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Policy T7: New Development and Walking & Cycling Routes

1. New development should preserve and where possible enhance the walking & cycling network, as it can help enhance and provide access to green corridors & the countryside as well as promoting and encouraging exercise and healthy living for all.

2. In considering proposals for new development which will block (either partially or wholly) an existing right of way or other existing or proposed walking or cycling route, a balanced consideration of the following factors will be undertaken:

a) The contribution that the route makes or will make to the walking and/or cycling network in the area and the harm that would be caused to accessibility between existing uses in the surrounding area if the route were no longer available; and

b) Any benefits to community safety or security that could arise from the closure of the route.

3. In the event of it being minded to approve a development that would have an adverse effect on existing pedestrian or cycle networks, the Council will seek to secure alternative provision of equivalent quality, safety and convenience.

Explanation T7

8.35

There is a comprehensive network of rights of way within the Borough, which are designated as footpaths or bridleways on the definitive Rights of Way map. One route (the Trans-Pennine Trail) is part of a strategic long distance trail. Many footpaths and cycle routes, whilst not formally designated as rights of way, are also considered to provide important links (often within the built up area) as outlined in the Countryside Recreation Strategy for Knowsley (approved 1996) which also includes a vision for the development of a “Knowsley Way” footpath and associated link footpaths. However these are still under development and as yet are insufficiently defined to show on the Proposals Map. There is also the potential in the future, where appropriate, for the Council to identify Quiet Lanes (see glossary) which are vehicular routes where traffic travels at slow enough speeds to make walking, cycling, or horse riding enjoyable. The Council will similarly consider the potential in the future to identify “Greenways” if appropriate, where walking and cycling will form part of informal recreational corridors. Footpaths and cycleways can have great benefits by helping promote and encourage exercise and healthy living for all as well as enhancing and providing access to green corridors and the countryside.

8.36

However, footpaths can sometimes contribute to the risk of crime and nuisance, particularly where they run at the back of buildings without adequate natural surveillance. In some cases it has been necessary for the Council to seek the closure of such routes in the interests of the amenity of neighbouring residents and of preventing unauthorised access to property.

8.37

In considering proposals affecting rights of way, the Council will take a balanced approach, which will weigh up the benefits of keeping the route open compared to any security or safety concerns that could arise from doing this. The more important the route is to accessibility in the area, the less likely permission is to be granted for any development, which would affect the route. Where a development would interfere with or block a footpath or cycle route, the Council will seek to agree alternative provision with the developer. It will be important to ensure that any alternative provision is itself safe, convenient and uses attractive boundary treatments, lighting and surface materials.

Policy Links
Policy DQ1	“Design Quality in New Development”
Policy DQ2	“Security in the built environment”