PUBLIC CONSULTATION - COMMENTS AND CONCLUSIONS

SCHEME NO – T422-075

SCHEME TITLE – DOWN ROAD, OLD DOWN, FOOTWAY, PHASE 1

1.  Results of the consultation

1.1.  The consultation attracted responses from 8 individuals made up as follows:

Agreed with the proposals 4

Agreed but with reservations 4

Gave comments without expressing

a preference 0

Disagreed with the proposals. 0

2.  The consultation responses can be broken down into 2 main issues. The comments are summarised as follows together with officer responses.

2.1.  Path to be wide enough to allow it to be used by cyclists and equestrians (two number)

2.2 The path desirably would suit its rural environment. It may also prove difficult to obtain funding to provide a path that meets the standards for combined pedestrian, equestrian and cyclist use.

Also the verge width at the eastern end is restricted, making a wider path difficult to provide. However, the wider verge at the western end will be levelled off next to the path to assist horses along that section.

2.3 The use of wood for the footpath edging is a concern. Concrete edging would last a lot longer (two number).

2.4 It is proposed to edge the proposed footway with treated timber edgings.

If properly treated the edgings should have a reasonable service life.

Timber edgings are compliant with the Parish Council’s Design Statement.

The use of timber edging, rather than concrete, will also have significant advantages in terms of transporting and laying materials at a rural site which may require the road to be temporarily closed during parts of the construction.

3.  Conclusions

3.1 The design of the path will progress as proposed, with the first phase of the works to be completed during the current financial year. Consideration will be given in due course to continue the path to its eastern limit in Alveston Down.