Decision details

A report was presented on the proposed diversion of part of Footpaths Forton 18, 24, parts of Footpath Forton 27 and Footpaths Ellel 46 and 47 in the districts of Wyre Borough and Lancaster City, from the routes shown by bold continuous lines and marked A-B, H-B, K-L-M-N and P-M, to the routes shown by bold broken lines and marked A-C-D-E-F-G, H-J-C, K-O-L and P-L on the Committee plan attached to the agenda papers.

Nan's Nook Footbridge carried Footpath Forton 18, which was also part of a regional trail promoted as the 'Wyre Way'. The Committee noted that, due to safety concerns, Highways England had recently dismantled and removed the bridge and that this diversion proposal, if successful, would provide the public with a safe and convenient means of crossing the M6.

This matter could not await the next Regulatory Committee scheduled for 26 June 2020, due to the popularity of the network of public rights of way in this area, and it was considered that the proposed diversion should be progressed as a priority.

Resolved:

(i)  That subject to no significantly adverse responses to the consultations, an Order be made under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 to divert part of Footpaths Forton 18 and 24, parts of Footpath Forton 27 and Footpaths Ellel 46 and 47 from the routes shown by bold continuous lines and marked A-B, H-B, K-L-M-N and P-M, to the routes shown by bold broken lines and marked A-C-D-E-F-G, H-J-C, K-O-L and P-L on the maps.

(ii)  That in the event of no objections being received, the Order be confirmed and in the event of objections being received and not withdrawn, the Order be sent to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Authority take a neutral stance with respect to its confirmation.

(iii)  That provision be included in the Order 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 diversion.