, Community and Leisure.

Partners: Land Managers, Volunteers, Community Groups,

Community Payback. Estimated costs: To be determined. Resources/funding: Maintaining rights of way is a duty of the Council

and relies on limited available internal budgets. However, this can be supplemented by external funding from; Natural England grant funding, local partnerships, Town and Valleys Committees, Regional Development Agency.

Priorities: MTN 8 - Produce regular inspection regimes

especially on paths used by the disabled, schoolchildren and other strategic routes with regards to routine maintenance.

Policy and other links: Section 130 and S41 Highways Act 1980, S27

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Local Transport Plan.

Additional information: Appendix 2 - Outstanding issues. Appendix 12 - The WYPLAF proposals with

regards the guiding principles for ROWIPs.

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Issue 7: Promotion and Publicity There are many publications and points of information with regards to promotion of rights of way. However, these tend to be dispersed and produced on an individual basis. Whilst this is acceptable for specific routes, there is a need for better co-ordinated and targeted information to be made available to as many people as possible and to work more corporately or in closer partnership with those who produce such information. There are many paths and areas of land which have public access and which are not formally recorded, promoted or publicised. This wider available access is not generally promoted due to it being managed by other public or private bodies or organisations. Differing standards of signage and promotion often leads to a lack of awareness of the existence or extent of such access. The countryside is generally well served by public transport as many services pass through rural areas and towns. This gives opportunity for many people to access the countryside and other attractions. Joint working with METRO and other public transport providers needs to be encouraged further within the Local Transport Plans to promote sustainable alternatives to the private car. Kirklees is currently improving the rights of way information on its website which includes a digitised map showing all rights of way and this should extend to other types of access in the future. Other information should be provided which explains what rights of way are and how to use them together with information encouraging responsible use of rights of way or when in the countryside, for example dog fouling, polluting rivers, disturbance of wildlife, setting fires etc. Joint working with Tourism and the Countryside Unit with regards to promotion is very important to ensure the targeting of non-user, under represented, disadvantaged and ethnic groups together with promoting healthier lifestyles. Community and Leisure Services produce and hold various publications with regards to promoted walks and a list is given at Appendix 7. Assessment 7 - Increase information, promotion and publicity of the PROW network. Conclusion: There is a need to improve the level and quality of information about the public rights of way network and other available access and to provide information educating people on their rights and responsibilities. Key Points: 1. There is a need to provide more information at a local level about benefits to health, and

the social and environmental advantages of walking, and cycling. 2. There is a need to provide information which educates the public on their rights and

responsibilities when using rights of way or out in the countryside. 3. Improvements to the Council’s website to include more walks relative to key issues such

as the disabled, routes to schools, health etc. 4. Work more closely with other organisations such as the NHS and Education. 5. Provide a central point for information on local user groups and other organisations

involved in walking.

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Who is involved: Public Rights of Way Staff, Community and Leisure, Colleagues in Strategic Investment.

Partners: Natural England, West Yorkshire Pennines Local Access Forum.

Estimated costs: To be determined. Resources/funding: Natural England grant funding, available internal

funding, local sponsorships, partnerships, Regional Development Agency.

Statement of Action Priority: PRO 1 - Work closely with other agencies such

as the National Health Service and Education in providing more information of the benefits to health and well being and the social and environmental advantages of walking and cycling with emphasis on local routes.

Policy and other links: Additional information: Appendix 6 – Main Promoted Routes. Appendix 12 - The WYPLAF proposals with


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Issue 8: Partners The value of partnership working is extremely important, not just from a joint funding point of view, but from a sense of sharing objectives, improving communication, understanding and valuing others perspective on issues and mutual support. Partnerships may be just between PROW and an individual landowner, with an adjoining local authority, a single large organisation such as Yorkshire Water or to multi- partners. Local Area Agreement (LAA)

The Kirklees LAA is a three year agreement between the organisations which make up the Kirklees Partnership and central government i.e. West Yorkshire Police, Health Trusts, Voluntary Action Kirklees and certain private sector representatives. It sets out our shared priority targets that need to be achieved to improve the quality of life in Kirklees.

The LAA will focus partnership working on the priorities that matter most to Kirklees. It is only through developing ways of working together and using resources in an effective, coordinated manner that we will begin to tackle some of the more difficult and cross cutting issues. The public rights of way network can contribute to the LAA themes:

• Children and young people • Safer stronger Communities • Healthier communities and older people • Economic development and the environment

Partnerships generate many advantages:

• A more strategic interface. • Effective joined-up working. • Collective range of skills and expertise. • Mutual support and trust. • Wider and better opportunities for successful funding bids. • Greater understanding of issues. • Developing better links with other Council Services • Share intrinsic aims and ambitions.

Partners can be within the Council or external bodies ranging from landowners to volunteer groups: Internal: Town and Valleys Area Committees Countryside Unit Community and Leisure Environment Unit Parish/Town Councils Ward Members Main External: British Waterways Community Safety Country Landowners Association Dartmouth Estates Farnley Estates Natural England

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National Farmers Union National Health Service Peak District National Park Authority Pennine Prospects National Trust Network Rail METRO Saville Estates SUSTRANS Thornhill Estates West Yorkshire Police Yorkshire Water Other Groups and Organisation: National user groups - Ramblers Association, British Horse Society, Cycling Touring Club, Byways and Bridleways Trust, Peak and Northern Footpath Society, Open Spaces Society, Auto-Cycle Union, British Driving Society, LARA, South Pennine Packhorse Trails Trust. Local user groups - Action for Rural Rights of Way (ARROW), North Kirklees Ramblers, Huddersfield Ramblers, Kirklees Cycling Tourist Club, Huddersfield Rucksack Club, Kirklees Bridleways Group, Denby Dale Parish Walking Group, Volunteer groups - Pathways Day Services, Kirklees Countryside Volunteers, Holme Valley Rotary Club, Local Scout Groups, SUSTRANS Volunteer Rangers, Conservation Kirklees. Community groups – Denby Parish Community Action Group, Newsome Horse, Slaithwaite Spa Bottom, Netherton and South Crosland Village Association, Colne Valley Riverside Project, Brockholes Village Trust, Honley Village Trust, Birkenshaw Village Association. Civic Societies: Batley and Birstall Civic Society Colne Valley Society Dewsbury Civic Society Honley Civic Society Holme Valley Civic Society Huddersfield Civic Society Kirkburton and District Civic Society Meltham and District Civic Society Mirfield and District Civic Society Spen Valley Civic Society Assessment 8 – Aim to increase partnership working on public rights of way Conclusion: Working with partners both within and outside of the Council can bring unique benefits towards the promotion and maintenance of the public rights of way network. Working with partners is extremely important with regards to rights of way management, not only from a funding aspect but also fostering goodwill and joint working. It also opens other avenues for resource issues and can be used as a mediating factor with conflicts or difficult situations. Key Points: 1. Engaging local communities in public rights of way can be of benefit to the Council, not

only by involving them on maintenance matters but by them taking ”ownership” may help towards reduce such issues as litter, fly tipping etc.

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2. User groups should be regarded as a valuable asset due to their wiliness to be involved

with specific project work such as way marking or carrying out surveys etc. 3. Working more closely with other Services not only from a funding point of view but also

strengthens joined-up thinking on the aims and ambitions of the Council. 4. Unlawful activities and anti-social behaviour is increasing on public rights of way and

therefore there is a need to work more closely with the Police and Community Safety. 5. There is a need to develop enhanced relationships with Council Members both in terms

of information with regards to rights of way and practical solutions to issues within their Wards.

6. Continue to work with Area Committees not only from a funding point of view but also to

the overall benefit of local people. 7. The benefit of working with Volunteers cannot be stressed enough. Engaging more

volunteers from User Groups, Community Groups etc. can contribute to the management of the PROW network.

8. Larger organisations such as Yorkshire Water and large landowners such as Dartmouth

and Farnley Estates do and others can contribute significantly towards the management of the network not just from a joint funding aspect but more importantly from mutual working relationships.

Who is involved: Public Rights of Way Staff, Colleagues in Strategic

Investment. Partners: As per above lists. Estimated costs: To be determined. Resources/funding: Natural England grant funding, available internal

funding, local sponsorships, Town and Valleys Committees, Regional Development Agency.

Statement of Action Priority: PAR 5 - Improve working relationships with

Council Ward Members to the betterment of local needs and improvements to the local network either on an individual basis or through Area Committees.

Policy and other links: Additional Information: Appendix 12 - The WYPLAF proposals with


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Issue 9: Open Countryside Open Country - This is a term used to describe land which mainly consists of mountain, moorland, heath or down and is not registered common land and which has been made available either by statute or by agreement and usually contains some restrictions and/or limitations as to it’s by statute or specific local bylaws - depending upon the nature of the land concerned. An overview map showing open country (Open Access Land and Registered Common Land is given at Appendix 14. Open Access Land – The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 designated land which conferred a right for people (on foot only) to access previously excluded land and termed “Open Access Land”. Maps have been produced by the Countryside Agency (now Natural England) and deposited with the appropriate highway authority and in Kirklees can be viewed in both electronic and paper format. There is approximately 24 square kilometres (9.2 sq miles) of Open Access Land within Kirklees of which approximately 15 square kilometres (5.8 sq miles) is situated in, the Peak District National Park. Open access land is administered overall by Natural England and managed by “Access Authorities” which is Kirklees as the highway authorities or where the land is in a National Park by the National Park authority. Although there is no duty on highway authorities to actively manage access land, they have powers to ensure access is made available and can carry out works as may be necessary. This is usually undertaken with cooperation of landowners and with partners and often grant funded by Natural England.

Common Land - land owned collectively or by one person, but over which other people have certain traditional rights, such as to allow their livestock to graze upon it, to collect firewood, or to cut turf for fuel. Historically, there was much legal confusion concerning common land which led to the Commons Registration Act 1965 which established a register of common land. However, the term "commons" has come to be applied to other resources which a community has rights or access to. Common Land is a term often used for any land where the public has access. Much of the common land in England is owned by the National Trust. Assessment 9 – Review value of Open Access Land as a recreational asset Conclusion: Designated Open Access land now gives people the opportunity to walk in the open countryside offering much in the way of relative peace and tranquillity, fresh air and exercise and therefore this resource should be managed in line with Common Land.

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Key Points: 1. Because most of Open Access Land in Kirklees was within the Peak District National

Park it was not properly recognised as a valuable resource and very little was done with regards to its management.

2. There are many very small “pockets” of land of no significance which should be removed

from the map and some areas missed which should be added. 3. Open Access Land abuts Common Land both of which have different limitations and

signing is required and publicity needs to be produced providing advice on this. 4. Much of the Open Access Land cannot be accessed easily either due to the lack of

“access points” from the roadside or is well away from any convenient access and therefore would require the creation of a route to it. Negotiations with landowners should be undertaken to establish access points or new routes to Open Access Land.

5. There has been no publicity or promotion of Open Access Land within “Kirklees’”

jurisdiction and reflects badly on Kirklees at the boundary with other adjoining local authorities especially with the Peak District National Park.

6. Volunteers can play an important role in the management of Open Access land. Who is involved: Public Rights of Way Staff, Colleagues in Strategic

Investment, Community and Leisure, Landowners. Partners: Natural England, Volunteers. Estimated costs: To be determined. Resources/funding: Natural England grant funding, available internal

funding, local sponsorships, Town and Valleys Committees, Pennine Prospects. Regional Development Agency (Yorkshire Forward).

Statement of Action Priority: OAL 2 - Complete wheelchair access path at

Cupwith Reservoir (Slaithwaite Moor). Policy and other links: Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Additional Information: Appendix 12 - The WYPLAF proposals with

regards the guiding principles for ROWIPs. Appendix 14 – Open Access Land (overview map)

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Issue 10: Enforcement A major concern for path users is obstructions and nuisances which prevent or deter passage or are hazardous or dangerous. These cover many facets from electric fences to buildings on the path. The highway authority has a duty under section 130 of the Highways Act 1980 to “assert and protect the rights of the public to the use and enjoyment of any highway” and “to prevent so far as possible unauthorised stopping up or obstruction”. Where problems arise on rights of way initial attempts will be made to resolve them on an advisory basis. However, should discussions fail to resolve the matter, Kirklees Council, as the Highway Authority can take further action with the various powers available. Assessment 10 – Ensure the public path network is kept open and available for use Conclusion: Without proper enforcement of the public rights of way network, paths will increasingly become unavailable to the public. Many, especially those built on, are all but lost and requires an inordinate amount of effort to open up or resolve the issue. A robust enforcement policy must be produced and supported by the Council before the available network is gradually eroded away. Key Points: 1. The current PROW enforcement policy and internal procedures should be reviewed and

to include dealing with buildings unlawfully obstructing rights of way and other “nuisances” together with default action on confirmed public path and modification orders.

2. Working closely with Planning and Highways Development Management is crucial to

ensure developers/applicants are fully aware of the existence of rights of way and options available.

2. A more proactive role should be adopted to actively protect the network and prevent

obstructions - fully supported by management and Council Members. 3. Ideally, a specific post should be created to tackle enforcement on public paths as there

are too many distractions of officers who currently deal with this. Who is involved: Public Rights of Way Staff, Colleagues in Strategic

Investment, Legal Services. Partners: - Estimated costs: To be determined. Resources/funding: As this aspect of work is a duty, funding has to

come from available budgets. Statement of Action Priority: ENF 1 - Review the current PROW

enforcement policy and internal procedures and include major obstructions, other nuisances and default action with regards to confirmed public path and modification orders.

Policy and other links: Highways Act 1980,

52


Additional Information: Appendix 2 – Outstanding issues (see under obstructions)

Appendix 5 – Priority Enforcement Matrix and Enforcement Policy Guidelines.

Appendix 12 - The WYPLAF proposals with regards the guiding principles for ROWIPs.

53


Issue 11: Volunteers Volunteers assisting in maintaining (and management of) the public rights of way network are a valuable asset. They fill the gap where the Council cannot resource works or have other priorities. Volunteers have been involved in carrying out various surveys and also on specific tasks such as the Denby Dale Waymarking Project together with undertaking minor improvement and maintenance work.

Their flexible approach enables them to deal with a variety of tasks which range from urban “ginnels” to work on remote upland paths. Many paths have been “lost” for many years under dense vegetation etc. and have been opened up due only to the work undertaken by volunteers. Some paths have been improved for the single benefit of schoolchildren. Volunteers have many skills between them and have demonstrated their ability to carry out variable tasks asked of them to a high quality:

• Erecting and maintaining stiles • Erecting way marker posts • Drainage • Minor path surfacing • Revetments • Step building • Erecting and maintaining fencing • Dry stone walling • Surface and overhanging vegetation clearance • Constructing boardwalks • Ditch crossings

The partnership with some volunteer groups are of mutual benefit for example members of Pathways day Care Centre have gained skills and the ability to interact socially and become more confident in their daily lives. Scouts have used the opportunity to carry out tasks for the local community or towards their Duke of Edinburgh’ Award.

54


Assessment 11 – Incorporate volunteers into the management of the PROW network. Conclusion: Volunteers play and important role in the management of the public rights of way network and although there is a cost to the Council this is minimal outlay/supervision for the amount of excellent work they do. They also connect very well with the community and path users and become ambassadors for the Council. Key Points: 1. Using volunteers is not totally cost free and would need someone to co-ordinate the

recruitment, training, programme of tasks and supervision etc. 2 There are many groups, organisations and individuals who are willing to volunteer their

time and these should be encouraged to come forward. 3. There is a requirement to provide tools and equipment and materials and a small budget

should be allocated. 4. Other than carrying out maintenance type tasks, they can be valuable in carrying out

surveys such monitoring the condition/improvements of the network - similar to the former Best Value Performance Indicator 178.

5. Continue to support the existing groups of volunteers who are engaged on public rights

of way maintenance. 6. Complete Volunteer Policy document. 7. Increasing the number of volunteers in the community is a priority for Kirklees Council

and is reflected by two key National Indicators and the Local Area Agreement. Who is involved: Public Rights of Way Staff, Colleagues in Strategic

Investment, Community and Leisure. Partners: User Groups, Community Groups, Local

Organisations and Individuals, Landowners. Estimated costs: Minimal outlay – tools and materials. Resources/funding: Requires an officer to manage/co-ordinate use of

volunteers. One-off cost for tools and equipment plus a minimal annual cost for materials and tool replacements.

Statement of Action Priority: VOL 1 - Identify an officer to take on role of co-

ordinating the Volunteers. Policy and other links: National Indicators -LAA-NI 06 Participation in

regular volunteering and LAA-NI 07 Creating a strong and vibrant voluntary sector.

Additional Information:

55


Issue 12: Funding Funding rights of way has relied heavily upon available Council budgets. A small amount was previously allocated by central government through the Formula Grant Funding for Highways, but this is now only for the road network. Funding was also dependant upon grants from the former Countryside Commission/Countryside Agency (now natural England) and helped towards improving the public rights of way network. However, there is no longer such funding available for public rights of way and is once again reliant on the limited allocation from the Council’s budgets. Although the Council has a statutory duty to maintain right of way, no new funding is available to local authorities for the implementation of their Rights of Way Improvement Plans. It is expected that funding will come from the existing capital and revenue budgets but these are limited and uncertain in the future. Assessment 12 – Funding opportunities available for public rights of way. Conclusion: The budget for public rights of way maintenance and improvements is very limited and therefore it is imperative to seek additional external funding to support future works programmes. Key Points: 1. Future capital funding is more important than ever with regards to improving the rights of

way network. 2. There is a need to identify internal budget streams available which can support the

existing prow budget in delivery of improvements to the public rights of way network. 3. Working closely with Town and Valleys Committees ensures local rights of way are

improved to meet with local needs. 4. There is a need to attract further external funding from agencies and outside

organisations, through partnership working, sponsorship, grant schemes etc. especially for improvements to the rural network.

Who is involved: Public Rights of Way Staff, other Council Services. Partners: Natural England, Pennine Prospects, National

Trust, Yorkshire Water, Peak District National Park, Private Estates, Adjoining Local Authorities, Regional Development Agency.

Estimated costs: - Resources/funding: Requires an officer to seek and identify sources of

funding, liaise with partners and manage the processes.

