TIP06: Cycling, Walking and Disability Access Routes

Point E should therefore be amended to read: ‘Development must retain and enhance the quality and accessibility of Public Rights of Way, where possible upgrading them to include all users, and main pedestrian and cycle routes…’.

The title of the Policy should include all users; therefore, we suggest it is amended to ‘Non Motorised User Access Routes’. This includes all those user groups who need protection from the ever-increasing traffic on the roads.

P26 Policy TIP06: This policy, by virtue of its heading, excludes equestrians which is unacceptable. Any new off-road route, especially those which lead into the wider countryside and linking with the existing network, should contain a requirement for them to be fully accessible to all user groups where practical. Point E should therefore be amended to read: ‘Development must retain and enhance the quality and accessibility of Public Rights of Way, where possible upgrading them to include all users, and main pedestrian and cycle routes…’. This is supported in the NPPF in para 98 where it states: ‘Planning policies and decisions should protect and enhance public rights of way and access, including taking opportunities to provide better facilities for users…’.

Finally, the title of the Policy should include all users; therefore, we suggest it is amended to ‘Non Motorised User Access Routes’. This includes all those user groups who need protection from the ever-increasing traffic on the roads.

This policy is supported. This policy is consistent with the draft Essex Walking Strategy.

See attachment.