9. Movement network

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Support

Draft Swavesey Village Design Guide SPD

Representation ID: 167857

Received: 15/05/2019

Respondent: Ms Clare Jones

Representation Summary:

More bridleways! Approve of the suggested new bridleways.

Full text:

Support introduction of as many bridleway routes as possible - allow horse rider/walker/cyclists to use all as opposed to footpaths. Especially those along Fen Drayton Road and Hale Road, this provides safety to horse riders and avoid need to go on main road. Also maintain bridle way along drain etc. linking village with off road bridleways is vital for horse riders as traffic on roads is ever increasing.

Attachments:

Comment

Draft Swavesey Village Design Guide SPD

Representation ID: 168343

Received: 09/06/2019

Respondent: British Horse Society

Representation Summary:

In section 9, fig 39, shows Hale Road as a bridleway, however Hale Road should be labelled as a Public Footpath With Potential For Public Bridleway.
Also in section 9 ideally the bridleway surface should be grass, however if a harder surface is required, soft‐edged small material can be used, and some bridleways are tarmac with grass verges (e.g. the guided busway).
Some of the points in the plan do not mention the inclusion of equestrians for instance:
Section 9.5. Equestrians should also be included on these paths if there is no reason not to include them.

Full text:

This response is based solely on the VDG. There are numerous, well documented reasons why equestrian access should be included in protecting and improving access including impact on the rural economy, public money should benefit all users, health and wellbeing, local and national Planning Policies. Should the Parish Council require further details or information, either the British Horse Society or Swavesey Bridleways Association would be pleased to answer questions or make a presentation with a view to working with the PC to improve countryside access for all.
The BHS is very pleased to see the inclusion of equestrians in the Swavesey VDG and supports all the ideas below for improving the bridleway network, creating new bridleways and upgrading footpaths to bridleway status:
'Section 3 Community input mentions that 'Opportunities should be taken to extend and enhance the network of bridleways around the village, connecting with neighbourhood communities, the Busway and adjacent cycle routes.' Also 'There is a desire to create a new bridleway along the A14 similiar to the route along the Guided Busway. This would connect into the system of connected bridleways which is desired by residents.'
'Section 9.3 Opportunities should be sought to:
Create new public bridleways linking to existing bridleways around the village and
connection to droves.
Extend bridleways into neighbouring villages such as Over.
Extend bridleways such as Middle Fen Drove to the North, where currently the bridleway stops to become only a public footpath.
Link new development to existing bridleways.
Upgrade footpaths to bridleways where indicated.'
'Section 9.6 Bridleway tracks should preferably be hedge lined and constructed over
hardcore. Surface should be permeable such as very fine gravel (not tarmac) and edged with wood.'
In section 9, fig 39, shows Hale Road as a bridleway, however Hale Road is not a Public Bridleway and should be labelled as a Public Footpath With Potential For Public Bridleway.
Also in section 9 ideally the bridleway surface should be grass, however if a harder surface is required, soft‐edged small material can be used, and some bridleways are tarmac with grass verges (e.g. the guided busway).
Some of the points in the plan do not mention the inclusion of equestrians for instance:
Section 9.5 mentions that 'Along roads into the village where there is currently no pavement or cycleway, and no space to install one adjacent to the road, there is the potential for routes to be provided along the edge of the adjacent field, preserving existing hedges.'
Equestrians should also be included on these paths if there is no reason not to include them.
Cambridgeshire County Council has a Local Transport Policy (LTP), which sets out their transport objectives, policies and strategy for the county. A sister document of the LTP is the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). The County Council updated its ROWIP in 2016 in line with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. You may wish to consult this document when drafting policies dealing with Non‐Motorised Users (NMU) and the Public Rights of Way network.
https://cambridgeshire.gv.uk/residents/travel‐road‐and‐parking/transport‐plans‐and‐policies/localtransport‐plan
Particular interest should be given to Policies S0A1 'Making the Countryside More Accessible', S0A2 'A Safer Activity', S0A3 '57,000 New homes', S0A4 'Knowing what's out there', S0A5 'Filling in the Gaps', and S0A8 'A Better Countryside Environment'- all of which include the need for access for equestrians.

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