Statement of Action Priority: FUN 3 - Continue to attract external funding

and increase partnership working with regards to improving public rights of way especially the rural network.

56


Policy and other links: Additional Information: See under Issue 5 (Partnership working)

57


Issue 13: Conflict of Interests Landowners and Farming Interests Land Managers (landowners, tenants, farmers, agents) face many challenges in managing livestock or crops where there is public access. They have an important role to play in looking after rights of way, being responsible for maintaining stiles, gates etc, across paths on their land, reinstating the line of paths after ploughing and keeping paths clear of crops. All land which is crossed by a right of way is owned by someone and, with regards to farming or forestry, this is a place of work. The involvement of landowners and the farming community is extremely important towards a successful public rights of way network. The willingness and attitude of the landowning and farming community is also crucial in obtaining public path dedications or agreements or at least reducing confrontation. Many landowners accept rights of way across their land and some even support and encourage their use. The general feeling of landowners however, is that they suffer many problems with; litter, dogs, damage to property, disturbance of livestock, people wandering (trespassing) about off the path route etc. and other problems which occur even without public access for example; fly tipping and unauthorised motor bikes. There is therefore, a perception that rights of way and countryside access is problematic and as such, the majority of landowners are now unwilling to dedicate additional access. Therefore, a much more co-operative attitude must be developed by working more closely with landowners and their agents, together with representatives of the National Farmers Union and Country Landowners Association which may help towards achieving the Council’s aim for more and better access. As well as farming and forestry considerations with regards to rights of way, there is also the need to consider conservation issues such as Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) local nature reserves and other wildlife/heritage sites. Users Due to the linear and somewhat restrictive nature of public rights of way there is always the potential for conflict between different users and this can occur in a number of situations:

• Competition between different classes of users.

• As a result of high volumes traffic on a particular route.

• Individual prior experiences.

• Individual bias.

• With landowners/managers.

• Walkers and disabled users on paths with vehicular rights.

• Inappropriate or reckless behaviour.

• Illegal use.

• Events (authorised or otherwise).

Where such conflicts arise, the Council will try to minimise this by providing signage, publicity and in severe cases, or where safety is an issue, the possible physical segregation of users.

58


Assessment 13 – Reducing conflict on the public rights of way network. Conclusion: There is considerable conflict in the countryside and on public rights of way which distracts officers from carrying out their normal duties and which is costly in officer time. Key Points: 1. Increasing anti-social and irresponsible behaviour on the path network leads to

confrontation and unlawful actions. 2. Trespass and damage to property causes distress and alienates landowners and

communities. 3. Landowners are reluctant to dedicate or create new paths. 4. Conservation and protected areas are under increasing threat.

Who is involved: Public Rights of Way Staff, colleagues in Strategic Investment Service, Community and Leisure, Legal Service, Community Safety.

Partners: Natural England, Landowners, West Yorkshire

Police, National Trust, Yorkshire Water, Peak District National Park, Private Estates, Adjoining Local Authorities, Regional Development Agency, National Union of Farmworkers, Country Landowners Association.

Estimated costs: - Resources/funding: Requires an officer to seek and identify sources of

funding, liaise with partners and manage the processes.

Statement of Action Priority: CON 3 - Work with landowners and their agents to

secure better relationships and reduce the need for enforcement action.

Policy and other links: Additional Information: See under Issue 7 (Promotion and Publicity),

Issue 8 (Partnership working), Issue 10 (Enforcement).

59


Issue 14: Stakeholder Liaison In order to improve working relationships with various user groups, landowners and other interested parties, Officers from the Rights of Way Unit of way attend various meetings whether they are a one-off or regular, local or regional. There are several Forum/Group meetings which have an interest in the use, management and promotion of the public rights of way network: Local Access Forum – the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 required every council to set up a Local Access Forum to advise local authorities on issues relating to the provision and improvement of public access to the countryside in its area. Members of the Forum should represent a mix of interests including nature conservation, land managers and people with disabilities as well as different types of user; walking, horse riding and cycling. Kirklees, together with Bradford and Calderdale, formed a joint forum called the West Yorkshire Pennine Local Access Forum (WYPLAF) and includes a Council Member from each authority. The forum meets four times a year alternately in Bradford, Halifax or Huddersfield and is open to the public. Public Rights of Way Forum - this Forum was set up circa 1996 to create the opportunity to discuss policies and strategic issues relating to Kirklees’ public rights of way network. It mainly consists of representatives from the walking and horse riding groups, together with representatives from the National Farmers Union and Country Landowners Association - cycling group representatives now attend. The PROW Forum meets three times a year with a surgery once a year to allow members of user group to discuss individual or specific issues. Kirklees Cycling Forum – a group representing the interests of cyclists throughout Kirklees and liaises with the Highways Service on road safety and other traffic issues etc. Meetings are held four times a year and are open to the general public. Heavy Woollen Countryside Forum – the Heavy Woollen District Countryside Forum provides a dialogue between Kirklees Council and organisations with an interest in conserving and promoting access to the countryside in North Kirklees. In addition the Forum seeks to enable such voluntary sector organisations and the Council to work in partnership, to acquire external funding in support of appropriate countryside conservation and access projects. Highways Disability Liaison Group – a group specifically for people with disabilities to give them the opportunity to discuss with council officers, access issues both on the road and public rights of way networks. Assessment 14 – Improve consultation/liaison with stakeholders. Conclusion: Stakeholder groups play and important role in the management of access, not only in strategic planning but also to advise on the Council’s policies, procedures and priorities. They are also valuable as a point of consultation particularly on where specific matters require a “second opinion”. Key Points: 1. It is important that Rights of Way Officers have positive working relationships with Stakeholders who have an interest in public rights of way and other access and the countryside. 2. There are presently several forums which whilst having specific interests, nevertheless are linked with regards to access issues. Consideration should be given to merging these to maximise the overall consensus on access matters.

60


3. There is a clear need to involve more of the general public at forum meetings. Who is involved: Public Rights of Way Staff, colleagues in Strategic

Investment Service, Community and Leisure, Legal Service, Community Safety.

Partners: Natural England Estimated costs: - Resources/funding: A small budget allocation is required to service the

forums e.g. venue refreshments and where appropriate expenses.

Statement of Action Priority: STA 1 - Encourage more of the general public

to attend Kirklees Public Rights of Way Forum. Policy and other links: - Additional Information: Appendix 12 - The WYPLAF proposals with


61


Section 7 – Statement of Action Each highway authority is required to prepare “A Statement of Action” for the management of its Rights of Way Network and for securing improvements to local rights of way, with particular regards to the matters dealt with in the assessment. It is intended that this should be a statement of how Kirklees proposes to take forward the management of public rights of way along with the assessment work upon which it is based. Many of the actions are relevant to more than one of the assessment outcomes and therefore will meet more than one of the aims and objectives. The assessment enables a number of conclusions to be reached and to identify where action is required.

For each conclusion the highway authority must set out:

• The proposed action.

• The estimated costs.

• The key organisations involved in the proposed action.

• The timescale required to complete the proposed action.

It should be remembered that there is no duty on the Council to implement the Rights of Way Improvement Plan and in any event, whatever proposals the Statement of Action may contain, will depend upon the current available resources during the life of the ROWIP. Therefore, because of this, only one action from each of the statements has been prioritised.

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B 1

0 W

ork

clos

ely

with

maj

or la

ndow

ners

to s

ecur

e ro

utes

acc

essi

ble

to th

ose

with

m

obili

ty p

robl

ems

for e

xam

ple

perm

issi

ve p

aths

. P

RO

W,

Cou

ntry

side

Uni

t, M

ajor

Lan

dow

ners

On-

goin

g

B

RightsofW

ayIm

provem

entP

lanforKirklees201

0‐2

020

Stat

emen

t of A

ctio

n 3

– N

on- u

sers

Est.

Cos

t key

: A

= £

0-£1

0k

B =

£11

-£25

k

C

= £

26-£

49k

D =

£50

k +

ID

No

Act

ion

By

Who

m

Star

t Es

t. co

st

£

NO

N 1

C

arry

out

rese

arch

to id

entif

y no

n-us

ers

and

find

way

s in

whi

ch to

info

rm

and

enco

urag

e th

em to

use

bot

h th

e ur

ban

and

rura

l net

wor

ks.

PR

OW

, C

omm

unity

and

Le

isur

e

2012

A

NO

N 2

Id

entif

y pr

iorit

y ar

eas

and

the

asse

ss fe

asib

ility

of i

mpr

ovem

ents

to p

ublic

pa

ths

in re

gene

ratio

n ar

eas.

P

RO

W,

Reg

ener

atio

n,

Kirk

lees

Hou

sing

2012

B

NO

N 3

W

ork

clos

ely

with

the

Dis

trict

Hos

pita

l and

doc

tors

sur

gerie

s to

enc

oura

ge

thos

e w

ith h

ealth

issu

es a

nd th

ose

resi

dent

s w

ho d

o no

t tak

e pa

rt in

any

fo

rm o

f exe

rcis

e, to

use

the

publ

ic ri

ghts

of w

ay n

etw

ork

posi

tivel

y to

war

ds

impr

ovin

g th

eir h

ealth

gen

eral

ly a

nd to

ass

ist t

hose

in p

oor h

ealth

or

reco

verin

g fro

m a

pre

viou

s ill

ness

.

PR

OW

, N

HS

, C

omm

unity

and

Le

isur

e S

ervi

ce

2012

A

NO

N 4

W

ork

clos

ely

with

eth

nic

and

min

ority

gro

ups

to e

ncou

rage

und

erst

andi

ng

and

use

of th

e P

RO

W n

etw

ork.

P

RO

W,

Loca

l Com

mun

ity

Gro

ups

2012

B

RightsofW

ayIm

provem

entP

lanforKirklees201

0‐2

020

Stat

emen

t of A

ctio

n 4

- Loc

al T

rans

port

Pla

n/G

reen

Tra

vel

Est

. C

ost k

ey: A

= £

0-£1

0k

B =

£11

-£25

k

C

= £

26-£

49k

D =

£50

k +

ID

No

Act

ion

By

Who

m

Sta

rt E

st. c

ost £

LT

P 1

R

evie

w th

e rig

hts

of w

ay n

etw

ork

and

othe

r acc

ess

faci

litie

s w

ith re

gard

s to

co

nnec

tivity

. P

RO

W

2012

B

LTP

2

Inve

stig

ate

and

deve

lop

a st

rate

gy w

ith re

gard

s to

the

inte

grat

ion

of ri

ghts

of

way

with

the

road

and

rail

netw

ork.

PR

OW

, Tr

ansp

orta

tion

2012

C

LTP

3

Iden

tify

and

prio

ritis

e st

rate

gic

wal

king

and

cyc

ling

rout

es a

nd d

evis

e a

prog

ram

me

of im

prov

emen

ts.

PR

OW

, Tr

ansp

orta

tion

2012

C

LTP

4

Prio

ritiz

e th

ose

path

s w

hich

link

with

the

Cor

e Tr

ansp

ort C

orrid

ors.

P

RO

W,

Tran

spor

tatio

n 20

11

A

LTP

5

Con

tinue

with

the

deve

lopm

ent o

f the

Gre

enw

ays

prog

ram

me.

P

RO

W,

Tran

spor

tatio

n,

SU

STR

AN

S

On-

goin

g B

LTP

6

Com

plet

e th

e rig

hts

of w

ay p

riorit

y as

sess

men

t and

cat

egor

ise

path

s w

ith

an “A

, B, C

” rou

te c

lass

ifica

tion

syst

em.

P

RO

W

2011

A

RightsofW

ayIm

provem

entP

lanforKirklees201

0‐2

020

Stat

emen

t of A

ctio

n 5

- Brid

lew

ay N

etw

ork

E

st .

Cos

t key

: A =

£0-

£10k

B

= £

11-£

25k

C =

£26

-£49

k D

= £

50k

+

ID N

o

Act

ion

By

who

m

Star

t E

st. c

ost

£ B

RI 1

P

rodu

ce a

spe

cific

stra

tegy

for b

ridle

way

s w

ith re

gard

s to

incr

easi

ng

brid

lew

ay p

rovi

sion

, im

prov

ing

acce

ss a

nd s

afet

y an

d to

ens

ure

the

deve

lopm

ent o

f a w

ell c

onne

cted

and

wel

l mai

ntai

ned

brid

lew

ay n

etw

ork

for K

irkle

es.

PR

OW

20

15

C

BR

I 2

Prio

ritis

e cl

aim

s fo

r upg

radi

ng o

f foo

tpat

hs to

brid

lew

ay s

tatu

s an

d al

so

whe

n pr

oces

sing

any

brid

lew

ay c

reat

ion/

ded

icat

ion.

PR

OW

O

n-go

ing

A

BN

3

Inve

stig

ate

traffi

c ca

lmin

g m

easu

res

on q

uite

road

s us

ed b

y ho

rse

rider

s an

d sa

fety

asp

ects

at r

oad

cros

sing

s.

PR

OW

, R

oad

Saf

ety

2015

A

BR

I 4

Iden

tify

road

side

ver

ges

whi

ch c

an b

e us

ed b

y ho

rse

rider

s an

d ad

opt a

pr

ogra

mm

e of

wor

ks.

PR

OW

, Hig

hway

R

egis

try,S

treet

scen

e

2015

A

BR

I 5

Con

tact

sta

bles

and

live

ries

etc.

to fo

ster

par

tner

ship

wor

king

on

brid

lew

ays.

PR

OW

20

11

A

BR

I 6

Iden

tify

rout

es w

hich

can

be

spec

ifica

lly p

rom

oted

for h

orse

ride

rs a

nd

prod

uce

info

rmat

ion/

leaf

lets

rele

vant

to h

orse

ridi

ng in

Kirk

lees

.

PR

OW

, Lei

sure

an

d C

omm

unity

2012

A

BR

I 7

Con

tact

maj

or la

ndow

ners

to n

egot

iate

ded

icat

ion

and/

or c

reat

ion

of n

ew

brid

lew

ays

or u

pgra

ding

exi

stin

g fo

otpa

ths

(if fe

asib

le) t

o br

idle

way

s.

PR

OW

Le

gal S

ervi

ces

On-

goin

g A

BR

I 8

Iden

tify,

whe

re fe

asib

le, b

ette

r pro

visi

on fo

r hor

se ri

ders

(brid

lew

ay

stat

us) w

hen

nego

tiatin

g S

ectio

n 10

6 A

gree

men

ts.

PR

OW

, Le

gal S

ervi

ces

On-

goin

g A

BR

I 9

Iden

tify

and

impr

ove

Brid

lew

ays

whi

ch c

an b

e us

ed b

y pe

ople

with

m

obili

ty p

robl

ems.

P

RO

W,

Stre

etsc

ene

2011

D

RightsofW

ayIm

provem

entP

lanforKirklees201

0‐2

020

Stat

emen

t of A

ctio

n 6

– M

aint

enan

ce

Es

t . C

ost k

ey:

A

= £

0-£1

0k

B =

£11

-£25

k

C

= £

26-£

49k

D =

£50

k +

ID

No

Act

ion

By

Who

m

Star

t

E

st. c

ost

£

M

TN 1

C

ompl

ete

road

side

sig

npos

ting

prog

ram

me

in li

ne w

ith s

tatu

tory

dut

y an

d ca

rry

out s

urve

y of

repl

acem

ent s

igns

and

revi

ew a

nd in

crea

se p

rogr

amm

e of

w

ay m

arki

ng.

PR

OW

S

treet

scen

e

2015

D

MTN

2

Pro

duce

an

annu

al p

riorit

ised

list

of p

aths

mos

t in

need

of r

epai

r whi

ch w

ill

bene

fit m

ost u

sers

.

PR

OW

S

treet

scen

e

2011

A

MTN

3

Iden

tify

the

path

s w

hich

are

in th

e ca

tchm

ents

of t

he s

trate

gic

trans

port

corr

idor

s an

d pr

oduc

e a

prog

ram

me

of im

prov

emen

ts.

PR

OW

S

treet

scen

e

2011

B

MTN

4

Rev

iew

the

list o

f ann

ual s

urfa

ce v

eget

atio

n cl

eara

nce

to in

clud

e tim

ing

and

frequ

ency

of c

ut a

nd id

entif

y m

etho

ds in

whi

ch to

impr

ove

this

are

a of

wor

k.

PR

OW

S

treet

scen

e

2011

A

MTN

5

Rev

iew

use

of m

ater

ials

with

rega

rds

to s

usta

inab

ility

, val

ue fo

r mon

ey a

nd

envi

ronm

enta

l im

pact

and

pro

duce

a c

ode

of w

ork.

PR

OW

S

treet

scen

e

2011

A

MTN

6

Rev

iew

mai

nten

ance

of p

rom

oted

rout

es w

ith re

leva

nt p

artn

ers/

orga

nisa

tions

ta

king

into

con

side

ratio

n av

aila

ble

exte

rnal

fund

ing.

PR

OW

S

treet

scen

e

On-

goin

g A

MTN

7

Rev

iew

and

mon

itor t

he s

yste

m o

f req

uest

s fo

r act

ion

and

impr

ove

cust

omer

ca

re.

PR

OW

S

treet

scen

e

On-

goin

g A

RightsofW

ayIm

provem

entP

lanforKirklees201

0‐2

020

MTN

8

Pro

duce

regu

lar i

nspe

ctio

n re

gim

es e

spec

ially

on

path

s us

ed b

y th

e di

sabl

ed,

scho

olch

ildre

n an

d ot

her s

trate

gic

rout

es w

ith re

gard

s to

rout

ine

mai

nten

ance

.

PR

OW

S

treet

scen

e

2011

A

MTN

9

Con

tinue

to w

ork

with

Stru

ctur

es S

ectio

n on

mai

nten

ance

of P

RO

W

stru

ctur

es.

PR

OW

S

treet

scen

e

On-

goin

g A

MTN

10

Con

tinue

to s

uppo

rt V

olun

teer

s en

gage

d on

PR

OW

sur

veys

and

mai

nten

ance

w

ork

and

enco

urag

e m

ore

com

mun

ities

to b

ecom

e in

volv

ed w

ith w

ork

on th

eir

loca

l net

wor

k.

