]

Bournemouth & Poole

Rights of Way

Improvement Plan

2017 - 2026

Preface 1 Overview 2 Aims and Objectives 5 Existing Rights of Way 7 User Needs 16 Proposed Rights of Way Improvements 23 Improvements to the Definitive Map 32 Statement of Priorities 34 Appendices 40

This document can be provided in large print or translated into other languages.

Please telephone 01202 262060 Or contact [email protected] for further information.

Public Rights of Way are protected routes that allow pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists to travel traffic free. Collectively across an area and together with parts of the highway network they offer routes often directly linking different parts of the built area, and often important places, some with historical significance.

Not only do they provide an excellent recreational facility and form part of long distance routes such as the Stour Valley Way, but they provide permeability to built and rural environments. They play a vital part in the daily lives of many people who typically use them to access key services such as shops, GPs, employment, schools and leisure facilities.

The Councils of Bournemouth and Poole understand the importance of rights of way and recognise that improvements need to be made to the paths. Since the original Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) there is an increasing focus on greater integration of rights of way into the wider highway network: making routes easier to find, better to use and more likely to be useful to people.

Assessing the needs of different types of users such as walkers, cyclists, horse riders and people with disabilities has been a focus in the development of the ROWIP. The original ROWIP was developed through extensive consultation with both the public, internal and external stakeholders, and this Improvement Plan has made use of national performance indicators to make our strategy for the improvement of the Public Rights of Way (PROW) competitive with standards across the United Kingdom.

The aim of this ROWIP is to provide the framework for the development of easy to use, well maintained, correctly recorded, modern Public Rights of Way, with up to date information, linking with the wider public path network. This will provide more opportunities for people to lead healthier and more sustainable lifestyles.

This Improvement Plan follows on from the previously published ROWIP (2008-2011) and rolls forward many of the policies and objectives from this period.

1

Canford Heath. Photo credit: Glen Wells

What are Public Rights of Way?

1.1 ‘Public rights of way’ are highways over which the public have a right to pass and re-pass. There are different types of rights of way (refer to Table 1).

1.2 Public rights of way can include some ‘adopted’ highway paths (non- vehicular). Usually these are hard surfaced paths.

1.3 With the exception of the adopted highway road network, public rights of way are recorded on the Definitive Map and Statement. The Definitive Map and Statement is the legal document that illustrates public rights of way and provides conclusive evidence that the rights exist. The Map and Statement are kept and updated by the surveying authority (Bournemouth Borough Council and the Borough of Poole) and can be viewed by the public in both authorities.

Table 1: Types of Public Rights of Way (shown on the Definitive Map)

Footpaths A highway over which the public have a right of way on foot only, including the right to use a class 1, 2, 3 mobility vehicle Shown on the local definitive map as a purple line and on route usually by a yellow waymark or walker symbol on a sign. Refer to key on OS maps Bridleways A highway over which the public have a right of way on foot, including the right to use a class 1, 2, 3 mobility vehicle, on horseback, or leading a horse or on a pedal cycle Shown on the local definitive map as a green line and usually on route by a blue waymark and a horse rider on a sign. Refer to key on OS maps Restricted A highway over which the public have the same rights of way as a Byways bridleway, plus a right to use horse drawn carriages. Shown on the local definitive map as a crossed green line (at present none in Poole or Bournemouth) and on route usually signed ‘Restricted Byway’ with a plum waymark. Refer to key on OS maps

Byway Open A highway over which the public have the same rights of way as a to All Traffic bridleway, plus a right to use any vehicle whether mechanically (BOAT) propelled or not including mobility vehicles. Shown on the local definitive map as a crossed green line and on route usually signed ‘Byway’ with red waymarks. Refer to key on OS maps.

2

1.4 There are other types of rights of way over which some sections of the public have certain rights, (see Table 2). These are not shown on the Definitive Map but some are considered as part of the ROWIP.

Table 2: Other Public Ways Where Permission May Exist (not shown on the Definitive Map)

Cycle Tracks A way over which there is a right to cycle and possibly also to walk. Once a footpath is changed to a cycle track it is no longer shown on the Definitive Map unless part of the route is retained as a footpath.

