Decision details

A report was presented on the proposed diversion of Footpaths Bacup 415, 416 and part of 417 and the creation of a public footpath at Greave Clough, Rossendale.

An amended Committee plan (copy attached) had been circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting.

The lengths of existing path to be diverted were shown by bold continuous lines and marked on Committee plan attached to the agenda papers as C-B-A and G-B, and the proposed new routes were shown by bold broken lines and marked C-D-E-F and G-E. A proposed new length of footpath was shown by a bold broken line and marked D-H.

Greave Clough is in the ownership of Lancashire County Council, located in the Rossendale Valley between Todmorden Road and Coal Pit Lane.

The diversion proposal, if successful, would move the recorded routes of the footpaths away from a deep gully and the steep impassable side of the valley, to cross the stream at the footbridge, providing a safe and convenient crossing point to link the two sides of the site. The creation of a length of footpath would provide pedestrian access to Todmorden Road at the north west corner of the site.

The proposed changes to the footpaths shown on the Committee Plan would make the paths in Greave Clough safer and more convenient, both as circular walks within the woodland and as links between Coal Pit Lane and Todmorden Road.

Committee were informed that consultation with the statutory undertakers had been carried out and that no objections or adverse comments on the proposal had been received.

Resolved:

(i)  That subject to no significantly adverse responses to the consultations, an Order be made under Section 26 of the Highways Act 1980 to create a new length of footpath shown by a bold broken line and marked D-H on the map.

(ii)  That subject to no significantly adverse responses to the consultations, an Order be made under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 to divert Footpaths Bacup 415, 416 and part of 417, from the routes shown by bold continuous lines and marked C-B-A and G-B to the routes shown by bold broken lines and marked C-D-E-F and G-E, on the revised map.

(iii)  That in the event of no objections being received, the Orders be confirmed and in the event of objections being received and not withdrawn, the Orders be sent to the Planning Inspectorate and promoted to confirmation, if necessary at public inquiry.

(iv)  That provision be included in the Orders such that it is also made under Section 53A of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, to amend the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way in consequence of the coming into operation of the creation and diversions.