PR

OW

S

treet

scen

e

On-

goin

g B

MTN

11

Mov

e to

war

ds a

mor

e pr

oact

ive

role

on

PR

OW

mai

nten

ance

by

way

of

regu

lar i

nspe

ctio

n of

dra

ins

and

ditc

h cl

eara

nce,

cul

verts

and

wat

er b

ars

and

surfa

ce e

rosi

on e

tc. a

nd p

rodu

ce a

n an

nual

pro

gram

me

of m

aint

enan

ce.

PR

OW

S

treet

scen

e

2011

C

MTN

12

Prio

ritis

e N

atio

nal T

rails

and

pro

mot

ed p

aths

and

oth

er s

trate

gic

rout

es in

to

“A” c

ateg

ory

and

ensu

re m

aint

enan

ce is

a p

riorit

y on

thes

e.

PR

OW

S

treet

scen

e

2011

B

RightsofW

ayIm

provem

entP

lanforKirklees201

0‐2

020

Stat

emen

t of A

ctio

n 7

- Pro

mot

ing

a B

ette

r Und

erst

andi

ng a

nd U

se o

f the

PR

OW

Net

wor

k.

Est .

Cos

t key

:

A =

£0-

£10k

B

= £

11-£

25k

C =

£26

-£49

k D

= £

50k

+

ID N

o A

ctio

n B

y W

hom

St

art

Est

. cos

t

£

PR

O 1

W

ork

clos

ely

with

oth

er a

genc

ies

such

as

the

natio

nal H

ealth

Ser

vice

and

E

duca

tion

in p

rovi

ding

mor

e in

form

atio

n of

the

bene

fits

to h

ealth

and

wel

l bei

ng

and

the

soci

al a

nd e

nviro

nmen

tal a

dvan

tage

s of

wal

king

and

cyc

ling

with

em

phas

is o

n lo

cal r

oute

s.

PR

OW

, C

omm

unity

and

Le

isur

e,

NH

S,

Edu

catio

n

2011

A

PR

O 2

P

rovi

de m

ore

info

rmat

ion

of th

e rig

hts

and

resp

onsi

bilit

ies

of p

eopl

e w

ho u

se th

e pu

blic

righ

ts o

f way

or g

o to

the

coun

trysi

de.

PR

OW

C

omm

unity

and

Le

isur

e

2011

A

PR

O 3

M

ake

impr

ovem

ents

to th

e C

ounc

il’s

web

site

by

incl

udin

g m

ore

info

rmat

ion

on

wal

ks s

peci

fical

ly a

imed

at r

oute

s to

sch

ool,

heal

thy

wal

king

rout

es a

nd ro

utes

fo

r the

dis

able

d.

PR

OW

, C

omm

unity

and

Le

isur

e,

Cor

pora

te IT

2012

A

PR

O 4

P

rovi

de a

cen

tral i

nfor

mat

ion

poin

t for

righ

ts o

f way

use

r gro

ups

and

othe

r gr

oups

and

org

anis

atio

ns in

volv

ed in

wal

king

.

PR

OW

, U

ser G

roup

s,

Cor

pora

te IT

2015

A

PR

O 5

P

rovi

de in

form

atio

n on

ava

ilabl

e ac

cess

spe

cific

ally

for b

lind

or p

artia

lly s

ight

ed

pers

ons

eith

er in

Bra

ille

or “t

alki

ng b

ook”

form

ats.

PR

OW

, C

omm

unity

and

Le

isur

e,

Cor

pora

te IT

.

2012

A

RightsofW

ayIm

provem

entP

lanforKirklees201

0‐2

020

Stat

emen

t of A

ctio

n 8

- Par

tner

ship

Wor

king

E

st .

Cos

t key

:

A =

£0-

£10k

B

= £

11-£

25k

C =

£26

-£49

k D

= £

50k

+

ID N

o A

ctio

n B

y W

hom

St

art

Est.

cost

£

P

AR

1

Con

tact

com

mun

ity a

nd v

olun

teer

gro

ups

with

a v

iew

to w

orki

ng to

geth

er o

n th

e m

anag

emen

t of t

heir

loca

l PR

OW

net

wor

k.

PR

OW

20

11

B

PA

R 2

C

ontin

ue to

enc

oura

ge u

ser g

roup

s in

ass

istin

g th

e C

ounc

il in

the

man

agem

ent o

f th

e pu

blic

righ

ts o

f way

net

wor

k an

d ot

her a

cces

s.

PR

OW

O

n-go

ing

A

PA

R 3

W

ork

mor

e cl

osel

y w

ith th

e P

olic

e an

d C

omm

unity

Saf

ety

with

rega

rds

to p

ublic

rig

hts

of w

ay a

ffect

ed b

y un

law

ful a

ctiv

ity o

r ant

i-soc

ial b

ehav

iour

.

PR

OW

20

11

A

PA

R 4

D

evel

op fu

rther

wor

king

rela

tions

hips

with

Par

ish

and

Tow

n C

ounc

ils, C

ivic

Soc

ietie

s w

ith re

gard

s to

futu

re in

volv

emen

t of w

ith p

ublic

righ

ts o

f way

.

PR

OW

20

11

A

PA

R 5

Im

prov

e w

orki

ng re

latio

nshi

ps w

ith C

ounc

il W

ard

Mem

bers

to th

e be

tterm

ent o

f loc

al

need

s an

d im

prov

emen

ts to

the

loca

l net

wor

k ei

ther

on

an in

divi

dual

bas

is o

r th

roug

h A

rea

Com

mitt

ees.

PR

OW

O

n-go

ing

A

PA

R 6

C

ontin

ue to

sup

port

Vol

unte

ers

enga

ged

on P

RO

W m

aint

enan

ce a

nd e

ncou

rage

m

ore

peop

le o

r gro

ups

to b

ecom

e in

volv

ed.

PR

OW

O

n-go

ing

A

PA

R 7

E

nsur

e cr

oss-

serv

ice

com

mun

icat

ion

and

clos

er w

orki

ng is

mai

ntai

ned

or im

prov

ed

with

rega

rds

to ri

ghts

of w

ay a

nd e

spec

ially

with

Stre

etsc

ene

and

Lega

l Ser

vice

s.

PR

OW

O

n-go

ing

A

PA

R 8

In

vest

igat

e be

tter w

orki

ng a

rran

gem

ents

with

par

tner

org

anis

atio

ns a

nd m

ajor

la

ndow

ners

with

rega

rds

to th

e pu

blic

righ

ts o

f way

net

wor

k an

d ot

her a

vaila

ble

acce

ss.

PR

OW

20

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63


Section 8 - Monitoring and Review The council must review the Rights of Way Improvement Plans every ten years and must make a new assessment of the criteria mentioned at 1.1 above and decide whether or not to amend the Plan. In consideration of this it is intended to introduce the following:

• Carry out (using volunteers) an annual sample condition survey based upon the former Best Value Performance Indicator (BVPI) 178 “The percentage of total length of footpaths and other rights of way which were easy to use by members of the public” to measure any physical improvements to the network throughout the time of this current plan and if felt necessary, carry out a full condition survey before the next review of the ROWIP.

• Produce an annual report detailing the progress of the actions over the ten year period of the ROWIP.

• Monitor the Statement of Action to see what progress is being made for each item

contained therein and review priorities which may be brought about by financial, political or regional changes during the lifetime of the Rights of way Improvement Plan.

64


Summary Conclusion It is quite clear that rights of way play an important part in many people’s lives and is fundamental to many, if not most, of the Council’s strategies, aims and objectives. The inter-relationship of health and well being, green travel, leisure and recreation, disabled access, disadvantaged groups and utilitarian use of rights of way, has in the past been taken for granted or underestimated. There is a growing requirement for the carbon footprint to be reduced globally and encouraging green travel can go some way locally to address this problem. There is also the need to encourage people to lead a more healthy and active lifestyle which would indirectly help towards greener travel and may help reduce the costs to the National Health Service by way of benefit to the well being of the nation. It is also evident that there is an interface between public rights of way, the countryside, tourism and the economy. There is also a need to consider latent demand previously neglected in strategies - for example; access to water for canoeists. This is the first time a “rights of way strategy” for Kirklees has been written as previously, rights of way were only included, where appropriate, and in various forms in other strategies. Now that the Rights of Way Improvement Plan brings together all of the above aspects into one document, clearly, there needs to be closer working with other Services and Partners in consolidating the Council’s aims and objectives and it is hoped that in future, Council strategies will refer to and or include the ROWIP. There is also a need to produce or review existing relevant policy statements which will reinforce the ROWIP and in particular the action plans. Because resources are always insufficient, it is intended that an assessment is made of each path to ascertain its strategic value to the network and thus its priority for improvement by way of a classification into a hierarchy matrix based on that shown at Appendix 9.

65


Glossary Key to terms and definitions: This glossary defines the “highways” and other paths or ways first and all other definitions and terms thereafter in alphabetical order. Bridleway (public) – a right of way on foot, riding or leading a horse or riding a pedal cycle. Byway Open to All Traffic (public) – often called a “BOAT” a right of way for all users. Mainly used as a footpath or bridleway but motor vehicles can use them. However the surface of BOATS may not all be suitable for a car. Claimed Path – a route which the public have used but not yet proven to be public. Such routes must have been used by the general public for 20 years or more and requires someone to submit a “claim” to the highway authority for it to be recorded onto the Definitive Map. Cycle Lane – that part of the carriageway set aside for pedal cyclists. Cycle Track – a right of way specifically for the use of pedal cycles which may or may not have pedestrian rights along it. Cycle Way - a route which can be used by cyclists. Carriageway/Carriage Road – all purpose highway available to all classes of users. It should be noted that people in wheelchairs or using powered mobility transport are classed as pedestrians and therefore can use (subject to the character/surface etc.) public footpaths. Footpath (public) – a right of way on foot only with normal pedestrian accompaniments such as a dog, pushchair etc. Green Lane – a generic term for an un-surfaced track usually between hedges, ditches or walls which may or may not have public rights. Greenways – vehicle free off road routes which connect people to facilities, places in and around towns and the countryside for shared use by pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists and mainly used for commuting but also for leisure. Highway – a strip of land over which the public have a right to pass and re-pass according to its status – this includes all categories of public rights of way. Occupation Road – such roads are primarily for the use of occupiers of land to gain access to it or for the local inhabitants and which may or may not have public rights. Permissive/Concessionary Path – a path which a landowner has given permission for the public to use – it can be any status and may have certain restrictions. It does not automatically become a public right after prolonged use. Private Road – a road having no rights of way and maintained by the landowner/occupier. Private Street – a road which may have public rights of way over it but is maintained by the landowner/residents. Quiet roads/lanes – these are minor rural roads with very little vehicular traffic. They can be made more attractive to walkers, horse riders and cyclists and which ideally link into other off-road routes.

66


Restricted Byway (public) – a right of way on foot, with a horse, pedal cycle, horse drawn carriage but excludes motor vehicles. Road Used as a Public Path (RUPP) – These were ways mainly used for walking or horse riding but motor vehicles could use them. Under the Countryside Act 1981 these were to be reviewed and reclassified as a Footpath, Bridleway or Byways Open to All Traffic. Under the Countryside and rights of Way Act 2000 and Rupp’s not reclassified automatically became a “Restricted Byway”. Towpath – canals are classed as “navigable” highways, however, towpaths along canals are not rights of way unless they have been dedicated either expressly or by long use and any such grant of a right of way is subject to the needs of navigation. Unclassified County Road (UCR) – rural all purpose highway which is not classified as A, B or C road. Undefined paths – rights of way which are not recorded on the “Definitive Map”. White Road – a route, usually surfaced and often between boundaries which may or may not have public rights – shown uncoloured of Ordnance Survey maps. Other Terms: Access Land – specific area of land referred to as “Open Access Land” designated under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 giving access on foot only. Country Land Owners and Business Association (CLA) – representing the interests of landowners Countryside Stewardship – part of the government’s programme (administered by Natural England on behalf of DEFRA) of financial incentives to land managers for the protection and enhancement of the natural environment. Creation of “permissive paths” for conservation walks can be part of the stewardship agreement. Definitive Map and Statement – the legal records of public rights of way which shows their position, status and limitations of use. It is conclusive evidence in law of the existence of a public right of way. Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) – government department responsible for the environment, for food and farming and for rural matters. Discovering Lost Ways – a project to research historical rights of way which are not currently shown on the Definitive Map and to have them put on before closure of the map in 2026. Local Area Agreement – An agreement between the organisations which make up Kirklees Partnership and central government. Local Access Forum – a statutory body established under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to provide advice on improvements with regards to rights of way, access to the countryside and outdoor recreation. Members are drawn from a variety of groups, landowners and individuals representing a diverse range of expertise and interest in access matters. Kirklees is in a joint forum with Bradford and Calderdale and it is called the West Yorkshire Pennine Local Access Forum (WYPLAF).

67


Local Transport Plan (LTP) – This is a strategic document setting out the proposals for managing transport. The second phase document (LTP2) covers the period 2006…….. Local Development Framework (LDF) – the Local Development Framework (LDF) is the statutory development plan currently under preparation. The Local Development Framework (LDF) is made up of a number of documents covering particular topics or areas to better suit local circumstances and local distinctiveness. The Local Development Framework (LDF) will replace the Unitary Development Plan (UDP). Unitary Development Plan (UDP) –the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) sets out the council’s policies and proposals for the use and development of land and buildings. This will be replaced by the adoption of the Local Development Framework (LDF). National Union of Farmers (NFU) – represents farmers and growers in England and Wales. National Trails – are long distance routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders through the finest landscapes of England and Wales. They are managed by Natural England. Natural England (NE) – the merger of the former Countryside Agency and Rural Development Agency and aims to conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the well being and enjoyment of people and the economic prosperity it brings. Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) – works with local people, businesses and organisations to ensure the Peak District can be enjoyed today in ways that look after it for the benefit of future generations. Whist it is not the Highway Authority, it is the Planning Authority. Promoted Route – a specific route which has been usually endorsed by the Council and has accompanying information (leaflets, guide books etc.) or is promoted in other ways. Street Register – a register of all highways (this includes public rights of way) kept by the highway authority which it has a duty to maintain – often referred to as “adopted” highway. SUSTRANS – a leading charity organisation promoting “sustainable transport”. User Groups – national and local groups and organisations which represent the different types of users for example; Ramblers Association, British Horse Society, Cycling Touring Club, Trail Riders Fellowship, Peak and Northern Footpaths Society.

68


References A Countryside for Health and Well Being – The Countryside Recreation Network www.countrysiderecreation.org.uk British Horse Society – Access and Rights of Way www.bhs.org.uk By All Reasonable Means – Natural England www.naturalengland.etraderstores.com/byallreasonablemeans.pdf Comprehensive Performance Assessment www.audit-commission.gov.uk/cpa Cycling and Health, What is the Evidence – DfT www.dft.gov.uk/cyclingengland/health-fitness/health-benefits-of-cycling/ Disability Discrimination Act 1995. www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/RightsAndObligations Encouraging Walking – DETR www.dft.gov.uk...Sustainable travel Fieldfare Trust. www.fieldfare.org.uk/ Kirklees Factsheets 2009 – Population and Statistics www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/statistics/factsheets/factsheets.shtml Kirklees Local Development Framework www.kirklees.gov.uk/business/planning/ldf/ldf.shtml Kirklees Milestones Statement. Kirklees Unitary Development Plan www.kirklees.gov.uk/business/planning/UDP/UDP.pdf Kirklees Tourism and Visitor Strategy www.kirklees.gov.uk/publications/visitorstrategy/TourismVisitorStrategy.pdf Local Area Agrreement (LAA) www.kirkleespartnership.org/communitystrategy/index.asp Making Ways for the Bicycle – SUSTRANS www.sustrans.org.uk/assets/files/policy/Sustrans_MoreHasteLessSpeed_100301.pdf Managing Public Access – A Guide for Farmers and Landowners www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications Making the Best of Byways www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/cl/mpv/pdf/bestofbyways.pdf Report on “The Economic and Social Value of Walking in England” - Ramblers Association www.ramblers.org.uk/campaigns/EconVal.pdf Rights of Way Improvement Plans – Statutory Guidance to Local Authorities www.defra.gov.uk/rural/documents/countryside/prow/rowip.pdf

69


Policy, Planning and Design for Walking and Cycling (LTN01/04) - DfT www.ukroads.org/.../LTN%201-04... Social Exclusion Unit – Report on Transport and Social Exclusion www.archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/seu/page3d04 Walking the Way to Health Initiative www.whi.org.uk Walking and Cycling – DfT Action Plan www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/walking/actionplan West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan www.wyltp.com Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/contents Yorkshire Tourist Board www.ytb.org.uk/