Permissive Paths A way over which a landowner permits public to walk, and sometimes cycle or ride a horse across his/her land. The landowner may withdraw permission at any time. There are some ‘licensed paths’ or permissive path agreements.

1.5 Various land areas are also available for use by the public (see Table 3). These areas are not included within the Definitive Map.

Table 3: Land with Public Access (not shown on the Definitive Map, shown on Countryside Agency Access Land Maps or Council records)

Access Land The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW) gives people a new right to walk (including use by mobility vehicles where possible) over large areas of open countryside and common land. This ‘Access Land’ is mapped by Natural England (formerly the Countryside Agency) and includes open country such as moorland, heath and registered commons. Refer to key on OS maps

Public Open Space Land, usually owned, leased or dedicated to the public and/or the Council upon which the public have a right of access and recreation e.g. parks and playing fields.

Commons and Common land, whether it is Urban or Rural Common or a Village Greens Registered Village Green, represents an important resource for public recreation. Land indicated as ‘Common’ or ‘Green’ on a map does not necessarily mean public rights exist. All registered commons and village greens are mapped as ‘Access Land’.

3

The Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP)

1.6 Following the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 all local highway authorities are required to publish a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) covering all public rights of way (as described in Tables 1 to 3) in their area. Rights of Way Improvement Plans provide the opportunity for local highway authorities to identify the changes to be made, in terms of the management of, and improvements to, their local rights of way. This will help them to better meet the shared aim of Local and Central Government for better provision for walkers, cyclists, equestrians and people with mobility difficulties.

1.7 In drawing up the ROWIP authorities are required to assess:  The extent to which local rights of way meet the present and likely future needs of the public.  The opportunities provided by local rights of way (in particular footpaths, cycle tracks, bridleways, and restricted byways) for exercise and other forms of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of the area.  The accessibility of local rights of way to blind or partially sighted persons and others with mobility problems.

1.8 The Rights of Way Improvement Plan must also include a ‘Statement of Action,’ with associated costs that the authority identifies and proposes for the management of local rights of way and for securing improved local rights of way.

1.9 Other local authority plans relating to healthy living, leisure, recreation, sport, tourism, transport, and community strategies should be taken into account when developing the ROWIP.

Area Covered by the ROWIP

1.10 This ROWIP covers the Unitary Authorities of Bournemouth and Poole Borough Councils.

1.11 Poole is bounded by Roman Road to the west, Wimborne and the River Stour to the north and West Howe, Talbot Village, Branksome and Alum Chine to the east. To the South East there is Sandbanks and Lilliput, and the Southern boundary extends across the harbour and loops back through Upton.

1.12 Bournemouth Borough is bounded by Westbourne, Talbot Heath and Bearwood in the west, the River Stour to the north and Christchurch to the east.

4

Bournemouth & Poole Aim for Rights of Way

2.1 The aim for Public Rights of Way in Bournemouth Borough Council and Borough of Poole is to:

Provide high quality rights of way that meet the desires of users, by working to make the paths easy and safe to use, and to promote this as an important part of the transport network that provides links to key services and destinations.

Key Objectives

2.2 In order to achieve the above vision the following key objectives have been identified: -

 To provide safe, inclusive and accessible paths o by improving access to the paths for all users o by upgrading the quality of certain parts of the pathways o by the prompt enforcement of encroachment and the removal of obstructions and overhanging vegetation o by effectively maintaining the pathways o by effectively clearing and cleaning the pathways o by working in partnership with Dorset Police to address anti-social behaviour – Safer, stronger community strategies o by providing lighting where appropriate.

 To promote Public Rights of Way as an integral part of travel across the authorities o by creating new rights of way to link in with the wider transport network and to provide access to key services o by creating new rights of way to fill in gaps in the existing rights of way, whether through long use or by planning gain o promote and maintain all public paths to create a less disjointed sustainable transport infrastructure.

 To publicise good quality information relating to the Public Rights of Way o By completing the survey of the former excluded area in Poole, and ensuring accurate and up to date legal records of Rights of Way throughout the conurbation

5

o by signposting all rights of way o by improving destination details and other signage information o improve public access to electronic or paper versions of the ROWIP and Definitive Map and Statement

Partnership Working

2.3 In order to provide high quality rights of way it is important for partners to work together to achieve the above objectives. Various internal council departments, interest groups, businesses, landowners, the police, local communities, the health sector and the voluntary sector can all play a role in improving local rights of way and their use.

