Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Thomas introduced the Draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2018-2028 report which assessed the 2018 network and evaluated progress made since 2008.  The current policy was examined, priority areas identified and a new style Statement of Action put forward.

            Of the 22 identified tasks identified, seven had been completed or made substantial progress.  Seven had made little or no progress and eight had made partial progress.

            The public rights of way network in 2018 consisted of approximately 1800 individual public paths.  A strategic overview of the network was carried out with reference to relevant legislation, strategies and documents at national and county level.  The findings from the review of the consultation responses, the desk review of relevant strategies and plans, and the evaluation of the current condition of the network were outlined in full in the report.

            Opportunities identified in the Statement of Action were also outlined in the report.  A Policy and Procedure booklet had been developed and would be made available to users of the network and to landowners.  This would ensure that there was widespread understanding and transparency on what the authority did and how it did it.

            A statutory three month consultation would be held on the draft.

RESOLVED:

            (a)       That the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan and Policy & Procedures

booklet be noted; and

(b)       That the Plan and Policy booklet be released for the statutory three

month public consultation period.