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END

IX 2

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201

0 - 2

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APP

END

IX 2

-2

Issu

es O

utst

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y Ty

pe a

nd P

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s at

30

Sept

embe

r 201

0

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201

0-20

20

APP

END

IX 3

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utst

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30

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alle

y D

elet

e Fo

otpa

th

The

Hey

M

arsd

en

Col

ne V

alle

y D

elet

e Fo

otpa

th

Lydg

ate

Rifl

e C

lub

Mar

sden

Col

ne V

alle

y A

dd

Foot

path

/Brid

lew

ay

Moo

rval

e, O

ld W

ood

Yar

d M

arsd

en

Col

ne V

alle

y A

dd

Foot

path

C

ella

rs C

loug

h M

arsd

en

Den

by D

ale

Add

Fo

otpa

th/B

ridle

way

C

uttle

hurs

t S

ciss

ett

Den

by D

ale

Add

Fo

otpa

th

Lang

ley

Lane

, Sci

sset

S

ciss

ett

Den

by D

ale

Del

ete

Foot

path

D

enby

Dal

e 10

0 D

enby

Dal

e

Den

by D

ale

Add

Fo

otpa

th

Bag

den

Hal

l, S

ciss

ett

Sci

sset

t

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fro

Kirk

lees

201

0-20

20

Par

ish

Inte

nded

E

ffect

C

laim

ed S

tatu

s Lo

catio

n of

app

licat

ion

Tow

nVill

age

Den

by D

ale

Add

Fo

otpa

th

Kitc

henr

oyd

Den

by D

ale

Den

by D

ale

Add

Fo

otpa

th

Den

by L

ane,

Upp

er D

enby

U

pper

Den

by

Den

by D

ale

Add

Fo

otpa

th

Bac

k La

ne

Upp

er D

enby

Den

by D

ale

Add

fo

otpa

th

Woo

dbin

e Te

rrac

e C

layt

on W

est

Den

by D

ale

Add

Fo

otpa

th

Clif

fe W

ood

Cla

yton

Wes

t

Dew

sbur

y A

dd

Foot

path

S

avile

Pit

Lane

D

ewsb

ury

Dew

sbur

y A

dd

Brid

lew

ay

Rav

enst

horp

e R

oad,

Tho

rnhi

ll Th

ornh

ill L

ees

Dew

sbur

y A

dd

Foot

path

C

alde

r Nav

igat

ion

Dew

sbur

y

Dew

sbur

y A

dd

Foot

path

H

eath

Roa

d, C

hick

enle

y D

ewsb

ury

Dew

sbur

y A

dd

Foot

path

P

rince

ss L

ane,

Ear

lshe

aton

E

arls

heat

on

Hec

kmon

dwik

e D

elet

e Fo

otpa

th

Hill

Top

, Hec

kmon

dwik

e H

eckm

ondw

ike

Hec

kmon

dwik

e A

dd

Foot

path

K

ilpin

Hill

, (R

obyn

Lan

e)H

eckm

ondw

ike

Hec

kmon

dwik

e

Hol

mfir

th

Del

ete

Foot

path

D

ean

Lane

, Hep

wor

th

Hep

wor

th

Hol

mfir

th

Del

ete

Foot

path

S

tubb

in L

ane

Hol

mbr

idge

Hol

mfir

th

Add

Fo

otpa

th

Bro

ckho

les

Lane

B

rock

hole

s

Hol

mfir

th

Add

Fo

otpa

th

Nor

ridge

Bot

tom

, Hol

mfir

th

Hol

mfir

th

Hol

mfir

th

Add

Fo

otpa

th

Net

herle

a D

rive

Net

herth

ong

Hol

mfir

th

Add

Fo

otpa

th

Oak

es A

venu

e, B

rock

hole

s B

rock

hole

s

Hol

mfir

th

Add

Fo

otpa

th

Birc

h P

ark,

Bro

ckho

les

Bro

ckho

les

Hol

mfir

th

Del

ete

Foot

path

O

ld M

oll R

oad,

Hon

ley

Net

herto

n

Hol

mfir

th

Add

Fo

otpa

th

Hom

firth

Cat

tle M

arke

t H

olm

firth

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fro

Kirk

lees

201

0-20

20

Par

ish

Inte

nded

E

ffect

C

laim

ed S

tatu

s Lo

catio

n of

app

licat

ion

Tow

nVill

age

Hol

mfir

th

Add

Fo

otpa

th

But

t Lan

e H

epw

orth

Hol

mfir

th

Add

fo

otpa

th

Cro

wn

Stre

et

Hon

ley

Hol

mfir

th

Add

Fo

otpa

th

Woo

ldal

e C

liff

Hol

mfir

th

Hud

derfi

eld

Add

fo

otpa

th

Stri

ke L

ane

Ske

lman

thor

pe

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

S

umm

er S

treet

, Net

herto

n N

ethe

rton

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

Fe

nay

Bec

k H

udde

rsfie

ld

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

E

dger

ton

Roa

d H

udde

rsfie

ld

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

C

layt

on F

ield

s, E

dger

ton

Hud

ders

field

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

R

einw

ood

Roa

d H

udde

rsfie

ld

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

C

hurc

h S

treet

, Pad

dock

P

addo

ck

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

Y

MC

A, H

udde

rsfie

ld

Hud

ders

field

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

E

mm

anue

l Ter

race

H

udde

rsfie

ld

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

Lo

ngle

y La

ne

Hud

ders

field

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

Lo

ngw

ood

Gat

e Lo

ngw

ood

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

S

prin

g S

treet

, Hud

ders

field

H

udde

rsfie

ld

Hud

ders

field

U

pgra

de

Brid

lew

ay

Out

lane

Gol

f Cou

rse

Out

lane

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

S

tadi

um P

ath

Hud

ders

field

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

foot

path

B

ooth

royd

Driv

e C

ross

land

Hill

H

udde

rsfie

ld

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

D

ick

Woo

d Fi

xby

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

P

enis

tone

Roa

d, W

ater

loo

Wat

erlo

o

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

Ji

lley

Roy

d Fi

xby

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fro

Kirk

lees

201

0-20

20

Par

ish

Inte

nded

E

ffect

C

laim

ed S

tatu

s Lo

catio

n of

app

licat

ion

Tow

nVill

age

Hud

ders

field

D

owng

rade

Fo

otpa

th

Bry

an R

oad

Edg

erto

n

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

Fa

rnle

e Li

ndle

y

Hud

ders

field

U

pgra

de

Brid

lew

ay

Net

tleto

n H

ill

Sca

pego

at H

ill

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

/Upg

rade

B

ridle

way

Th

ewlis

Lan

e C

rosl

and

Hill

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

S

tock

s W

alk

Alm

ondb

ury

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

foot

path

S

prin

gdal

e S

treet

Th

ornt

on L

odge

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Byw

ay

Spi

nney

field

Fi

xby

Hud

ders

field

A

dd/d

elet

e B

yway

/foot

path

R

ed D

oles

Lan

e Le

eds

Roa

d

Hud

ders

field

D

owng

rade

B

ridle

way

N

ethe

r Moo

r Far

m

Sou

th C

rosl

and

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

D

og K

enne

l Ban

k A

lmon

dbur

y

Hud

ders

field

A

dd

Foot

path

N

ew L

aith

e S

hrog

g A

lmon

dbur

y

Kirk

burto

n U

pgra

de

Brid

lew

ay

Kirk

burto

n 19

5 S

helle

y

Kirk

burto

n A

dd

Foot

path

Le

pton

Tho

rn

Lept

on

Kirk

burto

n A

dd

Foot

path

H

ouse

s H

ill

Kirk

heat

on

Kirk

burto

n A

dd

Foot

path

B

otan

y La

ne, L

epto

n Le

pton

Kirk

burto

n A

dd

Brid

lew

ay

Moo

r Lan

e Fa

rnle

y Ty

as

Kirk

burto

n A

dd

Foot

path

H

eale

y S

helle

y

Kirk

burto

n A

dd

Foot

path

C

loug

h G

ate

Farm

G

rang

e M

oor

Kirk

burto

n A

dd

Foot

path

G

rang

e M

oor,

Pla

ying

Fie

lds

Gra

nge

Moo

r

Kirk

burto

n A

dd

Foot

path

R

elia

nce

Pre

cisi

on

Fena

y B

ridge

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fro

Kirk

lees

201

0-20

20

Par

ish

Inte

nded

E

ffect

C

laim

ed S

tatu

s Lo

catio

n of

app

licat

ion

Tow

nVill

age

Kirk

burto

n A

dd

Foot

path

C

loug

h C

otta

ge, G

reen

side

Roa

d Th

urst

onla

nd

Kirk

burto

n A

dd

Foot

path

S

torth

es H

all

Thun

der B

ridge

Kirk

burto

n A

dd

Foot

path

M

ount

Ple

asan

t Lan

e Fe

nay

Brid

ge

Kirk

burto

n A

dd

Foot

path

Lo

w F

old

Kirk

heat

on

Krik

burto

n D

elet

e Fo

otpa

th

Folly

Hal

l, K

irkbu

rton

Kirk

burto

n

Mar

sden

D

elet

e/A

dd

Foot

path

W

esse

nden

Lod

ge

Wes

send

en

Mirf

ield

A

dd

Foot

path

Ta

ylor

Hal

l Lan

e M

irfie

ld

Mirf

ield

A

dd

Byw

ay

Fran

cis

Stre

et, M

irfie

ld

Mirf

ield

Mirf

ield

A

dd

Foot

path

H

and

Ban

k La

ne, H

opto

n H

opto

n

Mirf

ield

A

dd

Foot

path

Le

e G

reen

, Mirf

ield

M

irfie

ld

Mirf

ield

A

dd

Foot

path

B

alde

rsto

ne H

all L

ane,

Mirf

ield

M

irfie

ld

Mirf

ield

U

pgra

de

Brid

lew

ay

Woo

dbot

tom

Lo

wer

Hop

ton

Spe

nbor

ough

A

dd

Foot

path

R

ober

ttow

n R

ecre

atio

n G

roun

d R

ober

ttow

n

Spe

nbor

ough

A

dd

Foot

path

Fu

sden

Lan

e, G

omer

sal

Gom

ersa

l

Spe

nbor

ough

A

dd

Foot

path

Te

mpe

ranc

e Fi

elds

, Sch

oles

C

leck

heat

on

Spe

nbor

ough

A

dd

Foot

path

In

g Fi

eld,

Oak

ensh

aw

Oak

ensh

aw

Spe

nbor

ough

A

dd

Foot

path

In

gs R

oad

Live

rsed

ge

Spe

nbor

ough

A

dd

Foot

path

K

enm

ore

Driv

e C

leck

heat

on

Spe

nbor

ough

A

dd

Foot

path

C

roft

Stre

et

Birk

ensh

aw

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 - 2

020

APP

END

IX 4

Pr

iorit

y M

atrix

for A

pplic

atio

ns A

ffect

ing

Publ

ic R

ight

s of

Way

mad

e un

der:

W

ildlif

e an

d C

ount

rysi

de A

ct 1

981,

Hig

hway

s A

ct 1

980,

Tow

n an

d C

ount

ry P

lann

ing

Act

199

0 an

d C

ount

rysi

de a

nd R

ight

s of

Way

Act

200

0 as

at 3

0 Se

ptem

ber 2

010

Sc

ore

0

1

2

3

Tota

l

A

Crit

eria

in le

gisl

atio

n sa

tisfie

d

-

Par

tially

Com

plet

ely

-

B

Ben

efit

to a

pplic

ant o

r lan

d ow

ner

-

P

ath

thro

ugh

gard

ens,

min

or

inco

nven

ienc

e

P

revi

ous

erro

r, bu

ildin

g ov

er

path

, etc

P

lann

ing

appl

icat

ion,

crim

e pr

oble

ms,

pro

perty

sa

le, e

tc

C

Ben

efit

to n

etw

ork

No

bene

fit

S

ome

bene

fit

G

ood

link

E

ssen

tial l

ink

D

Pre

viou

s co

mm

itmen

t

Non

e

-

No

cons

ulta

tion

but p

erm

issi

on

gran

ted

Fu

ll co

nsul

tatio

n w

ith P

RO

W o

r of

ficer

com

mitm

ent

E Th

reat

to ro

ute

No

thre

at

La

nd o

wne

rs

chal

leng

e

Way

fenc

ed o

r ou

tline

pl

anni

ng

B

uild

ing

wor

ks

pend

ing

/ co

mm

ence

d

F C

rimin

al a

ctiv

ity /

scho

ol

secu

rity

-

-

-

D

emon

stra

ble

prob

lem

/ ot

her

CR

OW

crit

eria

sa

tisfie

d

Tota

l sco

re

____

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 -2

020

APP

END

IX 5

-1

Prio

rity

Enfo

rcem

ent M

atrix

as

at 3

0 Se

ptem

ber 2

010

Pa

rish

& P

ath

Link

P

RIO

RIT

Y 1

- D

ange

rous

/Haz

ardo

us -

Ser

ious

Inju

ry/L

ife T

hrea

teni

ng

PR

IOR

ITY

2 -

Act

ion

agai

nst d

evel

oper

s er

ectin

g pe

rman

ent o

bstru

ctio

ns

PR

IOR

ITY

3 -

Ope

ning

new

pat

hs fr

om M

odifi

catio

ns O

R fo

llow

ing

faile

d di

vers

ions

PR

IOR

ITY

4 -

Rep

eat O

ffend

er

PR

IOR

ITY

5 -

Maj

or O

bstru

ctio

n (B

uild

ings

, Wal

ls e

tc.)

SCO

RE

0

1

2

3 Sc

ore

Like

lihoo

d of

Inju

ry

NO

RIS

K T

O P

ER

SO

N

R

ISK

OF

DA

MA

GE

TO

RIS

K O

F M

INO

R IN

JUR

Y

R

ISK

OF

ME

DIU

M IN

JUR

Y

/Dam

age

OR

PR

OP

ER

TY

C

LOTH

ING

ETC

.

eg.C

uts,

Bru

ises

, Ele

c sh

ocks

, R

isk

eg

. Dam

age

to e

ye, S

prai

ns

to

hea

lth fr

om d

umpe

d sl

urry

/man

ure

IMPA

CT

ON

USE

RS

MIN

OR

PA

TH IM

PA

SS

AB

LE

IN

CO

NV

EN

IEN

CE

MA

JOR

INC

ON

VE

NIE

NC

E

eg

. Mis

lead

ing

Not

ice,

B

arbe

d

NO

T B

Y B

UIL

DIN

GS

but

by

eg

. Stil

e st

eps

mis

sing

, low

leve

l cr

op,

eg

. any

fenc

e/w

all o

r obj

ect

acro

ss

W

ire/E

lect

ric F

ence

al

ongs

ide

long

term

obs

truct

ions

OH

veg

on

stile

s, e

lect

ric/B

W

ro

ute

and

impo

ssib

le to

su

rmou

nt,

P

ath,

Min

imal

O

verh

angi

ng V

eg

al

ongs

ide;

enc

roac

hmen

t re

stric

ting

or g

o ro

und;

rout

e th

roug

h ra

pe

crop

;

P

loug

hed

out p

ath

but

usea

ble

us

e to

less

than

min

wid

th (1

m

Foot

plou

ghed

out

fiel

d ed

ge p

ath/

pa

th 2

m B

ridle

way

), pl

ough

ed

out o

r whe

re th

ere

is a

n

br

idle

way

al

tern

ativ

e av

aila

ble

N

UM

BER

OF

REQ

UES

TS

FIR

ST

RE

QU

ES

T

2 D

IFF

WIT

HIN

3 M

ON

THS

5 -1

0 D

IFF

IN 6

MO

NTH

S

1

0 +

DIF

F W

ITH

IN 6

MO

NTH

S

or v

ia U

ser G

roup

Rep

or R

ecie

pt o

f Pet

ition

PRO

MO

TED

RO

UTE

S

TAN

DA

RD

WA

YM

AR

KS

PR

OM

OTE

D L

OC

ALL

Y

C

OU

NC

IL D

ES

IGN

ED

&

N

ATI

ON

ALL

Y R

EC

OG

NIS

ED

On

any

part

of ro

ute

whe

re

inc.

rout

es in

pub

licat

ions

eg. v

illag

e w

alks

and

trai

ls

P

RO

MO

TED

e.g.

Pen

nine

Way

obst

ruct

ion

HV

, CV

, Bro

nte,

Spe

n V

e.g.

Kirk

lees

Way

VA

LUE

OF

PATH

TO

N

O O

BV

IOU

S P

UR

PO

SE

NO

RM

AL

LIN

K

C

ON

VE

NIE

NT

LIN

K

E

SS

EN

TIA

L LI

NK

NET

WO

RK

eg

. rou

tes

roun

d bu

ildin

gs

only

eg. N

eigh

bour

hood

pat

h, S

choo

l pa

th

le

isur

e &

com

mut

ing

Cul

-de-

Sac

pat

hs

P

aths

to a

men

ities

, Brid

lew

ays

-

as

thes

e ar

e fe

w &

mul

ti us

e

N

O O

F O

THER

PR

OB

LEM

S

2

PR

OB

LEM

S

1

PR

OB

LEM

NO

OTH

ER

PR

OB

LEM

S

N

o O

F O

THER

PR

OB

LEM

S O

N P

ATH

LIN

K –

cou

ld a

lso

refe

r to

a nu

mbe

r of

land

owne

rs if

kno

wn

in

stea

d of

pro

blem

s

TOTA

L SC

OR

E

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 -2

020

A

PPEN

DIX

5-2

K

irkle

es P

ublic

Rig

hts

of W

ay E

nfor

cem

ent G

uide

lines

as

at 3

0 Se

ptem

ber 2

010

1.

B

AC

KG

RO

UN

D

1.

1 U

sers

of

Pub

lic R

ight

s of

Way

(P

RO

Ws)

can

enc

ount

er a

var

iety

of

prob

lem

s w

hen

mak

ing

use

of t

he n

etw

ork

in

Kirk

lees

. T

hese

inc

lude

the

una

utho

rised

rem

oval

of

sign

post

s or

way

mar

kers

, er

ectio

n of

bar

bed

wire

and

oth

er

unau

thor

ised

obs

truct

ions

, ov

erha

ngin

g ve

geta

tion

and

even

bui

ldin

gs e

rect

ed o

ver

the

alig

nmen

t of

the

PR

OW

. In

terfe

renc

e w

ith t

he p

ath

surfa

ce,

dang

erou

s or

int

imid

atin

g an

imal

s an

d m

isle

adin

g no

tices

may

als

o re

quire

en

forc

emen

t act

ion

to b

e ta

ken.

1.

2 K

irkle

es M

etro

polit

an C

ounc

il as

the

Loc

al H

ighw

ay A

utho

rity

has

the

duty

, un

der

sect

ion

130(

1) o

f th

e H

ighw

ays

Act

19

80, "

… to

ass

ert a

nd p

rote

ct th

e rig

hts

of th

e pu

blic

to th

e us

e an

d en

joym

ent o

f any

hig

hway

…".

2.

A

UTH

OR

ISA

TIO

N

2.

1 Th

e du

ty to

ass

ert a

nd p

rote

ct p

ublic

righ

ts o

f way

is n

orm

ally

per

form

ed b

y of

ficer

s w

orki

ng in

the

Pub

lic R

ight

s of

Way

U

nit.

The

Dire

ctor

of t

he E

nviro

nmen

t and

Tra

nspo

rtatio

n S

ervi

ce a

nd A

ssis

tant

Dire

ctor

Hig

hway

s an

d Tr

ansp

orta

tion

have

the

dele

gate

d po

wer

s to

aut

horis

e S

tatu

tory

Enf

orce

men

t Not

ices

for t

he p

rote

ctio

n of

Pub

lic R

ight

s of

Way

.

