PROW NEWS – February 2024 UPDATES
Obstructed paths – KCC position
You probably saw the recent national headlines about the 32,000 places in England and Wales where paths are blocked or obstructed. As you will have seen in my December updates, Kent is not exempt from criticism although KCC have been as active as their budget allows. The backlog of issues has reduced slightly from its all-time high during COVID, but we are still talking in terms of 5,000 in east Kent (not all blockages, of course). The budget for 24/25 will be crucial. No news as yet on that score, but the current difficulties with local government finances are well known. Which is why our “Slashers” (vegetation clearers) are so appreciated and should be supported wherever possible.
Staple footpath EE190 – Inspector rejects proposed upgrade to bridleway
This proposal affected the footpath from Staple church south-west to Claypits (GR 259 522), just north of Goodnestone village. Active local opposition led to new evidence being presented to the Planning Inspectorate. As a result, on the balance of probabilities the Inspector felt that the upgrading could not be justified. A rare defeat for a Hugh Craddock claim.
Goodnestone bridleway EE269A – Inspector approves upgrading to restricted byway status
This decision upgrades the whole of the existing bridleway from the junction (at GR 263 559) with the proposed new restricted byway (EE497) running south from Little Twitham, south-west to Goodnestone Road/Cave Lane at GR 256 555.
Just over our borders – diversion of Monks Horton footpath HE160 confirmed
As Monks Horton lies only just beyond “our” parishes of Lyminge and Postling, you may be interested to learn of a confirmed diversion in the area south of Horton Park Farm (approx GR 125 398). This takes the footpath out of a garden and a field, and onto a field edge track a little way to the west. The FP has also been realigned onto a more westerly route (with fewer field boundaries) beyond this point, as far south as Blindhouse Lane at GR 127 393.
Temporary closure of Ramsgate footpath TR26
Probably of interest only to members resident locally, this short path – between the old and new Haine Roads – is again subject to a temporary closure.
Continued “temporary” closure of part of footpath ER37 at St Margaret’s Bay
As mentioned last month, due to the potentially hazardous condition of the steps (at GR 368 444) up from the lower end of Bay Hill, this path, giving access to the clifftop path going southwards, has now had its closure extended until 26 December 2025. KCC have told me “The intention is to reopen the path with a new set of steps, but because of the nature of the cliff face this will need a structural engineer’s design and probably be very pricey, hence the 4.5 year closure”.
Local development issues
Still no date for the Dover DC Planning Committee to consider the Betteshanger Park proposals. The late January meeting was due to consider a proposed housing estate over footpath EE174 off Staple Road, Wingham (DDC ref 23/00976). Also, more houses east of East Langdon primary school where footpath EE44 runs round two outer boundaries of the proposed development (ref. 23/00370). I note that DDC officers were recommending acceptance of both proposals.
Updated edition of OS Explorer Map for Canterbury, Deal, Thanet and Herne Bay areas (sheet 150)
I am told that the 2017 edition of this map – the one most walk leaders use – has just been updated. The new edition, with a “publication” date of November 2023, should be in the shops any time now.
Other Issues
No “new news” this month on any of the outstanding path change issues, but surely the Planning Inspectorate’s decisions on the creation of new byways in the Staple/Goodnestone area are only days away now.
As always, if you would like more details about any of the issues mentioned above, or any others for that matter, please contact Roger King on 01304 362730, or e-mail roger.rambler89@outlook.com
