The council are seeking the views of path users and those with an interest in access to Surrey’s countryside including land managers, owners and neighbouring authorities.
Government guidance states that the Rights of Way Improvement Plan should be reviewed once in every ten years, and DEFRA Statutory Guidance (Nov 2002) indicates the Plan should include:
- context / relation to other plans, statutory duties and responsibilities
- an assessment of user needs, including duties with respect to people with mobility problems
- an assessment of the rights of way network based on the definitive statement
- a statement of action and indication of how the action will be delivered
- a monitoring arrangement for implementation
The criterion for this review is a ‘light touch’; however there have been changes to a number of linked plans and strategies since 2007, particularly with respect to policy context. The five key objectives for improving rights of way have not changed.
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan forms part of the Surrey Transport Plan. Improving and promoting the public rights of way network can contribute towards many County Council priorities set out in the STP and other plans and strategies, including some targets for health and wellbeing.
The Surrey Transport Plan is available on the County Councils web site: www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/surrey-transport-plan-ltp3
The closing date for comments is Friday of 9th May 2014. Please send any comment by email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by post to: Alec Baxter-Brown, Surrey County Council, Countryside Access, Whitebeam Lodge, Merrow Complex, Merrow Lane, Merrow, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7BQ (please address comments as ‘Rights of Way Improvement Plan Comments’).