3.

PRO

CED

UR

ES

3.1

Enf

orce

men

t de

cisi

ons

shou

ld b

e co

nsis

tent

, ba

lanc

ed,

fair,

and

rel

ate

to c

omm

on s

tand

ards

tha

t en

sure

the

pub

lic's

rig

ht to

use

the

PR

OW

s.

In c

omin

g to

a d

ecis

ion

on th

e m

ost a

ppro

pria

te a

ctio

n to

be

take

n, o

ffice

rs w

ill c

onsi

der

the

serio

usne

ss o

f of

fenc

e, t

he lo

catio

n of

pat

h an

d th

e le

vel o

f p

ublic

use

, an

y hi

stor

y of

pre

viou

s of

fenc

es o

r of

non

-co

mpl

ianc

e.

3.2

Whe

neve

r Not

ices

and

sub

sequ

ent a

ctio

n ar

e in

volv

ed, l

iais

on is

nec

essa

ry w

ith c

ontra

ctor

s ca

rryi

ng o

ut a

ny w

ork,

and

th

e A

utho

rity'

s D

ebt R

ecov

ery

Uni

t to

ensu

re th

at a

ll re

ason

able

cos

ts in

curr

ed in

taki

ng a

ctio

n ar

e re

cove

red.

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 -2

020

4.

IN

FOR

MA

L A

CTI

ON

4.1

Info

rmal

act

ion

to s

ecur

e co

mpl

ianc

e w

ith le

gisl

atio

n w

ill in

clud

e of

ferin

g ad

vice

, ver

bal a

nd w

ritte

n w

arni

ngs/

guid

ance

le

tters

, and

site

mee

tings

. 4.

2 U

nles

s th

e pr

oble

ms/

obst

ruct

ions

are

a r

isk

to p

ublic

saf

ety,

or

the

offe

nder

has

rep

eate

dly

and

delib

erat

ely

obst

ruct

ed

PR

OW

s (a

s ow

ner

or te

nant

) it

may

be

mor

e ap

prop

riate

to u

se in

form

al m

etho

ds p

rior

to a

ny e

nfor

cem

ent a

ctio

n o

r pr

osec

utio

n.

4.3

Info

rmal

Act

ion

will

con

sist

of :

• Id

entif

icat

ion

of th

e la

ndow

ner

and

a re

ques

t to

take

rem

edia

l act

ion.

The

CLA

and

/or

the

NFU

will

be

cont

acte

d if

nece

ssar

y.

The

issu

e is

con

firm

ed in

writ

ing

with

a p

olite

but

firm

lette

r det

ailin

g th

e fo

llow

ing

: •

The

exac

t nat

ure

of th

e of

fenc

e.

• Th

e re

leva

nt d

etai

ls o

f the

PR

OW

affe

cted

. •

The

legi

slat

ion

and

the

Aut

horit

y's

duty

. •

The

actio

ns th

at a

re re

quire

d.

• A

dea

dlin

e by

whi

ch th

e w

ork

mus

t be

carr

ied

out (

max

. of 1

4 da

ys).

• W

hat a

ctio

n m

ay b

e ta

ken

if w

orks

are

not

don

e w

ithin

the

requ

ired

time

limit.

4.4

The

dead

line

for w

orks

sho

uld

take

into

acc

ount

wea

ther

con

ditio

ns a

nd th

e am

ount

of w

ork

requ

ired.

4.

5 If

the

land

owne

r con

tact

s th

e P

RO

W U

nit w

ith v

alid

reas

ons

for

n

on-c

ompl

ianc

e w

ithin

the

times

cale

, the

n an

ext

ensi

on o

f tim

e m

ay b

e gi

ven

whi

ch s

houl

d be

con

firm

ed in

writ

ing.

4.

6 Th

ere

will

be

an in

terv

enin

g pe

riod

follo

win

g th

e de

adlin

e be

fore

form

al a

ctio

n is

initi

ated

. Th

is w

ill a

llow

tim

e fo

r th

e of

ficer

mak

e en

quiri

es a

nd to

car

ry o

ut a

site

insp

ectio

n.

4.7

If a

land

owne

r can

not b

e id

entif

ied

then

a c

opy

of th

e le

tter s

houl

d be

pos

ted

on th

e P

RO

W, i

deal

ly in

the

vici

nity

of t

he

offe

nce,

sta

ting

who

m to

con

tact

.

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 -2

020

5.

FOR

MA

L A

CTI

ON

5.1

Form

al a

ctio

n co

nsis

ts o

f Sta

tuto

ry N

otic

es, w

ith a

cov

erin

g le

tter b

eing

issu

ed to

the

offe

nder

or o

n-si

te if

the

offe

nder

is

unkn

own.

5.

2 If

info

rmal

act

ion

fails

to a

chie

ve re

solv

ing

the

offe

nce,

War

d M

embe

rs w

ill b

e in

form

ed th

at fo

rmal

act

ion

is re

quire

d.

5.3

Form

al a

ctio

n w

ill b

e ta

ken

afte

r in

form

al a

ctio

n ha

s fa

iled,

or

whe

re t

he o

ffend

er h

as p

ersi

sten

tly a

nd/o

r re

peat

edly

of

fend

ed (e

.g. i

n th

e ca

se o

f cro

ps o

r plo

ughi

ng it

may

be

an a

nnua

l offe

nce)

. 5.

4 Fo

rmal

act

ion

cons

ists

of a

form

al n

otic

e si

gned

by

a S

enio

r Offi

cer (

with

the

dele

gate

d po

wer

s to

do

so) w

hich

det

ails

: -

• N

atur

e of

offe

nce

and

its lo

catio

n.

• D

etai

ls o

f the

legi

slat

ion

that

is b

eing

con

trave

ned.

•

Dea

dlin

e by

whi

ch th

e ob

stru

ctio

n/pr

oble

m m

ust b

e re

mov

ed/re

solv

ed (u

sual

ly a

sta

tuto

ry p

erio

d).

• W

hat f

urth

er a

ctio

n m

ay b

e ta

ken

shou

ld th

e re

quire

d w

orks

not

be

carr

ied

out.

A p

lan

will

acc

ompa

ny th

e no

tice

iden

tifyi

ng th

e pa

th n

ame

and

num

ber,

the

alig

nmen

t of t

he p

ath

and

the

loca

tion

of th

e ob

stru

ctio

n/pr

oble

m.

This

will

be

sent

with

a c

over

ing

lette

r (se

nt b

y re

cord

ed d

eliv

ery)

refe

rrin

g to

any

rele

vant

pre

viou

s co

rres

pond

ence

, and

de

tails

of t

he la

ck o

f act

ion

whi

ch h

as le

ad to

the

issu

e of

the

form

al n

otic

e.

5.

5 If

the

requ

irem

ents

of t

he n

otic

e ha

ve n

ot b

een

met

with

with

in th

e st

ipul

ated

tim

e, th

e A

utho

rity

shal

l tak

e th

e re

leva

nt

actio

n/w

orks

reco

verin

g al

l rea

sona

ble

cost

s an

d m

ake

a de

cisi

on o

n w

heth

er p

rose

cutio

n is

app

ropr

iate

.

6.

PRO

SEC

UTI

ON

6.1

Prio

r to

mak

ing

the

deci

sion

to p

rose

cute

adv

ice

mus

t be

soug

ht fr

om L

egal

Ser

vice

s. T

he p

roce

ss o

f mak

ing

a de

cisi

on

to p

rose

cute

, and

pur

suin

g le

gal a

ctio

n w

ill in

evita

bly

have

an

effe

ct o

n tim

esca

les

in re

solv

ing

som

e is

sues

. 6.

2 Th

e ci

rcum

stan

ces

that

are

like

ly to

war

rant

pro

secu

tion

may

be

char

acte

rised

by

one

or m

ore

of th

e fo

llow

ing:

• W

here

the

offe

nce

invo

lves

a fl

agra

nt b

reac

h of

the

law

, i.e

. del

iber

ate.

•

Whe

re th

e of

fenc

e in

volv

es a

failu

re to

com

ply

in fu

ll or

in p

art w

ith th

e re

quire

men

ts o

f a s

tatu

tory

not

ice.

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 -2

020

•

Whe

re th

ere

is a

his

tory

of s

imila

r offe

nces

.

• W

here

ther

e is

a h

isto

ry o

f non

-com

plia

nce

with

sta

tuto

ry n

otic

es

• W

here

it is

con

side

red

that

a p

rose

cutio

n w

ould

be

mor

e ap

prop

riate

than

taki

ng e

nfor

cem

ent a

ctio

n, e

.g. w

hen

a pu

blic

righ

t of w

ay h

as b

een

built

ove

r.

6.3

Whe

n ci

rcum

stan

ces

have

bee

n id

entif

ied

whi

ch m

ay w

arra

nt a

pro

secu

tion,

all

rele

vant

evi

denc

e an

d in

form

atio

n m

ust

be c

onsi

dere

d, to

ena

ble

a co

nsis

tent

, fai

r and

obj

ectiv

e de

cisi

on to

be

mad

e.

6.4

Bef

ore

a pr

osec

utio

n pr

ocee

ds,

the

offic

er r

espo

nsib

le f

or d

ecid

ing

on e

nfor

cem

ent

actio

n, a

nd t

he S

olic

itor

to t

he

Cou

ncil,

mus

t be

satis

fied

that

ther

e is

rel

evan

t, ad

mis

sibl

e, s

ubst

antia

l and

rel

iabl

e ev

iden

ce th

at a

n of

fenc

e ha

s be

en

com

mitt

ed b

y an

iden

tifia

ble

pers

on o

r com

pany

. 6.

5 In

add

ition

ther

e m

ust b

e a

posi

tive

deci

sion

, bas

ed o

n th

e re

leva

nt c

riter

ia, t

hat i

t is

in th

e pu

blic

inte

rest

to p

rose

cute

. 6.

6 If

pros

ecut

ion

is to

be

purs

ued,

War

d M

embe

rs w

ill b

e in

form

ed th

at fo

rmal

act

ion

is re

quire

d.

7.

R

EVIE

W

7.

1 O

ffice

rs s

hall

mon

itor a

nd re

port

on th

e ef

fect

iven

ess

of th

is g

uida

nce

and

unde

rtake

a re

view

one

yea

r afte

r it i

s fo

rmal

ly

adop

ted.

TER

RY

BR

OW

N

Ass

ista

nt D

irect

or -

Hig

hway

s an

d Tr

ansp

orta

tion

June

200

5

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 –

2020

(Dra

ft)

APP

END

IX 6

Pr

omot

ed R

oute

s in

Kirk

lees

as

at 3

0 Se

ptem

ber 2

010

Bel

ow a

re th

e m

ain

or p

opul

ar ro

utes

pro

mot

ed b

y K

irkle

es C

ounc

il or

by

othe

r org

anis

atio

ns a

nd in

divi

dual

s w

hich

are

in p

artn

ersh

ip w

ith o

r rec

ogni

sed

by

Kirk

lees

Cou

ncil.

Th

e lis

t the

refo

re d

oes

not i

nclu

de m

any

publ

icis

ed ro

utes

as

som

e ar

e in

dev

elop

men

t or n

ot a

ppro

ved

by K

irkle

es.

Ple

ase

note

that

m

any

rout

es m

erge

with

or c

ross

eac

h ot

her a

nd, i

n th

e ca

se o

f circ

ular

rout

es, c

an b

egin

at a

ny p

oint

oth

er th

an th

e ad

verti

sed

“sta

rt po

int”.

N

atio

nal T

rails

: Th

ese

are

devi

sed

by g

over

nmen

t age

ncy

(pre

sent

ly N

atur

al E

ngla

nd) t

hat p

rom

ote

and

part

fund

mai

nten

ance

. T

here

are

two

with

in K

irkle

es:

Pen

nine

Way

– th

e fir

st o

f a lo

ng-d

ista

nce

foot

path

rout

e w

hich

runs

from

Eda

le in

the

Pea

k D

istri

ct to

Kirk

Yet

holm

at t

he S

cotti

sh b

orde

rs.

It is

429

km

(2

68 m

iles)

and

13.

5 km

(8.3

mile

s) p

asse

s th

roug

h H

olm

e an

d C

olne

Val

leys

. D

ark

Pea

k Li

nk (P

enni

ne B

ridle

way

Fee

der R

oute

) – th

e P

enni

ne B

ridle

way

ski

rts K

irkle

es n

ear t

o th

e bo

unda

ry w

ith O

ldha

m.

Sev

eral

“fee

der r

oute

s”

have

bee

n sp

ecifi

cally

dev

ised

to e

nabl

e ho

rse

rider

s to

link

into

the

Pen

nine

Brid

lew

ay it

self.

Th

e se

ctio

n th

roug

h K

irkle

es is

stil

l in

deve

lopm

ent a

nd w

ill

be k

m lo

ng w

hen

com

plet

ed.

Oth

er R

oute

s:

Kirk

lees

Way

– a

116

km

(72

mile

) circ

ular

wal

k su

rrou

ndin

g ar

eas

of H

udde

rsfie

ld, H

olm

firh,

She

pley

, Den

by D

ale,

Hol

me,

Mar

sden

, Brig

hous

e,

Cle

ckhe

aton

, Bat

ley,

Dew

sbur

y, E

mle

y, C

layt

on W

est a

nd S

ciss

et.

Sta

nded

ge T

rail

– a

very

pop

ular

circ

ular

rout

e 17

km

(10.

5 m

iles)

whi

ch ta

kes

in b

oth

inte

rest

ing

hist

ory

and

coun

trysi

de.

Sta

rts a

nd fi

nish

es in

Tow

ngat

e M

arsd

en v

ia O

ld M

ount

Roa

d cr

ossi

ng R

oche

r Moo

r to

Dig

ley

then

Sta

nded

ge, P

ule

Hill

and

Tun

nel E

nd.

Col

ne V

alle

y C

ircul

ar –

a 2

1 km

(13

mile

s) c

ircul

ar w

alk

taki

ng in

the

hist

ory

of m

oor a

nd m

ills,

clo

ugh

and

cana

l as

wel

l as

the

Sou

th P

enni

ne c

ount

rysi

de.

S

tarts

at t

he M

useu

m a

t Gol

car t

hrou

gh L

inth

wai

te, M

arsd

en, B

utte

rley

rese

rvoi

r, U

pper

Sla

ithw

aite

, Mer

ryda

le a

nd W

ilber

lee.

M

elth

am W

ay –

a 1

4 km

(9 m

iles)

way

mar

ked

circ

ular

wal

k in

the

coun

trysi

de a

roun

d M

elth

am ta

king

in s

ome

hist

ory

and

flora

and

faun

a –

plea

se n

ote

that

se

ctio

ns a

re o

n pe

rmis

sive

pat

hs.

Hol

me

Val

ley

Circ

ular

– a

circ

ular

wal

k 39

km

(24

mile

s) s

tarti

ng fr

om C

astle

Hill

, tak

ing

in F

arnl

ey T

yas,

Thu

rsto

nlan

d, H

epw

orth

, Had

e E

dge,

Car

twor

th

Moo

r, H

olm

e, D

igle

y, U

pper

thon

g, N

ethe

rthon

g, H

onle

y an

d B

erry

Bro

w.

H

ills

and

Ham

lets

– a

16

km (1

0 m

ile) c

ircul

ar w

alk

arou

nd th

e H

olm

e V

alle

y to

the

sout

h of

Hud

ders

field

vis

iting

Hol

mfir

th, N

ethe

rthon

g, T

hong

sbrid

ge a

nd

New

Mill

. H

olm

e V

alle

y R

iver

side

Way

– a

10

km (6

mile

s) li

near

wal

k st

artin

g fro

m M

agda

le a

nd fi

nish

ing

at D

igle

y re

serv

oir g

oing

thro

ugh

villa

ges

incl

udin

g H

onle

y,

Hol

mfir

th a

nd H

olm

brid

ge,.

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 –

2020

(Dra

ft)

Sta

tion

to S

tatio

n W

alk

– a

14 k

m (9

mile

s) li

near

wal

k fro

m M

arsd

en R

ailw

ay S

tatio

n (W

est Y

orks

hire

) to

New

hey

railw

ay S

tatio

n (L

anca

shire

) tak

ing

in

moo

rland

sce

nery

. B

ront

e W

ay –

a w

ell k

now

n lo

ng d

ista

nce

wal

king

rout

e so

me

69 k

m (4

3 m

iles)

from

Oak

wel

l Hal

l Cou

ntry

Par

k B

irsta

ll to

Gaw

thor

pe H

all P

adih

am

Lanc

ashi

re.

It li

nks

plac

es w

hich

pla

yed

a pa

rt in

the

lives

of t

he B

ront

e fa

mily

. Th

ere

are

vario

us c

ircul

ar w

alks

whi

ch le

ad fr

om th

e B

ront

e W

ay.

Spe

n V

alle

y H

erita

ge T

rail

– a

34 k

m (2

1 m

iles)

circ

uit a

nd v

alle

y pa

th e

xten

sion

of t

he fo

rmer

bor

ough

of S

penb

orou

gh a

nd th

e S

pen,

a tr

ibut

ary

of th

e R

iver

Cal

der,

the

Way

con

cent

rate

s on

the

hist

ory

of th

is o

ld te

xtile

man

ufac

turin

g ar

ea, v

isiti

ng S

chol

es, E

ast B

ierle

y an

d G

omer

sal t

hrou

gh a

var

ied

mix

ture

of u

rban

are

as, p

arkl

and

and

farm

land

. D

earn

e W

ay –

a lo

ng d

ista

nce

wal

king

rout

e 48

km

(30

mile

s) lo

ng fo

llow

ing

the

Riv

er D

earn

e fro

m it

s so

urce

at B

irds

Edg

e th

roug

h D

enby

Dal

e an

d C

layt

on W

est v

ia B

retto

n C

ount

ry P

ark

(Wak

efie

ld) t

hen

thro

ugh

Bar

nsle

y to

Mex

boro

ugh

in D

onca

ster

. S

helle

y W

elly

Wal

k –

orig

inat

ed a

s a

spon

sore

d w

alk

to ra

ise

mon

ey fo

r the

loca

l com

mun

ity n

ow a

pop

ular

wal

king

rout

e ab

out 1

3 km

(8 m

iles)

on

foot

path

s ro

ughl

y ar

ound

She

lley

villa

ge b

ound

ary.

