Agenda and minutes

(1)       The Members of the Panel visited the site of the proposed bridleway before the meeting.  This visit was attended by the Local Member, Mr M J Angell; Mr J N Wedgbury (in his capacity as the Local Borough Councillor); and Mr N Shorter (Chairman) and Mr M Ciccione from Kingsnorth Parish Council.

(2)       The Panel meeting itself was attended by everyone who was present at the site visit as well as two members of the public.

(3)        The Senior Projects Officer explained that the County Council’s policy was that dedication and creation agreements for Bridleways was that it satisfied one of the key principles set out in the Countryside Access Improvement Plan.

(4)       Section 25 of the Highways Act 1980 enabled the County Council to enter into an agreement with any person having the necessary power for the dedication by that person of as footpath, bridleway or restricted byway in their area.  In this instance, the landowners were Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council.

(5)       The Senior Projects Officer said that the proposed creation agreement satisfied the principle of “a more sensible network” in the Countryside Access Improvement Plan and also conformed to the County Council’s “Growth Without Gridlock” policy for transport delivery within the County.  This was because the proposed route would run through the southern perimeter of the Ashford growth area and create a direct sustainable transport link between the two primary schools and the surrounding residential area.  The route would link with an existing surface path, providing the final link in the creation of a circular surfaced route through the Park Farm fields. This would be ideal for users of all abilities, as well as a route out to the wider countryside.  The effect of this route would be to disperse traffic congestion.

(6)       The Senior Projects Officer then described the proposed route. Its starting point (A) was at the intersection between PROW AW295 and Reed Crescent. From there, it would pass a new bollard at Point B. It would then meet PROW AW307 and turn south east at the new bridge at Point C.  It would go through a new bridle gate at Point D, pass the entrance to Furley Park Primary School at Point E and then connect with the existing bridleway (AW325) at Point F.   The new bridle gate and bollards would reduce speed by cyclists and improve children’s safety. 

(7)       The Senior Projects Officer said that in response to consultation, the Local Member, Mr Angell had expressed his support for the proposal, whilst the Local Borough Councillor, Mr Wedgbury had objected.  The County Council had received 15 letters of support and 15 in objection from members of the public.

(8)       The Senior Projects Officer then said that Kent Police had not objected because (although they noted the view that the proposed scheme could lead to criminals accessing neighbouring properties) the paths that were due to be improved were already in existence and were currently not a cause for concern. 

(9)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.