PROW NEWS – November 2023 UPDATES
- News from KCC
The KCC PROW team at Brabourne now have a full complement of staff, and the new members are proving their worth, but the council’s financial situation is a big concern. So officers are “spending on works now, while they can”. Vegetation Clearances went well this summer, but the work of the White Cliffs “Slashers” is hugely appreciated by the Brabourne team. The summer Cropping Campaign targeted 90 paths across east Kent potentially at risk of not being reinstated. 58% were rated OK on first inspection. Unfortunately for Dover & Thanet, the 22 paths targeted in this area only achieved a 36% first pass rate, with three in Staple plus EE368 Northbourne (my personal recommendation – from the A258 down to the North Stream marshes) requiring formal warning letters.
- Development issues
Nothing new to report this month. Things tend to move quite slowly in this area. I note that so far, more people have written to DDC in support of the development at Betteshanger Country Park than in opposition to it.
3. King Charles III England Coast Path – Ramsgate to Whitstable opening
In spite of my scepticism, and the almost total lack of prior publicity, this “missing link” in the Coast Path did formally open on 25 October. Perhaps the lack of any real ceremony was because they didn’t want to draw attention to the 5-year wrangle over the route at the North Foreland Golf Course. But it’s sorted now.
- Capel ER171 – confirmed diversion of this footpath at Tumble Tye Farm
This originated due to the erection of new agricultural buildings at the Farm (GR 251 403), which necessitated the diversion of the path north of Hockley Sole Lane. As this meant that the path would cross the lane further east, the path to the south was also diverted to reach the lane at the same point.
- Aylesham – proposed diversion of paths due to new development
You may possibly have seen proposals to divert footpaths ER291, ER291A and ER461. These all need to be moved due to the extensive new house building going on in the village. But these changes are all minor and essentially inside the urban area, where our walks are unlikely to go.
- Northbourne EE 368 – temporary diversion adjacent to the west end of the lake fronting Betteshanger Road
“Works” in the area just off Betteshanger Road, which leads SW from the A258 roundabout, mean that the definitive line of this footpath (at GR 341 533), will be closed from 17 November for up to 6 months. However, an alternative route will be provided close by, so no problems are envisaged.
- Meanwhile no “new news” this month on any of the other outstanding path change issues. However, all the proposals for upgradings of status and new byways in the Staple/Goodnestone area are with the Planning Inspectorate, with a decision expected before the end of the year.
As always, if you would like more details about any of issues mentioned above, or any others for that matter, please contact Roger King on 01304 362730, or e-mail roger.rambler89@outlook.com