S

kelm

anth

orpe

Vill

age

Trai

l – a

sho

rt ci

rcul

ar fa

mily

wal

k 5

km (3

mile

s) fa

mily

wal

k st

artin

g fro

m th

e C

ounc

il O

ffice

in S

kelm

anth

orpe

taki

ng in

som

e of

the

villa

ge a

nd c

ount

rysi

de n

orth

of t

he K

irkle

es L

ight

railw

ay li

ne.

Em

ley

Vill

age

Trai

l – A

sho

rt ci

rcul

ar ro

ute

5 km

(3 m

iles)

sta

rting

from

the

Sto

ne C

ross

in th

e vi

llage

cen

tre to

Upp

er C

raw

shaw

, Kirk

by G

rang

e, G

rang

e Fa

rm, t

hrou

gh th

e ol

d Iro

n W

orki

ngs.

E

mle

y B

ound

ary

Wal

k –

a 22

km

(14

mile

s) w

alk

arou

nd E

mle

y an

d its

sur

roun

ding

cou

ntry

side

ski

rting

Flo

ckto

n, C

layt

on W

est,

Ske

lman

thor

pe,

Roy

dhou

ses,

Tho

rncl

iff a

nd S

ix L

ane

End

s.

Kirk

lees

Eas

tern

Rid

ing

Rou

te –

a 4

8 km

(30

mile

s) ro

ute

mai

nly

for h

orse

ride

rs a

nd c

yclis

ts w

hich

form

s a

roug

h fig

ure

of 8

hav

ing

two

sepa

rate

loop

s, 2

1 km

(13

mile

s) a

nd 2

7 km

(17

mile

s) re

spec

tivel

y ta

king

in U

pper

Den

by, D

enby

Dal

e, S

hepl

ey, S

helle

y, K

irkbu

rton,

Lep

ton,

Hou

ses

Hill

, W

hitle

y Lo

wer

, Fl

ockt

on, E

mle

y an

d S

kelm

anth

orpe

. N

orth

Kirk

lees

Rid

ing

Rou

te –

a 2

9 km

(18

mile

s) c

ircul

ar ro

ute

for c

yclis

ts w

ith a

13

km (8

mile

s) o

ptio

n al

ong

the

Cal

der V

alle

y (R

aven

stho

rpe

to C

olne

B

ridge

) sta

rting

at O

akw

ell C

ount

ry P

ark

via

Nun

royd

, Dew

sbur

y M

oor,

Rav

enst

horp

e, N

orth

orpe

, Kits

on H

ill, M

riefie

ld M

oor,

Littl

e Th

orpe

, Hig

htow

n H

eigh

ts, H

arts

head

Moo

rtow

n, S

chol

es, M

oore

nd a

nd H

unsw

orth

. Th

ere

is a

furth

er o

ptio

n to

div

ert t

hrou

gh L

iver

sedg

e on

to th

e S

penV

alle

y G

reen

way

.

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 –

2020

APP

END

IX 7

K

irkle

es P

rom

oted

Rou

tes

Cur

rent

Pub

licat

ion

List

as

at 3

0 Se

ptem

ber 2

010

Th

e pu

blic

atio

ns li

sted

bel

ow c

an b

e ob

tain

ed fr

om a

nd e

nqui

ries

mad

e to

: C

omm

unity

and

Lei

sure

Ser

vice

s, S

tadi

um B

usin

ess

& L

eisu

re C

ompl

ex, S

tadi

um W

ay, H

udde

rsfie

ld H

D2

2UW

Te

l: 01

484

2340

77.

Som

e ar

e al

so a

vaila

ble

at K

irkle

es T

ouris

t Inf

orm

atio

n C

entre

s.

Ple

ase

note

mos

t are

free

how

ever

ther

e is

a c

harg

e fo

r som

e of

the

item

s as

mar

ked.

3

Lunc

htim

e To

wn

Cen

tre W

alks

8

Pos

tcar

ds o

f Mar

sden

- (C

harg

e)

A C

ircul

ar W

alk

on W

hole

ston

e H

ill

A C

ircul

ar W

alk

roun

d B

utte

rley

Res

ervo

ir, M

arsd

en

A W

alk

fro A

lmon

dbur

y to

Cas

tle H

ill

Alm

ondb

ury

Pat

hway

s to

Hea

lth

B

atle

y H

erita

ge T

rail

Bat

ley

Pat

hway

s to

Hea

lth

B

irkby

Pat

hway

s to

Hea

lth

C

hick

enle

y P

athw

ays

to H

ealth

Cla

yton

Wes

t Vill

age

Trai

l

C

onse

rvat

ion

Kirk

lees

– v

olun

teer

s le

afle

t

Con

serv

atio

n K

irkle

es V

olun

teer

Lea

flet

Cow

lers

ley

Pat

hway

s to

Hea

lth

D

alto

n/R

awth

orpe

Pat

hway

s to

Hea

lth

Dal

ton

Ban

k Lo

cal N

atur

e R

eser

ve

Den

by D

ale

Pat

hway

s to

Hea

lth (J

an 2

007)

Den

by D

ale

Vill

age

Trai

l

D

ewsb

ury/

Sav

ille

Tow

n P

athw

ays

to H

ealth

Dry

Sto

ne W

allin

g: T

he E

ssen

tial G

uide

(DV

D) -

(Cha

rge)

E

ight

Circ

ular

Wal

ks in

Den

by D

ale

Par

ish

– (C

harg

e)

Em

ley

Vill

age

Trai

l

Farto

wn

Pat

hway

s to

Hea

lth

E

xplo

re th

e W

ildla

nds

of S

cam

mon

den

Wat

er

G

olca

r App

leya

rd p

icni

c si

te

G

olca

r Pat

hway

s to

Hea

lth

H

ills

and

Ham

lets

: A 1

6.9

km w

alk

in th

e H

olm

e V

alle

y

Hol

me

Val

ley:

Hol

mbr

idge

and

Hol

me

Wal

k

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 –

2020

Hon

ley

Woo

ds C

ircul

ar W

alk

K

irkle

es E

aste

rn R

idin

g R

oute

(KE

RR

) 3rd

Edi

tion

Lans

cape

s by

Ste

phen

Bra

dnum

(D

VD

) – (C

harg

e)

Li

ndle

y P

athw

ays

to H

ealth

Map

of M

irfie

ld R

ight

s of

Way

Mar

sden

& S

laith

wai

te C

alen

dar –

(Cha

rge)

M

arsd

en C

entre

d O

S M

ap -

(Cha

rge)

Mer

ryda

le

Mirf

ield

Mea

nder

s

Mirf

ield

Pat

hway

s to

Hea

lth (J

an 2

007)

N

ewso

me

Pat

hway

s to

Hea

lth

N

orth

Kirk

lees

Rid

ing

Rou

te (C

ycle

/Hor

se)

O

xley

Tra

il –

Ske

lman

thor

pe

P

addo

ck P

athw

ays

to H

ealth

Pic

nic

Wal

ks in

the

Col

ne V

alle

y

Riv

er o

f Life

(Int

erac

tive

CD

)

Rot

cher

pic

nic

site

Sam

plin

g th

e hi

lls: A

3 k

m s

troll

to U

pper

thon

g

Sav

ille

Tow

n P

athw

ays

to H

ealth

S

kelm

anth

orpe

Vill

age

Trai

l

Spe

nbor

ough

/Cle

ck P

athw

ays

to H

ealth

The

Sta

nded

ge T

rail

– (C

harg

e)

The

Upp

er C

olne

Val

ley

Dry

Sto

ne W

allin

g Tr

ail –

(Cha

rge)

Th

ornh

ill P

athw

ays

to H

ealth

Tunn

el E

nd p

icni

c si

te

Vik

ing

villa

ges

and

Sum

mer

Win

e C

ount

ry: 8

km

W

alk

the

Kirk

lees

Way

– (C

harg

e)

Wel

com

e to

the

Spe

n V

alle

y G

reen

way

Wild

Abo

ut K

irkle

es (W

AK

) 2 e

ditio

ns p

er y

ear

W

indy

Ban

k P

athw

ays

to H

ealth

Life

on

the

Cut

: The

His

tory

and

Her

itage

of o

ur C

anal

s (D

VD

) – (C

harg

e)

Par

ks a

nd O

pen

Spa

ces

Stra

tegy

Exe

cutiv

e S

umm

ary

U

pper

Col

ne V

alle

y In

tegr

ated

Man

agem

ent P

lan

Exe

cutiv

e S

umm

ary

D

alto

n B

ank

Loca

l Nat

ure

Res

erve

Edu

catio

n P

ack

(for s

choo

ls, v

olun

tary

gro

ups

etc)

I’d ra

ther

be

cycl

ing:

14

cycl

e ro

utes

in a

nd a

roun

d th

e K

irkle

es c

ount

rysi

de (c

hequ

es to

Hud

ders

field

CTC

) – (C

harg

e)

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 - 2

020

APP

END

IX 8

M

ain

attr

actio

ns in

Kirk

lees

as

at 3

0 Se

ptem

ber 2

010

Cas

tle H

ill –

thi

s is

a s

ched

uled

anc

ient

mon

umen

t si

tuat

ed o

n th

e hi

lltop

ove

rlook

ing

Hud

ders

field

and

is

rega

rded

as

one

of

Yor

kshi

res

mos

t im

porta

nt e

arly

Iro

n A

ge f

orts

. I

t ha

s be

en a

pla

ce o

f re

crea

tion

for

hund

reds

of

year

s an

d th

e Ju

bile

e To

wer

is

disc

erni

ble

from

alm

ost e

very

whe

re in

the

dist

rict.

K

irkle

es C

ultu

re a

nd L

eisu

re S

ervi

ce h

as r

ecen

tly re

furb

ishe

d al

l the

foot

path

s on

to

p of

the

hill

to w

heel

chai

r acc

essi

ble

stan

dard

and

, tog

ethe

r with

the

Pub

lic R

ight

s of

way

Uni

t, is

to c

arry

out

impr

ovem

ent w

orks

to

right

s of

way

lead

ing

to th

e m

onum

ent.

“Th

e H

ill” a

s it

is o

ften

calle

d, h

osts

man

y ev

ents

thro

ugho

ut th

e ye

ar.

Oak

wel

l Hal

l Cou

ntry

Par

k –

situ

ated

in th

e no

rth o

f the

dis

trict

, thi

s 11

0 ac

re p

ark

was

form

ed fr

om a

mix

of w

oodl

and,

farm

land

and

a

recl

aim

ed c

ollie

ry.

It

surr

ound

s th

e E

lizab

etha

n M

anor

Hou

se a

nd g

arde

ns a

nd h

osts

man

y va

ried

even

ts a

ll ye

ar r

ound

. I

t ha

s se

vera

l pub

lic fo

otpa

ths

and

brid

lew

ays

runn

ing

thro

ugh

it.

Res

ervo

irs –

The

re a

re s

ever

al r

eser

voirs

, m

ainl

y so

uth

wes

t of

the

dis

trict

, m

ost

owne

d by

Yor

kshi

re W

ater

whi

ch n

ot o

nly

have

pu

blic

rig

hts

of w

ay t

o or

aro

und

them

but

als

o ha

ve “

perm

issi

ve “

path

s w

hich

hav

e be

en c

reat

ed t

o al

low

gre

ater

acc

ess

visi

ts t

o th

ese

area

s.

Em

ley

Moo

r and

Hol

me

Mos

s Te

levi

sion

Mas

ts –

alth

ough

ther

e is

no

publ

ic a

cces

s to

the

actu

al s

ites,

they

attr

act m

any

visi

tors

bot

h ha

ving

spe

ctac

ular

vie

wpo

ints

. Lo

cal N

atur

e R

eser

ves

– th

ere

are

seve

ral n

atur

e re

serv

es in

Kirk

lees

whi

ch a

re v

isite

d no

t onl

y fo

r an

inte

rest

in n

atur

e, b

ut a

re a

lso

used

as

an e

duca

tiona

l res

ourc

e.

Tols

on M

useu

m –

A V

icto

rian

Man

sion

Hou

se c

olle

ctio

n w

hich

inc

lude

s; l

ocal

his

tory

, R

oman

, ar

chae

olog

ical

, na

ture

, sc

ient

ific,

tra

nspo

rt, t

oys

and

dolls

, m

ilita

ry h

isto

ry a

nd o

ther

arte

fact

s w

hich

tak

es y

ou t

hrou

gh t

he h

isto

ry o

f H

udde

rsfie

ld f

rom

the

ear

liest

se

ttler

s.

Cro

w N

est P

ark

(Dew

sbur

y M

useu

m)

– A

n at

tract

ive

and

exte

nsiv

e pa

rk s

urro

undi

ng a

Geo

rgia

n M

ansi

on n

ow u

sed

as a

mus

eum

de

dica

ted

to th

e th

eme

of h

isto

ry th

roug

h th

e ey

es o

f chi

ldre

n. T

he P

ark

host

s a

varie

ty o

f eve

nts.

R

ed H

ouse

Mus

eum

- T

his

delig

htfu

l, re

d-br

ick

hous

e, b

uilt

in 1

660,

was

hom

e to

the

Tayl

or fa

mily

who

wer

e cl

oth

mer

chan

ts a

nd

man

ufac

ture

rs w

ith fa

scin

atin

g B

ront

ë co

nnec

tions

. E

ach

of th

e ro

oms

brin

gs y

ou c

lose

r to

the

1830

s, fr

om th

e el

egan

t par

lour

to th

e st

one-

flagg

ed k

itche

n w

ith it

s Y

orks

hire

rang

e, je

lly m

ould

s an

d co

lour

ful c

rock

ery.

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 - 2

020

Kirk

lees

Lig

ht R

ailw

ay –

a p

opul

ar f

amily

attr

actio

n lo

cate

d at

Cla

yton

Wes

t S

tatio

n be

ing

a 6

kilo

met

re (

3.75

mile

s) n

arro

w g

auge

ra

ilway

ride

to S

kelm

anth

orpe

toge

ther

with

oth

er a

ttrac

tions

and

a s

econ

d te

rmin

al a

t She

lly S

tatio

n.

Last

of

the

Sum

mer

Win

e C

ount

ry –

Hol

mfir

th a

nd t

he s

urro

undi

ng c

ount

rysi

de m

ade

fam

ous

by t

he l

ong-

runn

ing

tele

visi

on

prog

ram

me.

S

laith

wai

te –

His

toric

Mill

Tow

n m

ade

popu

lar b

y th

e te

levi

sion

pro

gram

me

Whe

re th

e H

eart

Is.

Can

als

– th

ere

are

seve

ral c

anal

s in

or p

assi

ng th

roug

h K

irkle

es d

istri

ct w

hich

not

onl

y gi

ve p

leas

ure

to th

ose

who

hav

e bo

ats

but t

o th

ose

who

fish

or u

se th

e to

wpa

ths

for r

ecre

atio

n or

eve

n ge

tting

to w

ork.

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 - 2

020

APP

END

IX 9

P

riorit

y Pa

th A

sses

smen

t (Ex

ampl

e)

DISTRICT

PATH NO

LINK NO

STATUS

LENGTH (m)

WIDTH (m)

ISSUE

URBAN (3)

FRINGE (2)

RURAL (1)

BRIDLEWAY (2)

CAP (2)

BUS LINK (3)

RAIL LINK (2)

DDA

SRS

NHP

HEALTH CENTRES

COMMUNIAL

LEISURE AMMENITIES

SHOPS AND FACILITIES

CULTURE AND WORSHIP

LINKS SETTLEMENTS

LINK TO GREENWAY

LINK TO TOWPATH

POS

NAT TRAIL (3)

KIRKLESS WAY (2)

PROMOTED ROUTE

RECREATION ?

PEAK PARK

OPEN / COMMON LAND

ACCESS TO WATER

TO TAL

DEFINITIVE MAP

LOW VALUE TO NETWORK

POTENTIAL BW

PATH ORDER

BA

T 1

10

Brid

le

589

3.0

2

2

2 3

1 1

1

1

13

BA

T 1

20

Brid

le

15

3.0

1 2

1

1 1

1

1

1

9

BA

T 1

30

Foot

41

4 1.

2

2

2

1

1

1

7

BA

T 1

40

Brid

le

299

3.0

1 2

1

1 1

1

1

1

9

BA

T 1

50

Brid

le

133

3.0

1 2

1 1

1

1

1

8

BA

T 1

60

Brid

le

82

3.0

1 2

1 1

1

1

1

8

BA

T 1

70

Brid

le

606

3.0

*

1

2

1

1 1

1

2

1

10

*

BA

T 2

10

Foot

29

8

2

1

3

BA

T 2

20

Foot

46

2

2

1

2

1

6

BA

T 3

10

Foot

21

8

2

1

1

1

5

BA

T 3

20

Foot

40

8

2

1

1

2

1

7

BA

T 3

30

Foot

28

8

2

1

1

1

5

BA

T 3

40

Foot

20

1

2

1

1

1

5

BA

T 4

10

Foot

79

2

1

1

1

1

6

BA

T 4

20

Foot

10

7

2

1

1

1

5

RightsofW

ayIm

provem

entP

lanforKirklees201

0‐2

020

APP

END

IX 1

0

Uni

tary

Dev

elop

men

t Pla

n Po

licie

s as

at 3

0 Se

ptem

ber 2

010

Tran

spor

t – th

e tra

nspo

rt ne

twor

k ha

s a

vita

l rol

e in

the

qual

ity o

f life

of o

ur c

omm

uniti

es.

It d

eter

min

es th

e ea

se w

ith w

hich

peo

ple

can

mov

e ab

out

the

dist

rict a

nd th

eir

abili

ty to

gai

n ac

cess

to a

ran

ge o

f fac

ilitie

s.

It is

als

o im

porta

nt to

the

econ

omic

pro

sper

ity o

f the

are

a, p

rovi

ding

link

s to

the

maj

or to

wns

and

mar

kets

out

side

the

dist

rict.