2.4 Opportunities may exist to collaborate with other budget holders where their projects may require the improvement or creation of Public Right of Way links. This might include future Business Improvement District proposals where business viability could be improved through providing better walking and cycling links between businesses, making shopping in Poole town centre safer and more environmentally inviting.

2.5 Some opportunities for improving Public Rights of Way use via partnership will be centred around achieving common goals with other organisations; for example, Dorset Living Well who advise the public on pursuing heathier lifestyles. Sharing information and resources with organisations such as this could lead to more effective outcomes in the Improvement Plan.

2.6 Partnership work has already been successfully undertaken with the Ramblers and Poole Bay Rotary Club. In 1997 the Ramblers undertook a survey of rights of way in Poole, identifying misalignments. In 2000 the Ramblers carried out a comprehensive condition survey of Poole Rights of Way. In 2001 the Ramblers surveyed the former “excluded area” of Poole, revealing approximately 1500 walkable routes. In 2009 the Ramblers were commissioned to conduct a survey for the whole of the Borough of Bournemouth; this included the requirement to consider the rights of disabled persons under the provisions of the 2005 Disability Discrimination Act. The survey took until 2011 to complete. The Poole survey is currently being acted upon to fulfil the duty to complete the Definitive Map.

2.7 In 2010 the Rotary Club of Poole Bay undertook a survey of the unrecorded possible Public Rights of Way in central Poole. The Rotary Club was concerned that areas of Poole planned for redevelopment would lead to links being lost in the future, as had happened in previous years. The Club conducted the survey using material from the Ramblers 2004 survey, and produced a database of 185 surveyed paths, of which 70 have been protected by Order so far. More of these paths will be investigated and recorded in the future.

6

Extent of Public Rights of Way

3.1 The recorded length of all public rights of way in Bournemouth is 44.8km and for Poole the figure is 50km. An overview map of the paths is given on page 15. The types of rights of way are shown in Table 4 below. It is expected that there could be over 20km of unrecorded Public Rights of Way in Poole.

Table 4: Recorded Public Rights of Way in Bournemouth and Poole as at 2016

Type of Public Bournemouth Bournemouth Poole Poole Right of Way (No.) (km) (No.) (km)

Footpaths 344 39 177 43.3

Bridleways 9 2.6 44 28.8

Restricted 0 0 0 0 Byways

Byway Open to 13 3.2 1 0.1 All Traffic (BOAT)

Total 366 44.8 222 72.2

3.2 In addition to the above there are 60km of signed Cycleways in Bournemouth and 66km in Poole.

Promoted Routes

The Public Rights of Way across Bournemouth and Poole have a selection of routes that are especially distinctive in that they may offer one or more of the following qualities:

 Convenient, safe and rapid routes for commuters away from traffic,  Pleasant walking environment amongst natural and scenic surroundings,  Historic or architectural interest,  Part of the larger national and European long distance network of routes,

7

3.3 Both boroughs contain a number of promoted paths, including:

 Part of the European Long Distance Path “E9”  The Promenade and E9 are locally referred to as the Poole/Bournemouth Coast Path (The South West Coast Path terminates at Studland chain ferry)  The Stour Valley Way Long Distance Way (shown on OS Maps)  The Castleman Trailway  Poole’s ‘Cockle Trail’ walking route  Poole Heritage Cycle Route  The Bourne Valley Greenway  Part of the National Cycle Network (routes NCN 2 and 25)  5 Quays Walk (Poole)  Poole Harbour Trails

Access Land

3.4 Table 5 indicates the areas of land over which the public have access.

Table 5: Open Country and Registered Common Land within Bournemouth and Poole

Authority Total Area Total Open Open Country Registered % of of Land Country and (Hectares) Common region is (Hectares) Registered Land Open Common Land (hectares) Country

Bournemouth 4,712.8 117.3 117.3 0 2.5

Poole 7,473.1 628.2 615.9 12.4 8.2

Unrecorded Public Rights of Way

3.5 The Definitive Map and statement provide conclusive evidence that the paths exist. But it is recognised that this is not the full picture and many routes exist that are not recorded. Therefore, highway authorities are duty bound to keep the map under continuous review (Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981).

