Agenda item

The Assistant Director Communities and Leisure, Kerry Purnell presented an updated version of the North Northamptonshire Greenway Strategic Masterplan and summary report prior to its presentation for adoption at Executive at its August meeting.

It was noted that the panel had considered the draft strategy and initial report in September 2023, with a public consultation process held between 21^st September and 1^st November 2023, with the final draft of the strategy before the panel now incorporating feedback received as result of this process.

It was heard that the strategy was a significant piece of work with an aim of enabling walking, cycling and wheelchair accessibility for a range of trips and purposes including commuting, school and leisure across an active travel network and green travel infrastructure. It was anticipated that tourism would benefit alongside the vitality of towns by improving connectivity as well as contributing to sustainable transport and the climate change agenda.

The meeting heard that the strategy was evidence based, with a huge amount of work undertaken in relation to data analysis and the different modes of travel people chose to adopt. Whilst there were no direct funding implication, future external funding opportunities would be actively explored to enable implementation of the Greenway. It was heard that the Greenway was linked to the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP) and offered significant strategic value.

It was heard that the consultation had been well received, with approximately 300 public responses received, 288 supporting the creation of the Greenway with most public comments specifically in relation to ensuring routes were safe, well lit, well maintained, accessible and inclusive and delivered connectivity.

The panel heard that in March 2024 the consultation responses had been reviewed, with the following amendments made to the strategy as a result:

·       Vision slightly amended to make specific reference to equestrian users

·       The Environment Agency requested that routes close to rivers had flood risk assessments undertaken and sought provision for adequate measures for the disposal of waste along routes

·       Planning Policy weighting of the strategic document had been considered, defining the Greenway as a rural LCWIP, whilst noting that while there would be prioritisation of routes involved, all routes were important

·       Consideration as to how adopted Neighbourhood Plans could support the strategy

·       Maintenance agreements needed to be in place before work started on the ground to understand how routes would be maintained

The panel noted that there remained additional work to be undertaken regarding developer contribution formulas to comply with relevant regulations around Section 106 monies. A change had been made to emphasise that while developer contributions were important, there was need to look at all potential funding opportunities. Specific reference to the Community Infrastructure Levy would be removed from the document.

The meeting heard that a website had been developed to promote and recruit Greenway champions and to promote existing routes. Meetings would be held to assist with local buy-in for the strategy and its delivery. Ongoing engagement with landowners, stakeholders and members would continue, with member leads in each of the four former sovereign council areas. It was reported that since the consultation positive interest had been seen from particular local groups and £100,000 had been secured to fund the Market Harborough to Braybrooke section of the Greenway.

Co-Chair, Cllr Helen Howell stated that the strategy aimed to make the whole of the beautiful North Northamptonshire countryside accessible for all and commended the four member leads for their work with local landowners, an important factor in obtaining access to land required to connect routes. Cllr Howell noted that the Greenway would allow landowners to manage access to their land and noted the key factor of route maintenance. In addition, every potential funding opportunity for routes would be explored, with promotion of the Greenway key to its success.

Cllr Geoff Shacklock, one of the four member leads noted that landowners had been accepting of the strategy, noting that they could control where people crossed their land and welcomed the inclusion of equestrian access for routes.

Co-Chair, Cllr Gill Mercer welcomed the final draft of the strategy noting how far the Greenway had come since its inception at the former East Northamptonshire Council.

The Director of Public Health, Jane Bethea noted the wide range of benefits the scheme offered. It was heard that isolation, particularly in rural areas was a notable issue and there was strong evidence to indicate that being outdoors was positive for health and wellbeing, therefore offering accessible connectivity to outdoor spaces was both an excellent asset and positive from a Public Health perspective.   

The panel agreed a minor amendment to the Greenway logo to include a wheelchair user to highlight inclusivity and accessibility.