T1

Prio

rity

will

be

give

n to

:

i sa

tisfy

ing

the

need

s of

all

sect

ions

of

the

com

mun

ity t

hrou

gh a

n ef

fect

ive

inte

grat

ed t

rans

port

syst

em w

ith e

mph

asis

on

impr

ovin

g pu

blic

tran

spor

t and

enc

oura

ging

a m

odal

shi

ft aw

ay fr

om tr

avel

ling

by p

rivat

e ca

r. ii

prom

otin

g a

trans

port

netw

ork

on w

hich

it

is s

afe

to t

rave

l an

d w

hich

cau

ses

min

imal

dis

turb

ance

thr

ough

dan

ger,

nois

e an

d ai

r po

llutio

n.

Iii

Co-

ordi

natin

g la

nd u

se c

hang

e w

ith tr

ansp

ort p

rovi

sion

so

as to

min

imis

e th

e ne

ed to

trav

el a

nd lo

catin

g ne

w d

evel

opm

ent w

here

it

can

be b

est s

erve

d by

pub

lic tr

ansp

ort a

nd w

here

it m

inim

ises

the

need

for e

xpan

sion

of t

he h

ighw

ay n

etw

ork.

T2

Hig

hway

impr

ovem

ents

will

be

dire

cted

tow

ards

:

i im

prov

ing

the

wor

st p

robl

ems

of p

erso

nal

acce

ssib

ility

with

spe

cial

em

phas

is o

n im

prov

emen

ts w

hich

ass

ist

publ

ic t

rans

port,

pe

dest

rians

and

cyc

lists

.

ii M

eetin

g th

e re

quire

men

ts o

f ind

ustry

and

bus

ines

s an

d im

prov

ing

the

qual

ity o

f the

stra

tegi

c ne

twor

k …

iii

im

prov

ing

road

saf

ety

for a

ll us

ers.

iv

im

prov

ing

envi

ronm

enta

l con

ditio

ns.

T14

The

safe

ty,

conv

enie

nce

and

attra

ctiv

enes

s of

ped

estri

an r

oute

s w

ill b

e im

prov

ed a

nd n

ew r

oute

s cr

eate

d.

Prio

rity

will

be

give

n to

link

ed

urba

n sc

hem

es w

hich

impr

ove

acce

ssib

ility

to c

omm

unity

faci

litie

s an

d pu

blic

tran

spor

t. T1

8 S

trate

gic

rout

es fo

r ped

estri

ans

and

cycl

ists

are

iden

tifie

d at

:

i H

udde

rsfie

ld T

own

cent

re to

Mirf

ield

via

Bra

dley

- kn

own

as B

irkby

/Bra

dley

/Cal

der V

alle

y G

reen

way

.

ii M

irfie

ld to

Cle

ckhe

aton

thro

ugh

the

Spe

n V

alle

y - k

now

n as

Cal

der V

alle

y/S

pen

Val

ley

Gre

enw

ay E

xten

sion

.

iii

Dew

sbur

y To

wn

Cen

tre to

Kirk

lees

bou

ndar

y (O

sset

, Wak

efie

ld) –

kno

wn

as D

ewsb

ury/

Ear

lshe

aton

/Oss

ett G

reen

way

.

RightsofW

ayIm

provem

entP

lanforKirklees201

0‐2

020

iv

D

ewsb

ury

to B

atle

y.

v

Bat

ley

to H

udde

rsfie

ld R

oad

Birs

tall

– kn

own

as W

ilton

Lin

ear T

rail.

vi

Sho

wca

se C

inem

a, G

elde

rd R

oad

to O

akw

ell C

ount

ry P

ark

– kn

own

as B

irsta

ll to

Oak

wel

l Gre

enw

ay.

vi

i K

irkbu

rton

to L

eeds

Roa

d, H

udde

rsfie

ld –

kno

wn

as F

enay

/Dal

ton/

Dei

ghto

n G

reen

way

. R

ecre

atio

n –

the

coun

trysi

de in

Kirk

lees

pro

vide

s a

vita

l rec

reat

iona

l res

ourc

e fo

r man

y re

side

nts.

H

owev

er, f

or th

ose

who

do

not l

ive

clos

e to

the

coun

trysi

de; d

o no

t hav

e a

car a

nd h

ave

rela

tivel

y lo

w d

ispo

sabl

e in

com

e, o

nly

thos

e pa

rts o

f the

cou

ntry

side

acc

essi

ble

by p

ublic

tran

spor

t are

like

ly

to h

ave

any

valu

e fo

r rec

reat

ion.

R

6 W

hen

deve

lopm

ent i

s pr

opos

ed w

hich

giv

es ri

se to

a n

eed

for p

ublic

ope

n sp

ace,

mea

sure

s sh

ould

be

incl

uded

to e

nsur

e th

at th

is n

eed

can

be s

atis

fied

by e

stab

lishi

ng n

ew a

reas

of p

ublic

ope

n sp

ace

eith

er o

n si

te o

r a re

adily

acc

essi

ble

loca

tion

or b

y up

grad

ing

exis

ting

publ

ic o

pen

spac

es.

R13

In

dev

elop

men

t pr

opos

als

acco

unt

will

be

take

n of

the

pot

entia

l for

new

link

s in

the

pub

lic r

ight

s of

way

net

wor

k an

d of

opp

ortu

nitie

s fo

r in

crea

sed

enjo

ymen

t of

the

cou

ntry

side

.

Dev

elop

men

t pr

opos

als

whi

ch w

ould

affe

ct a

pub

lic r

ight

of

way

or

publ

ic a

cces

s ar

ea o

r w

hich

in

volv

es th

e cr

eatio

n of

a p

ublic

righ

t of w

ay o

r pub

lic a

cces

s ar

ea s

houl

d al

so ta

ke a

ccou

nt o

f:

i th

e co

nven

ienc

e of

use

rs o

f the

righ

t of w

ay o

r acc

ess

area

.

ii th

e pr

ovis

ion

of fa

cilit

ies

for p

eopl

e w

ith d

isab

ilitie

s.

R18

P

ropo

sals

for d

evel

opm

ent a

djac

ent t

o ca

nals

and

rive

r sho

uld

take

acc

ount

of:

i

the

char

acte

r of t

he w

ater

side

env

ironm

ent.

ii

the

exis

ting

or p

ropo

sed

recr

eatio

nal u

se o

f the

can

al o

r riv

er.

iii

th

e ec

olog

ical

and

her

itage

val

ue o

f the

site

and

its

surr

ound

ings

.

iv

Opp

ortu

nitie

s to

impr

ove

publ

ic a

cces

s to

the

cana

l or r

iver

side

incl

udin

g ac

cess

by

disa

bled

peo

ple.

R

20

Dev

elop

men

t pr

opos

als

with

in t

he v

icin

ity o

f Tu

nnel

End

Mar

sden

will

be

cons

ider

ed h

avin

g re

gard

to

the

pote

ntia

l of

the

area

as

a m

ajor

vi

sito

r attr

actio

n.

R21

P

ropo

sals

for t

he d

evel

opm

ent w

ithin

the

boun

dary

of C

astle

Hill

sho

uld

have

rega

rd to

:

RightsofW

ayIm

provem

entP

lanforKirklees201

0‐2

020

i

the

stat

us o

f the

hill

as

an a

ncie

nt m

onum

ent.

ii

th

e si

gnifi

canc

e of

the

hill

as a

land

scap

e fe

atur

e.

iii

th

e ef

fect

on

the

loca

l roa

d ne

twor

k an

d pe

dest

rian

mov

emen

t on

the

hill.

iv

the

recr

eatio

nal a

nd e

duca

tiona

l pot

entia

l of t

he s

ite.

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 - 2

020

APP

END

IX 1

1

Gre

enw

ays

as a

t 30

Sept

embe

r 201

0 S

pen

Val

ley

Gre

enw

ay (

11 K

m)

– a

rout

e al

ong

the

old

Spe

n V

alle

y ra

ilway

lin

e w

hich

lin

ks t

he c

omm

uniti

es o

f O

aken

shaw

, C

leck

heat

on, L

iver

sedg

e, H

eckm

ondw

ike

and

Dew

sbur

y.

Ope

ned

in 2

000

and

prov

ides

a s

afe

plea

sant

traf

fic-fr

ee r

oute

for

wal

king

, ho

rse

ridin

g an

d cy

clin

g.

Cal

der V

alle

y G

reen

way

(7.5

Km

) - a

mai

nly

off-r

oad

rout

e pr

ovid

es a

link

from

the

Birk

by/B

radl

ey G

reen

way

at B

radl

ey to

Rav

enst

horp

e an

d D

ewsb

ury.

A s

hort

sect

ion

(1.2

Km

) of t

he ro

ute

at M

irfie

ld ra

ilway

sta

tion

to S

hepl

ey B

ridge

. A

sho

rt se

ctio

n (2

Km

) fro

m B

radl

ey

to B

righo

use

boun

dary

has

yet

to b

e co

mpl

eted

. B

irkby

Bra

dley

Gre

enw

ay (

3.5

Km

) –

this

rou

te r

uns

from

the

nor

th e

dge

of H

udde

rsfie

ld t

own

cent

re t

hrou

gh r

esid

entia

l ar

eas

to

Bra

dley

. M

elth

am G

reen

way

(1.

2 K

m)

– a

form

er r

ailw

ay li

ne fr

om S

tatio

n S

treet

to H

udde

rsfie

ld R

oad

at M

elth

am M

ills,

par

t tar

mac

for

wal

king

an

d cy

clin

g an

d ad

jace

nt s

peci

al s

urfa

ce fo

r hor

ses.

A

4.2

5 K

m s

ectio

n fro

m M

elth

am M

ills

to L

ockw

ood

is p

ropo

sed.

W

ilton

Par

k C

ycle

Pat

h (1

Km

) – th

is ro

ute

runs

thro

ugh

Wilt

on P

ark

in B

atle

y.

Spa

Bot

tom

(500

m) –

com

plet

ed fi

rst s

ectio

n of

the

Fena

y G

reen

way

. S

pen

Rin

gway

(3 K

m) –

an

off-r

oad

rout

e w

hich

runs

from

Roy

ds P

ark

Littl

etow

n to

Hig

h S

treet

Hec

kmon

dwik

e an

d al

so p

rovi

des

a sa

fer

rout

e to

sch

ool.

Oth

ers

unde

r con

stru

ctio

n or

in d

evel

opm

ent:

Fena

y G

reen

way

C

olne

Val

ley

Gre

enw

ay

Dei

ghto

n/D

alto

n G

reen

way

E

arls

heat

on/O

sset

Gre

enw

ay

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 –

2020

(Dra

ft)

APP

END

IX 1

2 G

uidi

ng P

rinci

ples

for R

OW

IPs:

Th

e W

est Y

orks

hire

Pen

nine

s Lo

cal A

cces

s Fo

rum

Pro

posa

ls to

Aut

horit

ies

This

doc

umen

t set

s ou

t the

vie

ws

of W

est Y

orks

hire

Pen

nine

s Lo

cal A

cces

s Fo

rum

(WY

PLA

F) a

s to

issu

es it

feel

s th

at th

e Lo

cal A

utho

ritie

s m

ight

us

eful

ly a

ddre

ss a

s pa

rt of

thei

r pla

n. I

n ge

nera

l, th

ese

are

stat

ed a

s br

oad

obje

ctiv

es a

nd w

e ho

pe th

at th

e re

leva

nt O

ffice

rs w

ithin

eac

h A

utho

rity

mig

ht

find

thes

e us

eful

whe

n de

visi

ng th

at a

rea'

s pl

an.

Whi

lst t

he li

sts

are

reas

onab

ly e

xten

sive

, the

y ar

e by

no

mea

ns e

xhau

stiv

e, a

nd o

ne m

ust n

ot ru

le o

ut

othe

r opt

ions

to im

prov

e R

oW a

nd a

cces

s. W

here

indi

vidu

al L

AF

mem

bers

hav

e pr

opos

als

for a

spe

cific

impr

ovem

ent b

ased

on

thei

r spe

cial

kno

wle

dge

of a

n ar

ea, t

hese

will

be

prov

ided

dire

ct to

the

appr

opria

te O

ffice

r for

that

are

a.

WY

PLA

F as

sum

es th

at a

ll de

finiti

ve R

oW a

re o

pen,

as

that

is a

lega

l req

uire

men

t pla

ced

on H

ighw

ay A

utho

ritie

s. H

owev

er, i

t is

note

d th

at th

e co

nditi

on

of s

ome

rout

es w

ould

ben

efit

from

impr

ovem

ent.

Atte

ntio

n is

als

o dr

awn

to th

e re

quire

men

t und

er 1

968

Cou

ntry

side

Act

S.2

7 (2

) tha

t a s

ign

shal

l no

rmal

ly b

e pr

ovid

ed w

here

a R

oW le

aves

a m

etal

led

road

, plu

s th

e pr

ovis

ion

for i

nsta

lling

sig

ns e

lsew

here

as

requ

ired.

G

ener

al Is

sues

Th

e fo

llow

ing

poin

t rep

rese

nt a

spec

t of R

oW im

prov

emen

t wor

k w

hich

the

Foru

m b

elie

ves

are

at th

e co

re o

f CR

oW A

ct's

inte

ntio

ns, w

hich

hav

e re

al

rele

vanc

e to

our

are

a, a

nd w

hich

are

com

mon

to v

irtua

lly a

ll R

oW.

Thes

e ar

e no

t sho

wn

in a

ny o

rder

of p

riorit

y as

all

are

cons

ider

ed im

porta

nt.

The

Foru

m a

lso

acce

pts

that

nee

ds a

nd p

riorit

ies

may

wel

l var

y ac

ross

diff

eren

t par

ts o

f the

thre

e A

utho

ritie

s.

1)

Aut

horit

ies

shou

ld c

onsu

lt w

idel

y w

ith re

leva

nt p

artie

s re

gard

ing

thei

r per

cept

ions

of p

robl

ems

and

need

s.

2)

Impr

ove

sign

ing

and

way

-mar

king

– e

.g. t

o sh

ow d

estin

atio

ns a

nd d

ista

nces

, pro

vide

sig

ns a

t mor

e pa

th ju

nctio

ns a

way

from

road

side

s, a

nd b

y pu

tting

in w

ay-m

arki

ng w

here

a R

oW is

diff

icul

t to

follo

w.

3)

See

k to

pro

vide

'mis

sing

link

s' in

the

RoW

net

wor

ks w

hich

, if m

ade

avai

labl

e, c

ould

sig

nific

antly

impr

ove

the

coun

trysi

de a

s a

recr

eatio

nal f

acili

ty

for a

ll po

tent

ial u

sers

. 4)

S

ee if

con

tinui

ty c

an b

e es

tabl

ishe

d on

cul

-de-

sac

RoW

, and

on

thos

e w

here

sta

tus

chan

ges

mid

rout

e.

5)

A

im to

get

de

fact

o an

d pe

rmis

sive

rout

es o

nto

the

defin

itive

map

s, a

s th

ese

have

alre

ady

show

n th

at th

ey a

re v

alua

ble

to th

e p

ublic

. 6)

E

xplo

re th

e si

tuat

ion

rega

rdin

g ro

utes

bel

ieve

d by

use

rs to

hav

e R

oW s

tatu

s of

a p

artic

ular

cat

egor

y, b

ut n

ot in

clud

ed a

s su

ch o

n de

finiti

ve m

aps.

7)

P

rodu

ce g

ood

gene

ral i

nfor

mat

ion

abou

t acc

ess

– pa

rticu

larly

faci

litie

s no

t now

on

OS

map

s, a

nd fa

cilit

ies

for s

ecto

rs o

f the

pub

lic w

here

pr

ovis

ion

for t

heir

parti

cula

r nee

ds is

cur

rent

ly a

t low

leve

l. 8)

W

ork

to o

btai

n sa

fer c

ross

ings

of b

usy

road

s fo

r all

cate

gorie

s of

use

r, an

d ad

d sa

fe li

nkin

g se

ctio

ns w

here

RoW

do

not t

erm

inat

e op

posi

te o

ne

anot

her.

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 –

2020

(Dra

ft)

9)

Look

for o

ppor

tuni

ties

to e

nabl

e qu

iete

r, ru

ral r

oads

to b

e us

ed s

afel

y an

d pl

easu

rabl

y by

non

-veh

icul

ar u

sers

– p

ossi

bly

invo

lvin

g sp

eed

cont

rol/t

raffi

c co

ntro

l mea

sure

s, a

nd/o

r pro

visi

on o

f new

/bet

ter f

ootw

ays.

10

) E

ncou

rage

use

rs to

che

ck th

at th

ey a

re e

ntitl

ed to

use

the

rout

es th

ey p

lan

to tr

avel

, and

that

they

use

righ

t of w

ay re

spon

sibl

y.

11)

Con

side

r whe

ther

cer

tain

spe

cific

pat

h di

vers

ions

cou

ld p

rodu

ce b

enef

its fo

r bot

h us

ers

and

land

hold

ers.

12

) W

ork

with

oth

er b

odie

s re

gard

ing

faci

litie

s fo

r man

y sp

ecia

l cat

egor

ies

of u

ser i

nclu

ding

: fam

ilies

with

you

ng c

hild

ren,

dis

able

d pe

rson

s an

d th

ose

who

do

not n

ow ta

ke s

igni

fican

t exe

rcis

e.

13)

Exp

lore

opp

ortu

nitie

s fo

r im

prov

ing

the

path

env

ironm

ent.

incl

udin

g th

e pr

oble

ms

of: d

og fo

ulin

g, li

tter a

nd o

verg

row

th/u

nder

grow

th.

14)

Wor

k to

war

ds th

e cr

eatio

n of

impr

oved

use

r sta

tistic

s up

on w

hich

futu

re m

easu

res

can

be b

ased

. 15

) S

eek

to s

et u

p a

bette

r rep

ortin

g an

d pr

iorit

isat

ion

syst

em fo

r ach

ievi

ng a

ctio

n on

RoW

s w

ith p

robl

ems.