3.6 The Definitive Map and statement of rights of way was first produced under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. However, Dorset

8

County Council, which was the Highway Authority for Poole at the time, considered a specific built up area of Poole to be exempt and therefore did not record rights of way within it. This excluded area covers 14.73 square kilometres. Under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 this exemption was no longer permissible.

3.7 There is no excluded area within Bournemouth.

3.8 Surveys undertaken in the excluded area of Poole have indicated that there are in the region of 1500 walkable paths, many of which could be added to the Definitive Map and statement. This represents a significant exercise and has budget and staff resource implications not only in pursuing the legal process but also in dealing with the resulting maintenance liability. Extensive survey work was undertaken in Poole Old Town identifying 185 missing routes of which 70 have been protected by Order, and more of which will be processed to create a comprehensive definitive map & statement for the excluded area. A schedule for this work is set out in Appendix A.

3.9 The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 requires that, after 2026, no further Public Rights of Way are recorded that depend solely upon pre-1949 evidence. It is not anticipated that Poole or Bournemouth will lose desired routes as a consequence of this cut-off date, but a review of possible lost paths will be conducted before 2026.

3.10 The Councils recognise that there may be other unrecorded rights of way in their areas. Rights of way can currently be ‘claimed’ through the Definitive Map Modification Order process. This legal procedure is based upon historic mapping as well as evidence of 20 years of unchallenged use.

3.11 The public have a right to apply to ‘modify’ the Definitive Map, to add or (in rare and necessary cases) divert paths or change the status (e.g. footpath to bridleway) based on applications and evidence. The public also has a right to respond to such modification applications.

3.12 The map may also be modified by the Authority. The reasons for moving paths may be due to development, or if there is an opportunity for an improved alignment that would be beneficial to users. Paths may be extinguished altogether if they are found to be no longer needed for use, however in all cases, the public and stakeholders such as the Ramblers are consulted to ensure that this only occurs when absolutely necessary. If the Authority is approached by individuals or organisations seeking to extinguish or divert paths only for private gain and with no perceived benefit to the public, the matter will not be progressed.

Rights of Way and the Local Environment

3.13 The population of Bournemouth in 2010 was approximately 168,100 and in Poole 142,100. This is increased by over 3 million visitors to Poole and 5.52 million visitors to Bournemouth each year – based on day visitors. This creates a high demand on a relatively small number of rights of way. Understanding which paths are subject to the most use will require looking into what attractions might draw the public to use particular paths.

9

3.14 There are sites within both authorities which are honeypots, either because of their close proximity to the beaches or high population density areas such as Canford Heath.

3.15 The boroughs are composed of large urban areas that are also rich in sites protected for their wildlife and landscape value. These range from international designations such as RAMSAR1 and SAC2 to national and local designations such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest3 and Heritage Coast4. Many of these areas are also important for public recreation e.g. the heathlands and the coastal zone. Lowland heath sites of significant size in Poole and Bournemouth are mapped as Access Land. However, access to the most sensitive parts of wildlife sites will continue to be managed and restricted, e.g. those identified in the Hengistbury Head Summary Management Plan.

3.16 Within the urban areas there is a rich mix of parks, green space and other leisure facilities. In addition, the boroughs are surrounded by the wider countryside of Dorset, Hampshire, the New Forest and Christchurch Harbour.

Management of Local Rights of Way

3.17 The joint ROW Team manage all rights of way functions across Bournemouth and Poole composed of a Senior Rights Of Way Officer and Apprentice Rights of Way Officer.

3.18 The Public Rights of Way team conduct the following duties:

 Overseeing all aspects of the day to day management of the paths  Strategy & policy implementation  Input into Planning, Development Control and Urban design  Improving, organising and promoting partnership working between internal and external stakeholders  Publicising and promoting the positive benefits of the paths  Processing applications for adding or changing the paths  Overseeing the continuous survey of the paths  Liaising with the public and professionals to discuss PROW matters.  Developing and maintaining GIS databases of Rights of Way  Creating promotional materials  Assisting the public with general queries regarding Public Rights of Way

1 The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands. 2 A special Area of conservation (SAC) is a site designated under the European Community Habitats Directive to protect internationally important natural habitats and species. 3 Sites notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as areas of land or water which, in the opinion of Natural England (was English Nature), are of special interest by reason of their biological, geological or physiographical interest 4 Identified by the Countryside Commission (now Natural England) as the finest stretches of undeveloped coast to be conserved and managed comprehensively and to facilitate and enhance the enjoyment by the public through the promotion and encouragement of recreational activities consistent with the conservation of their fine natural scenery and heritage features.

