We propose to us this page to bring to your attention current
issues concerning the rights of way network in or near our
territory. If you come across any problems on the routes it
will be helpful if you report the details to us at
aldevalleyramblers@gmail.com
NEWS ABOUT RECENT PROPOSALS AFFECTING THE DEFINITIVE
MAP:
Knodishall package FPs 14,16,31 (around Knodishall Hall)
These revised orders have now been confirmed.
Cransford 3 Because of objections to the Extinguishment Order
made by the Ramblers’, the matter was referred to the Planning
Inspectorate for determination. Unfortunately, the Extinguishment
Order was confirmed and has now taken effect.
Framlingham diversion package An order was made
consisting of a revised package (unfortunately excluding the
previous proposal to regulate the problems around Culpho Farm). The
working party surveyed the area. We tried to persuade the Order
Making Authority’s advisers to negotiate for the inclusion of a new
link with the Woodland Trust site at Pound Farm to make the package
more attractive but they wanted to press ahead with the Order which
has now taken effect. Whilst the new routes take field edges, we
did not feel we had a strong enough case to argue that the
statutory requirements were not satisfied. Our working
party surveyed the new routes on 27 February 2010 and bar one
or two waymarking issues, which we have reported, all was found to
be in order.
Wenhaston 10 We lodged a holding objection to an Order
diverting the footpath around the quarry. We sought assurances
concerning the possibility of subsidence resulting from the new
route running along the top of a bank of spoil and the steepness of
the slope at the northern end. Such assurances were provided and
additional work proposed by way of re-grading, provision of a
stable surface, installation of handrail and channels to take off
surface water. We withdrew the objection and the Order was made.
The work has now been completed.
Dunwich 11A At consultation stage, we opposed a proposal
to divert this path which seemed to be for the benefit only of the
landowner. As a result of this the application was not proceeded
with.
Friston 7 (Fitches Lane) (actually in Aldringham and
Knodishall) After some 4 years of silence, the adding to the
Definitive Map of the western end of this route and the upgrading
of the whole to the status of Byway again come to the fore last
year. Whilst offering no additional evidence, we expressed the wish
that the route have as low a status as possible. With the new
provisions of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, we
expected that this route would become a Restricted Byway rather
than a Byway Open To All Traffic. However, going against
their offers' recommendations, SCC's ROW committee decided to make
no order. This means that the short section at the western
end of Fitches Lane remains unrecorded on the Definitive Map.
Blyth River Wall A planning application for
the reinstatement of the river wall has been approved by SCDC.
Waveney Council are dealing with a similar application on the
northern side. The applicant is believed to have been made on
behalf of a consortium of local parishes and other interested
parties. We and our colleagues in the Waveney Group have expressed
the wish that the Bailey bridge across the Blyth remain open at all
times.
Friston footpath 25 - We were consulted about
the extinguishment of a short section of this path, the course of
which passes through buildings and a garden to the east of St
Mary's Church, Friston. Having gained assurance from the County
Council that part of the grassed triangle of land immediately
abutting the south side of the Community Hall is part of the public
highway, maintaining a satisfactory link with footpath 23, we did
not oppose. An Extinguishment Order has now taken effect.
Kelsale FP 17 - We were consulted about a
diversion of this path where it starts at North Green Farm
(TM397664). The current definitive route is virtually impossible to
follow around the former pond and there is no means of crossing the
field drain at TM397667. The proposed new route follows field edges
to the west of the farmhouse. We agreed to the diversion on
condition that the "missing section" between TM397668 and TM398670
that links with Footpath Yoxford 16A south-eastwards to the railway
level crossing, a very pleasant and very wide grassy lane, be added
to the Definitive Map. Following the making of an Order, it
was objected to. A public inquiry was held
at Westleton Village Hall on Tuesday 7 June and following
that, the Inspector has now confirmed the Order.
Middleton FP 22- Just over the level crossing
mentioned in the previous note, on the eastern side of the railway
line, two footpath creation agreements have recently been made
completing the "missing section" of Footpath 22 between TM400668
and TM400666.
The content of this page of the website was last checked
on 2 September 2011.
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