PROW NEWS – September 2024 UPDATES
Even less has been happening this month on the PROW changes front, so a few other topics….
- Whitfield ER54 – new route for this footpath just north of the A2 now completed
KCC have just certified that the route of the diverted footpath between Newlands and the A2 has now been properly established to their satisfaction. The actual diversion was very minor, but was needed to accommodate the route of the new road which will be used by Dover Fast Track electric buses, cyclists and pedestrians, but not by private cars. The only problem is the ongoing delay in actually obtaining the new buses and getting the service started, almost a year after the original opening target
- Claims for new PROW and changes to existing PROWs’ status
You may have seen recent publicity from The Ramblers about the backlog of such claims nationwide, as part of the campaign to have the 2031 cut off date for accepting new claims abolished. So I decided to look at KCC’s published information to see how we are faring in this county. If I have made any errors in interpreting what I read, my apologies.
Obviously KCC were working on claims before 2014, but in the last 10 years, 180 new claims have been lodged, of which 100 since 1/1/20. Cases lodged in the last 10 years that have been fully resolved (often they are quite complex) total 60.
Currently, 4.5 staff are working on various changes to the network, which of course includes requests for both the diversion and extinguishment of existing PROW, plus the claim of new greens and commons. I estimate that the number of new route/status change claims which are currently being actively examined is approximately 35. All of which means that although a very few cases have been fast-tracked, no claims presented since the second half of 2020 have yet been touched. Not ideal, but it is better than in many parts of the country.
- A reminder of a few PROW change issues currently “hanging fire”:
- Proposed new footpath between Eastry and Hammill
Consultation took place in Feb 23 on the creation of a new footpath which would leave Gore Lane, near Eastry Primary School, at GR306 550. Heading westwards across country it would terminate on the lane south of the old brickworks site at GR 290 555. At about a mile long, this would be a very useful addition to the PROW network. Supposedly given priority status, it’s all gone very quiet.
- Proposed new restricted byway north of Ottinge (Elham parish)
Consultation took place in July 23 on this new route which would run from Millhill Farm at GR 167 428 north-west to Mount Farm at GR 162 433. If approved it would effectively make the whole route from Canterbury Road (the main Elham Valley Road) through to Magpie Lane into a PROW – where it is not already classed as a public road. Again, nothing heard and no order made.
- Diversion of Alkham footpath ER150 at Chalksole Green
Consultation in autumn 22 led to an amended route published in the diversion order of May 23. This short and probably little-used path would be diverted north-east (instead of running due east as at present) to avoid residential accommodation at The Paddock. There would however be extra walking of 70 yards along the fortunately quiet Ferne Lane. We were also promised that stiles would be replaced by gates. Although I am not aware of any objections, the order has not been confirmed.
- Proposed new restricted byway in Eastry, from Great Selson Farm north to Drainless Rd.
Consultation took place in June 23 and the creation order was published in January. The route is already awell-marked track, connecting Selson Lane west of Eastry village at GR 300 556 with the road to from Eastry to Staple at GR 305 560. So potentially not contentious, and no objections that I know of, but still unconfirmed.
- Development proposals affecting PROW
Nothing new to report under this heading in the last month for Dover or Thanet.
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 07779 533 583, or e-mail roger.rambler89@outlook.com
