PROW NEWS – October 2023 UPDATES
- Barham CB246 – small diversion to this FP proposed at Ham Farm
A small diversion of this footpath is proposedonto an existing track a short way to the east (in the area of GR 188 491) of the present definitive route at Ham Farm – which is just east of Covert Woods. No problem is envisaged.
2. Sandgate HF8 – continued temporary closure of this footpath
Already closed since April, this path’s closure is now extended by Traffic Regulation Order until March 2024. It lies between Military Road and its junction with footpath HF69, north-east of the Martello Tower (in the area of GR 203 355). A temporary alternative path is being provided.
3. Lyminge HE59 – temporary closure of a small section of this footpath
A minor temporary closure until just before Christmas of this footpath, at the entrance to the Etchinghill Golf Club on Canterbury Road. Easy alternative access is available so no problem here.
4. Betteshanger Country Park – revised application for a hotel
The original proposal was, as you may know, rejected earlier this year, but Quinn’s are not easily dissuaded, so this revised application (Dover DC ref. 23/01095) comes as no surprise. At 120 beds, the proposed hotel is not really all that much different from the last proposal, and the previous arguments on both sides are being reiterated. If you want to object, I am told you have until 5 October.
5. Wingham – Application for 71 houses north of Staple Road
This application (DDC ref. 23/00976) would cover the now ironically-named Footpath Field with new housing. On the south-eastern edge of the village, it is crossed by footpath EE174. This would be retained on exactly the same alignment with a “resin-bound gravel surface” and “integrated into the streetscape, with tree planting and attractive frontages”, i.e. just in front of some of the houses. Things are still at quite an early stage, but unsurprisingly these is considerable local opposition.
6. King Charles III England Coast Path – Ramsgate to Whitstable opening
Delayed for at least 5 years by wrangling over the route at the North Foreland Golf Course, we are now told 25 October has been set as the official opening date. With so many delays and false dawns, I’m afraid I’ll believe it when I see it.
- Meanwhile no “new news” this month on any of the other outstanding path change issues, many of them claims for new PROW or upgrades to PROW status – several of which are now with the Planning Inspectorate for a decision.
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