10

3.19 Operationally, the Highway Inspectors deal with the day to day maintenance of the paths. With Parks (Bournemouth) and Leisure Services (Poole) managing paths through green spaces across both authorities. In 2012 the Borough of Poole created a new service Unit “Street Scene” incorporating parts of Transportation, Leisure and Environmental Consumer Protection Service, to provide a single place for all operational highway needs across the network (including ROW).

3.20 Enforcement of Public Rights of Way is undertaken (in conjunction with the Senior ROW officer) by the Highway Enforcement Officer (Poole) and the Environmental Civil Enforcement Officers (Bournemouth). Duties include;

 Removal of obstructions  Over hanging vegetation  Items deposited on the highway- abandoned vehicles  Licensing, New Roads & Street Works Act  Illegal closures  Dog fouling (Bournemouth)  Dangerous structures/Trees  Encroachment

3.21 Street Scene (Poole) and Technical Services (Bournemouth) manage;

 Litter  Fly tipping  Graffiti  Street Cleansing

Highway Inspectors manage;

 Day to day operational matters  Inspections  Customer led reports/complaints  maintenance of rights of way surfaces, signage, drainage, bridges, and path furniture.

3.22 In both authorities the Councils seek to act as ‘responsible landowners’ in relation to public rights of way across Council owned or managed land. The Countryside Code outlines these rights and responsibilities.

3.23 Further inspection and monitoring is done in partnership with user groups:

a) The Borough of Poole was approached by the Poole Bay Rotary Club to volunteer their services to undertake an extensive survey of the rights of way paths in Poole Old Town. The results of which are creating the Definitive Map and Statement for this area of Poole. b) The Ramblers have conducted a full survey of walkable links in the Poole former Excluded Area, allowing Borough of Poole to proceed in recording these as Public Rights of Way.

11

c) As part of this exercise through networking with Poole Tourism, local faith groups, schools and museums The Rotary Club have helped promote the positive economic impact of having good pedestrian links between Twin Sails Bridge, The Quay and the bus/train stations. (Incorporating the town centre and Poole Old Town). d) The Bournemouth Ramblers Association have conducted a survey of the barriers on all paths used by the public across Bournemouth Borough. e) Cycling Liaison Group members and members of the various Bicycle User Groups provide feedback on cycle lane condition.

3.24 Working in partnership with Development Control and Urban Design colleagues, new routes are being identified and implemented as part of the planning process. The Supplementary Planning Documents that are prepared by Poole and Bournemouth reflect upon the impact and opportunities afforded by the Public Rights of Way within specific areas of interest. The relevant Supplementary Planning Documents are:

Poole Town Centre SPD:

“The historic street network in the Old Town allows a good choice of pedestrian routes and a pleasant walking environment. There are many high-quality links that could be designated as Public Rights of Way”

Bournemouth Public Realm Strategy SPD:

“Public realm is the space between buildings, the network of streets and public spaces that is available for everyone to see, use and enjoy freely. This may be … public rights of way”.

“New developments should link to their surroundings and create new connections wherever possible”.

Poole Talbot Village SPD:

“Many students and staff walk to the campus but the attractiveness of this option is reduced by…an intimidating walking environment in Talbot Woods and a lack of accessibility from the south. The Talbot Project proposed to address these issues through…enhancement of the existing Public Rights of Way network”

“New public footpaths through the adjoining fields and connections to the wider open space network in the area will be introduced to relieve pressure on the heathland”

12

3.25 The above policies allow new Public Rights of Way to be committed. As further Supplementary Planning Documents are prepared, additional opportunities for committing new Public Rights of Way through the development planning process will be identified and carried forward.