Fo

r Wal

kers

1)

E

nsur

e ne

w P

art 1

CR

oW A

ct a

cces

s la

nd li

nks

to e

xist

ing

path

net

wor

ks (n

ot S

.58

of C

RoW

Act

). 2)

Id

entif

y al

l unm

ade

coun

ty ro

ads,

plu

s st

ewar

dshi

p (a

nd s

imila

r) a

cces

s la

nd a

nd p

ublic

ise

them

. 3)

W

ork

tow

ards

bet

ter p

ublic

tran

spor

t fac

ilitie

s to

the

coun

trysi

de.

For E

ques

trian

s 1)

Id

entif

y an

d pu

blic

ise

all e

xist

ing

faci

litie

s in

clud

ing

unm

ade

coun

ty ro

ad a

nd u

rban

com

mon

(S.1

93) l

and

with

usa

ble

rout

es.

2)

Exp

lore

pos

sibi

litie

s fo

r the

pro

visi

on o

f hig

hway

ver

ge p

aths

for h

orse

s (1

980

HA

S.7

1 (1

)).

3)

See

k op

portu

nitie

s fo

r equ

estri

an a

cces

s in

CR

oW A

ct P

art 1

land

(S.7

of S

ched

ule

2 an

d S

.19

of th

e A

ct).

4)

See

k ot

her o

ppor

tuni

ties

to in

crea

se th

e ex

tent

of t

he b

ridle

way

net

wor

k in

the

coun

trysi

de –

esp

ecia

lly w

here

that

can

pro

vide

circ

ular

rout

es.

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 –

2020

(Dra

ft)

For C

yclis

ts

1)

Iden

tify

and

publ

icis

e un

mad

e co

unty

road

s an

d cy

cle

track

s (c

urre

ntly

ofte

n no

t sho

wn

on m

aps)

. 2)

S

eek

oppo

rtuni

ties

for c

ycle

acc

ess

in C

RoW

Act

Par

t 1 la

nd (S

.7 o

f Sch

edul

e 2

and

S.1

6 of

the

Act

). 3)

S

eek

oppo

rtuni

ties

to in

crea

se th

e ex

tent

of t

he b

ridle

way

net

wor

k in

the

coun

trysi

de –

esp

ecia

lly w

here

that

can

pro

vide

circ

ular

rout

es.

4)

See

k to

impr

ove

bike

car

ryin

g fa

cilit

ies

on b

uses

and

trai

ns.

For t

he B

lind

and

Dis

able

d P

eopl

e 1)

Im

prov

e th

e ac

cess

ibili

ty o

f RoW

of b

lind

and

parti

ally

-sig

hted

per

sons

and

oth

ers

with

mob

ility

pro

blem

s.

2)

Wor

k w

ith o

ther

rele

vant

bod

ies

to e

ncou

rage

use

of R

oW b

y th

ose

who

do

not t

ake

sign

ifica

nt e

xerc

ise

at p

rese

nt, b

ut w

hose

ove

rall

heal

th m

ight

be

nefit

from

ple

asan

t phy

sica

l act

ivity

in th

e fo

rm o

f wal

king

. 3)

S

eek

oppo

rtuni

ties

to p

rovi

de im

prov

ed fa

cilit

ies

for w

heel

chai

r use

rs a

nd p

aren

ts w

ith p

ushc

hairs

. 4)

A

ppre

ciat

e th

at w

hils

t mob

ility

dis

abili

ty a

nd v

isua

l dis

abili

ty a

re h

ighl

ight

ed in

CR

oW A

ct S

.60,

mor

e ac

cess

opp

ortu

nitie

s co

uld

be c

reat

ed fo

r tho

se

with

man

y ot

her f

orm

s of

impa

irmen

t by

mod

est i

mpr

ovem

ents

to R

oW in

frast

ruct

ure.

La

ndow

ner/F

arm

er Is

sues

1)

Id

entif

y pr

oble

ms

resu

lting

from

acc

ess

and

seek

sol

utio

ns to

geth

er –

Hig

hway

Aut

horit

y, u

ser b

odie

s an

d la

ndho

lder

. 2)

W

ork

to o

verc

ome

user

pro

blem

s by

edu

catio

n an

d us

e of

info

rmal

vis

itor m

anag

emen

t met

hods

. 3)

La

ndow

ners

/farm

ers

shou

ld b

e en

cour

aged

to m

ake

RoW

rout

es e

asie

r to

follo

w.

4)

Incr

ease

aw

aren

ess

that

it is

in th

eir i

nter

ests

to e

nsur

e st

iles/

gate

s on

RoW

are

app

ropr

iate

to th

e si

tuat

ion

and

in s

ervi

ceab

le c

ondi

tion.

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 –

2020

(Dra

ft)

Con

clus

ion

The

Acc

ess

Foru

m b

elie

ves

that

the

first

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n in

any

Hig

hway

Aut

horit

y ar

ea is

par

ticul

arly

impo

rtant

as

it se

ts th

e to

ne fo

r fu

ture

wor

k in

acc

ess

impr

ovem

ents

for m

any

year

s to

com

e. I

t is

natu

ral t

hat C

ounc

ils w

ill b

e co

ncer

ned

as to

cos

t im

plic

atio

ns, b

ut th

e S

tatu

tory

Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n is

not

per

se

an u

nder

taki

ng th

at a

ll th

e pr

ojec

ts w

ill b

e ac

hiev

ed in

the

shor

t ter

m.

How

ever

, it i

s m

easu

re o

f the

nee

ds o

f the

are

a an

d,

as s

uch,

is a

use

ful t

ool i

n th

e co

nsta

nt s

trivi

ng to

get

impr

oved

out

side

fund

ing

for s

uch

wor

k.

The

Foru

m s

ugge

st th

at in

form

al re

crea

tion

in o

ur m

ore

rura

l are

as is

a m

ajor

recr

eatio

nal r

esou

rce

and

shou

ld ra

nk a

long

side

Sw

imm

ing

Pool

s,

Spor

ts A

rena

s an

d Le

isur

e C

entr

es w

hen

spen

ding

issu

es a

re b

eing

con

side

red.

Pub

lishe

d st

atis

tics

rela

ting

to c

ount

rysi

de a

reas

with

acc

ess

show

s th

at 1

21 m

illio

n da

y vi

sits

wer

e m

ade

to th

e co

untry

side

in Y

orks

hire

and

Hum

bers

ide

in 1

998.

Bet

wee

n 19

93 a

nd 2

000

such

vis

its h

ad in

crea

sed

by 5

0%,

thou

gh F

oot a

nd M

outh

cau

sed

a di

p la

ter.

Non

ethe

less

, it i

s su

gges

ted

that

thes

e ar

e im

pres

sive

figu

res

and

have

a b

earin

g of

pub

lic h

ealth

and

tour

ism

st

atis

tics

also

. A

s th

ese

Impr

ovem

ent P

lans

are

bei

ng e

volv

ed a

t bro

adly

the

sam

e tim

e as

the

new

Acc

ess

Land

und

er 1

of C

RoW

Act

com

es in

to b

eing

, the

impo

rtanc

e of

this

wor

k is

furth

er h

eigh

tene

d. T

he th

ree

Dis

trict

s co

mbi

ned

will

then

hav

e 19

.925

hec

tare

s of

land

ava

ilabl

e fo

r acc

ess

on fo

ot, o

r abo

ut 1

7½%

of t

heir

tota

l are

as.

Onl

y 7

larg

e C

ount

ies

and

8 N

atio

nal P

arks

(out

of o

ver 1

60 A

cces

s A

utho

ritie

s) w

ill h

ave

mor

e op

en a

cces

s la

nd th

an o

ur th

ree

Dis

trict

s. I

t is,

th

eref

ore,

mos

t im

porta

nt th

at th

is s

houl

d be

inte

grat

ed w

ith o

ther

form

s of

acc

ess.

Th

at fa

cilit

y un

der P

art 1

of t

he A

ct re

fers

onl

y to

Wal

kers

initi

ally

and

the

undo

ubte

d ne

eds

of o

ther

type

s of

acc

ess

user

s sh

ould

not

be

side

lined

bec

ause

of

this

not

able

incr

ease

in fa

cilit

ies

for W

alke

rs.

In m

any

parts

of o

ur D

istri

cts,

the

RoW

faci

litie

s fo

r equ

estri

ans,

cyc

lists

and

dis

able

d pe

ople

of v

ario

us

cate

gorie

s le

aves

muc

h to

be

desi

red.

Our

com

men

ts o

n th

e pr

eced

ing

page

s ha

ve s

ugge

sted

the

gene

ral a

reas

of a

ctiv

ities

whi

ch a

pply

to a

ll fo

rms

of

acce

ss, b

ut w

e ha

ve a

dditi

onal

ly fo

cuss

ed o

n th

e sp

ecia

l nee

ds o

f par

ticul

ar g

roup

s.

The

mem

bers

hip

of W

YP

LAF

cons

titut

es a

con

side

rabl

e bo

dy o

f exp

erie

nce

and

has

cont

acts

stre

tchi

ng e

ven

furth

er.

This

is a

t the

dis

posa

l of t

he D

istri

ct

Cou

ncils

and

thei

r sta

ff an

d it

is h

oped

that

ther

e w

ill b

e a

mut

ually

ben

efic

ial i

nter

chan

ge o

f ide

as a

nd p

ropo

sals

ove

r the

per

iod

whe

n th

e Im

prov

emen

t P

lans

are

bei

ng p

repa

red.

Th

e Fo

rum

look

s fo

rwar

d to

the

finis

hed

Pla

n be

ing

pres

ente

d an

d ha

ving

the

oppo

rtuni

ty to

com

men

t fur

ther

at t

hat s

tage

.

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 - 2

020

APP

END

IX 1

4-1

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 - 2

020

APP

END

IX 1

4-2

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 - 2

020

APP

END

IX 1

6-1

Con

sulta

tion

as a

t 30

Sept

embe

r 201

0 M

embe

rs o

f the

pub

lic w

ere

cons

ulte

d vi

a “H

ave

You

r Say

” on

the

Cou

ncil’

s w

ebsi

te a

nd in

form

ed b

y ne

wsp

aper

adv

ertis

emen

t. Th

e fo

llow

ing

is a

list

of t

he m

ain

orga

nisa

tions

and

gro

ups

cons

ulte

d:

Inte

rnal

: A

ll K

irkle

es C

ounc

il M

embe

rs

Pla

nnin

g (U

DP

) C

ultu

re a

nd L

eisu

re (C

ount

rysi

de U

nit,

Par

ks)

Env

ironm

ent

Tran

spor

tatio

n (L

TP a

nd C

yclin

g)

Com

mun

ity S

afet

y K

irkle

es N

eigh

bour

hood

Hou

sing

Stat

utor

y/Pr

escr

ibed

:

Pea

k D

istri

ct N

atio

nal P

ark

Aut

horit

y P

eak

Dis

trict

Loc

al A

cces

s Fo

rum

W

est Y

orks

hire

Loc

al A

cces

s Fo

rum

N

atur

al E

ngla

nd

Ram

bler

s A

ssoc

iatio

n B

ritis

h H

orse

Soc

iety

C

yclin

g To

urin

g C

lub

Byw

ays

and

Brid

lew

ays

Trus

t O

pen

Spa

ces

Soc

iety

P

eak

and

Nor

ther

n Fo

otpa

ths

Soc

iety

B

ritis

h D

rivin

g S

ocie

ty

Aut

o-C

ycle

Uni

on

R

elev

ant O

ther

s:

A

ctio

n fo

r Rur

al R

ight

s of

Way

(AR

RO

W)

Spe

n V

alle

y C

ivic

Soc

iety

H

eavy

Woo

llen

Cou

ntry

side

For

um

PR

OW

For

um

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 - 2

020

Cyc

ling

Foru

m

Col

ne V

alle

y C

ivic

Soc

iety

H

udde

rsfie

ld R

ucks

ack

Clu

b R

ambl

ers

Ass

ocia

tion

(Nor

th K

irkle

es G

roup

) R

ambl

ers

Ass

ocia

tion

(Hud

ders

field

and

Dis

trict

) B

ritis

h H

orse

Soc

iety

(Loc

al G

roup

) M

elth

am T

own

Cou

ncil

Mirf

ield

Tow

n C

ounc

il H

olm

e V

alle

y C

ivic

Soc

iety

H

olm

e V

alle

y P

aris

h C

ounc

il K

irkbu

rton

Par

ish

Cou

ncil

LAR

A/ P

enni

ne P

ackh

orse

Tru

st (R

ober

t Hal

stea

d)

Den

by D

ale

Par

ish

Cou

ncil

Den

by P

aris

h C

omm

unity

Act

ion

Gro

up

Cou

ntry

Lan

dow

ners

Ass

ocia

tion

Nat

iona

l Far

mer

s U

nion

N

atio

nal H

ealth

Ser

vice

W

est Y

orks

hire

Pol

ice

Nat

iona

l Tru

st

Dar

tmou

th E

stat

es

Sav

ille

Est

ates

Th

ornh

ill E

stat

es

Farn

ley

Est

ates

M

ETR

O

Brit

ish

Wat

erw

ays

Boa

rd

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 - 2

020

APP

END

IX 1

6-2

Sum

mar

y of

Res

pons

es (b

oth

writ

ten

and

verb

al):

Indi

vidu

als

who

resp

onde

d ar

e no

t nam

ed b

ut o

rgan

isat

ions

whi

ch d

id a

re:

Hud

ders

field

Ram

bler

s A

ctio

n fo

r Rur

al R

ight

s of

Way

(AR

RO

W)

Ope

n S

pace

s S

ocie

ty

Hol

me

Val

ley

Par

ish

Cou

ncil

Cou

ncil

Offi

cers

C

onm

men

ts:

Ther

e is

a n

eed

for a

n up

-to-d

ate

Def

initi

ve M

ap

Prio

ritis

ing

path

s w

ould

lead

to m

any

path

s es

peci

ally

in ru

ral a

reas

bei

ng n

egle

cted

S

pen

Rin

gway

and

Mel

tham

Gre

enw

ay n

ot b

eing

in U

DP

In

bot

h th

e bo

dy o

f the

doc

umen

t and

the

appe

ndic

es, s

ome

wan

ted

mor

e in

form

atio

n ot

hers

less

C

reat

ion

of n

ew ro

utes

sho

uld

not b

e tra

ded

agai

nst e

xtin

guis

hmen

ts o

r div

ersi

ons

Req

uire

men

t to

pros

ecut

e m

ore

espe

cial

ly d

evel

oper

s Tr

ansf

er ro

utes

from

Stre

et R

egis

ter t

o D

efin

itive

Map

C

lear

all

obst

ruct

ions

not

sel

ecte

d on

es

Prio

ritis

e pr

oble

ms

not p

aths

P

riorit

ise

clai

ms

parti

cula

rly b

ridle

way

s P

riorit

ise

prom

oted

pat

hs a

nd N

atio

nal T

rails

R

ecog

nise

the

valu

e of

brid

lew

ays

to w

alke

rs

Add

ress

the

diffi

culti

es w

ith h

eigh

t of s

tiles

M

ake

mor

e us

e of

the

high

way

ver

ges

Nee

d to

pro

duce

a B

ridle

way

Stra

tegy

W

ork

mor

e cl

osel

y w

ith m

ajor

land

owne

rs/p

artn

ers

New

met

hods

for m

anag

ing

the

netw

ork

shou

ld b

e ad

opte

d Ta

rget

enf

orce

men

t E

nsur

e th

at S

106

agre

emen

ts a

re im

plem

ente

d P

ublic

Rig

hts

of W

ay s

houl

d ha

ve th

e ab

ility

to u

nder

take

brid

ge w

ork

Tran

sfer

rout

es fr

om S

treet

Reg

iste

r to

Def

initi

ve M

ap

Mak

e m

ore

use

of V

olun

teer

s W

alke

rs a

re W

elco

me

Incr

ease

wor

king

acr

oss

agen

cies

Th

e R

OW

IP la

cks

“teet

h”

Rig

hts

of W

ay Im

prov

emen

t Pla

n fo

r Kirk

lees

201

0 - 2

020

Forg

e m

ore

partn

ersh

ips

Map

s an

d le

afle

ts re

quire

d on

Acc

ess

Land

Th

e fin

anci

al s

ituat

ion

shou

ld n

ot d

eter

the

Cou

ncil

from

impl

emen

ting

the

RO

WIP

R

emov

ing

obst

ruct

ions

is a

prio

rity

and

a lo

w c

ost a

ctiv

ity a

nd e

nfor

cem

ent a

ctio

n sh

ould

be

used

mor

e fre

quen

tly

Ther

e is

a d

efin

ite n

eed

to c

ater

for h

orse

ride

rs -

as w

alke

rs a

nd c

yclis

ts a

lso

bene

fit

Gre

ater

use

of v

olun

teer

gro

ups

can

assi

st to

war

ds a

chie

ving

man

agem

ent g

oals

Im

prov

ing

sign

age

shou

ld b

e a

prio

rity

Sw

ifter

act

ion

shou

ld b

e ta

ken

with

mod

ifica

tion

orde

rs

The

back

log

of m

aint

enan

ce p

robl

ems

shou

ld b

e ta

ckle

d.

Prio

ritis

ing

the

easy

, low

cos

t iss

ues

can

be d

one

with

out t

oo m

uch

cons

ider

atio

n E

ngag

e m

ore

with

par

tner

s O

pen

Acc

ess

Land

sho

uld

be p

rope

rly m

anag

ed a

nd p

rom

oted

. P

rovi

de c

opy

of D

efin

itive

Map

and

oth

er P

RO

W in

form

atio

n on

-line

M

akin

g Li

st o

f Stre

ets

mor

e av

aila

ble

to p

ublic

(on-

line)

M

ore

sign

post

ing

and

way

mar

king

sho

uld

be c

arrie

d ou

t R

ecog

nise

the

cont

ribut

ion

of ri

ghts

of w

ay to

the

loca

l eco

nom

y

Mak

e m

ore

use

of L

TP fu

ndin

g D

efin

e ho

w is

the

coun

cil i

s to

car

ry o

ut it

s st

atut

ory

dutie

s C

once

rns

over

the

impl

emen

tatio

n of

the

RO

WIP

In

clud

e th

e po

tent

ial r

ole

of th

e P

RO

W F

orum

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