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The published ROWIP should contain the authority's assessment of:
- 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 (and in particular footpaths, cycle tracks, bridleways and restricted byways) 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
It should also contain a statement of the action which the authority proposes to take for the management of local rights of way, and for securing an improved network of local rights of way, with particular regard to the matters dealt with in the assessment and such other material as the Secretary of State may direct.
Grants and other non-statutory sources of funding will be used to translate the finished plans into actions.
The Government’s guidance to highway authorities on ROWIPs has recently been published and can be viewed on the DEFRA website.
A Rights of Way Improvement Plan for Cheshire
The Council has just published its Rights of Way Improvement Plan in accordance with the above requirements. The plan has been put together after several months of research and discussion with user groups and stakeholders. The plan looks at how our rights of way network can improve quality of life for all sectors of the community, and identifies where improvements, infrastructure or otherwise, could help deliver this.
The Council is looking forward to working with partners to deliver many of the initiatives proposed in the plan. However, we will not be able to deliver all of the activities immediately. Our annual work programmes will implement elements of the statement of action which emerged as high priorities during the consultation on the draft plan.
Read the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (pdf format)
Background Papers
The following background papers provide more detailed information on the content of the chapters of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan: -
Background Paper 1: Our countryside access assets
Appendix 1
An assessment of Cheshire’s countryside access network.
Background Paper 2: Countryside Access, Health and Wellbeing
Appendix 2
A paper exploring the relationship between countryside access and physical and mental health.
Background Paper 3: Countryside Access and Sustainable Travel
Appendix 3
A paper exploring the relationship between countryside access and sustainable travel.
Background Paper 4: Countryside Access and Social Inclusion
Appendix 4
A paper exploring the relationship between countryside access and social inclusion.
Background Paper 5: Countryside Access, Tourism and Leisure
Appendix 5
A paper exploring the relationship between countryside access and tourism and leisure.
Reading List.
Consultation Results
View report to Rights of Way Committee outlining results of the consultation process.
More information on Rights of Way Improvement Plans from DEFRA
Contact Information
Amy Rushton 01606 271827 |