Managing Access and Removing Barriers

3.26 Since the accession of the Equality Act 2010, local authorities have been tasked to take “the least restrictive option” when dealing with barriers to accessibility. The duty implied by the Act is for the authority to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that it is not impossible or unreasonably difficult for people with disabilities to benefit from all provided services as others would do, or to show that there are good reasons for not doing so.

3.27 Removal of barriers will also assist in the access of Bridleways for cyclists and horse riders who often find that structures intended to reduce use of Public Rights of Way with motor vehicles leads to obstruction of passage and the introduction of discontinuity to their ride.

3.28 Therefore, there are policies which seek to remove all barriers wherever possible. Where removal of barriers results in access intrusions and dangerous behaviour, the authorities’ strategy will emphasise joint working with Dorset Police in enforcement. Restoration of barriers will only be pursued as a last resort where, on balance, user protection must be increased.

Existing Rights of Way Performance

3.29 Annually both authorities participate in the Highways & Transport Public Satisfaction Survey (H&T Survey) which collaborates between the South West Highways Service Improvement Group (SWHSIG) and the National Highways Best Value Benchmarking Club (NHBVBC).

3.30 Poole and Bournemouth currently have similar levels of general user satisfaction of Public Rights of Way, and this is reported to be generally favourable, scoring 60% overall, which nationally is a ‘High’ score.

3.31 Scores for Bournemouth overall are higher for satisfaction of path provision, sign posting and lack of overgrowth. This means that the surveyed population feel that the paths are stronger in terms of their legibility, accessibility and reach. Bournemouth ranks as the best authority nationally for public satisfaction of the condition of Rights of Way.

3.32 Bournemouth has tended to score lowest relating to information about Rights of Way routes, but still compares towards the higher end of the ‘Average’ score grouping nationally.

3.33 Scores for Poole tend to be broadly similar to Bournemouth across all categories; however, the largest difference is that Poole scores even higher than Bournemouth for the provision of Bridleways, with a score that is among the top scores nationally.

13

3.34 From these surveys, the Improvement Plan identifies priorities in improving the level of information provision to the public in Bournemouth, likely in the form of the creation of a new Walking Map to match that of Poole’s, and to continue finding ways of making the paths across the conurbation more accessible to those with disabilities. There is also a call for better signage in Poole comparable with Bournemouth’s.

Table 6: Public Satisfaction with Rights of Way in Bournemouth and Poole (Source: Highways & Transport Public Satisfaction Survey – 2015)

Satisfaction Average %

Poole Bournemouth

Overall satisfaction with 61 59 the R.O.W.

Provision of R.O.W. 70 70 footpaths

Provision of R.O.W. 67 61 bridleways

Signposting of R.O.W. 64 62

Condition of R.O.W. 63 63

Ease of use by people with 53 54 disabilities

Information about R.O.W. 52 49

14

15

Balancing Needs

4.0 Due to environmental, social and economic consequences arising from over- reliance on the car, sustainable travel and inclusion are now the focus of transportation strategies and changes need to be made to enable and promote use of Public Rights of Way. The aim of this Rights Of Way Improvement Plan is to create inclusive paths which are accessible for all. By this, it is meant that meaningful work is undertaken to make the paths capable of fully accommodating their users, while also working to reduce conflict between user groups and landowners. This is informed by the Equality Act 2010 that instructs Councils to take the least restrictive option when looking to improve an access network.

4.1 In developing appropriate actions for the ROWIP there is the requirement to balance the sometimes competing needs of the different users and activity on the paths. For example, removal of barriers on the Public Rights of Way can have the effect of allowing easier access to individuals with disabilities but also illegal and dangerous users such as motorcyclists, thereby endangering other users.

4.2 Our future aspirations are for consistent management of the public rights of way across the 2 authorities. This includes a consistent inspection and maintenance regime across all paths (Highway or Greenspace).

Walkers

4.3 Walking is the most common form of access to the Public Rights of Way, and in a predominantly urban area, often acts as a link between other forms of transport. National policy insists that walking is to be encouraged.

4.4 Walkers can use all Public Rights of Way. Walkers are also the most diverse of the user groups; they comprise individuals of all ages, travelling for many different purposes and are most likely to include those who are visiting from other countries. This emphasises the need for signing, maps and promotional information that is clear and understandable to all.

4.5 In urban areas the links between highway footways and the public rights of way are relatively good due to the general availability of suitable crossing points. In more rural areas it can be more difficult to access the rights of way from the road network due to the lack of suitable connecting footways and safe crossing points.

4.6 At the time of the previous Rights of Way Improvement Plan, satisfaction of the provision of footpaths within Bournemouth was lower at 62%, compared to 70% in 2015. To continue the pattern of this improvement in both Bournemouth and Poole, emphasis must be placed on increasing the level of continuity between routes.

16

4.7 Factors that encourage walking in urban areas include comprehensive mapping, improved signage, better lighting to improve personal security, improvement to surfacing for buggies and frequent inspection of the paths linked to a quality maintenance regime.

Walking as a Commuter

4.8 To reduce traffic congestion successfully, the Councils recognize that promotion of sustainable travel modes is necessary. For local journeys safe, inter-connected footpaths will encourage walking as a viable alternative to the car. Commuters prefer routes segregated from traffic that are also overlooked to reduce both actual risk and fear of crime.

4.9 As well as reducing congestion, an increase in the number of walking journeys is likely to benefit the health of those choosing to travel this way. Physical activity reduces the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, osteoarthritis, hip fracture, depression and dementia. The Department of Health recommends that the best way of integrating enough exercise into a daily routine, to reduce incidence of these illnesses, is to have an active commute.

4.10 Where known useful commuter routes are identified, there is an opportunity to promote use of these through the workplace through the distribution of maps and other information.

Walking to School

4.11 The Safer Routes to School initiative and associated School Travel Plans both seek to meet the Councils’ aim of encouraging walking to school. Rights of Way footpaths can provide important walking links to schools and it is important that these are fully utilised. Work is already ongoing within the Councils to review links to schools for both walking and cycling.

Recreational Walking

4.12 The Poole and Bournemouth conurbation as a whole receives around 2 million staying trips in addition to 8.5 million day visitors, most of whom will engage in some walking during their stay, some of which will be on the Public Rights of Way. A major pastime is that of walking and running for recreation and health. In considering these activities, the most important factors that encourage such use are deemed to be well-maintained, safe routes that provide access to high quality, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly areas.

4.13 In some locations there are insufficient safe pedestrian access to areas of green space, e.g. in Bournemouth the areas of: Malmesbury Park, Springbourne, Stourfield, Moordown and Northbourne. Previous consultations have also identified that there is a shortage of circular routes for walking and running across the conurbation, which are more popular for recreational purposes.

4.14 Past consultations and the most recent surveys have revealed that there is a call for better information about local rights of way. Such improvements

17

would need to be done in conjunction with parks and tourism departments to ensure joint development of promotional literature.

4.15 The public now commonly use the internet to find information, and visitors often use smartphones to find out about the place that they are visiting. Mapping of walking and cycling routes should be made available online, and this mapping could also be integrated into a mobile phone app.

4.16 Bournemouth and Poole Councils recognise that under common law ‘a dog is a usual accompaniment to a walker’ and as such actively endorse rights of way accessible for dogs. In general, the needs of dog walkers are very similar to those of the recreational walker. Information gained through previous consultations have suggested that specific needs for dog walkers include:

 Safe location of path when dog is off lead, i.e. no vehicles, livestock  Dog bins are provided and emptied regularly  No stiles or inadequate dog gates (too small) on the path  Controlling undergrowth

Horse riders

4.17 The British Horse Society estimates that 2% of the UK population (1.3 million people) ride regularly, a decrease from 4.5% (2.4 million people) in 2001. However, young ridership has recently increased from 368,000 in 2011 to 403,000 in 2015. 74% of horse riders are female, although women are half as likely to engage in sport overall. It is a governmental objective to encourage more women to participate in sport. Encouraging horse riding could help to meet this government objective and lead to better health outcomes.

4.18 Due to the lack of recorded bridleways throughout the conurbation, it is recognised that horse riders are not as well catered for as other rights of way users. This is especially apparent in Bournemouth, where there are very few rural areas, and therefore a lack of Bridleways. The public consultation revealed that horse riders want greater consideration for the retention and expansion of riding routes, which they feel have been omitted from development over time.

4.19 The survey results illustrate that in Poole, satisfaction of the provision of Bridleways lags Footpaths by 3%, but in Bournemouth the difference is 9%.

4.20 Horse riders state that they desire to have routes that are:

 Close to where horses are kept  Largely traffic-free  Circular  4 or 5 miles long (at least an hour’s exercise)

4.21 Along with cyclists and walkers, horse riders are classified as vulnerable road users whose main requirement is to be in a traffic-free environment. Nationally, accident statistics involving cyclists are decreasing whereas they

18

have been increasing for horse riders. This has been attributed to the loss of off-road riding routes. Increased provision for horse riders could lead to a reduction in injury sustaining accidents.

4.22 In Poole and Bournemouth, few provisions are made for horse riders who venture onto the road. This is reflected in the concerns of riders over the number of busy road crossings that they face due to the gaps in the network. The need to use even minor roads to link off-road access can involve a range of difficulties for such users, typically on narrow lanes where it is difficult for horses and motor vehicles to pass.

4.23 Although there is provision under Section 71 of the Highways Act 1980 to create roadside margins for horses where necessary or desirable, due to road safety, cost and land-use problems it is often difficult to create these facilities. There is therefore the need to explore whether greater use can be made of grassed verges, field edges, areas of woodland, green space and other potential links to overcome this issue.

4.24 Further difficulties cited by horse riders include poorly maintained surfaces and overgrown side vegetation adjacent to roads, thus reducing the available width for horses to pass vehicles, causing conflicts with other users.

4.25 The improvement plan identifies the need for the Councils to continue to consult with horse riding groups such as the British Horse Society when proposing route improvements or extensions to the pathways.

4.26 As Bridleways allow both cyclists and horse riders, it is likely that the business case for riding path expansion through the development planning process would be more successful in pursuit of routes that can be shared by both user groups.

Cyclists

4.27 To encourage cycling, Central Government’s ambition is to double cycling by 2025 as set out in the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy. This will reduce the number of local car journeys and to be successful, it is necessary to provide appropriate cycle routes and cycle friendly infrastructure.

4.28 Cycling is undertaken for many different reasons and therefore in considering cyclists’ needs it is necessary to recognise that different types of cyclist require different forms of provision.

Commuter Cycling and Cycling to School

4.29 The cost of fuel, tax, insurance and vehicle maintenance costs, and the benefits of active lifestyles are some factors that influence people to choose to cycle to school or work. Other push factors are that young people do not drive and need a faster way to move than walking – cycling is the first choice for this purpose. While this will usually be on the main highway network, rights of way can provide important, safe linkages within the overall cycling network.

19

4.30 Commuting cyclists prefer off-road routes as they are safer and much more pleasant environments to commute across than travelling via roads. Second choice to off-road routes is quieter back roads. Public Rights of Way can either serve to assist commuters as substantial routes in themselves or as enabling links between routes. Priority 16 will seek to improve these links to allow for more and better quality commuting.

4.31 There is an ongoing requirement to improve cycling links to schools because of School Travel Plans and the ‘Safer Routes to School’ initiative as well as the ‘Extended Schools’ initiative.

4.32 Further results from the Highways and Transport Public Satisfaction Survey indicate that while scores for general cycle infrastructure provision are quite high in Poole, Bournemouth is behind on all scores by 3%. Poole has benefitted from developing a widespread cycle route network including the formation of cycle tracks and links into the bridleways. This ROWIP and the Poole Local Transport Plan 3 (2011-2026) present further opportunity to improve the use of rights of way and green spaces for cyclists. Most people who could cycle to work do not, however, so there is massive scope for encouraging people to make healthier and more sustainable travel choices.

4.33 One method for creating more routes for cyclists is to legally upgrade public rights of way from footpaths to bridleways in order that cyclists and horse riders can use them. However, it is important that an increase in shared surface routes does not deter vulnerable pedestrians such as those with mobility or visual impairment from using the paths.

4.34 Another option is to create cycle routes using ‘Cycle Tracks’ orders. However, if these are created over an existing Public Right of Way, it must then be removed from the Definitive Map. It may therefore be prudent to protect the route by having a ‘split’ path which typically retains a one metre wide footpath to enable it to remain on the Definitive Map and Statement.

Leisure Cycling

4.35 The Bournemouth and Poole area has an excellent natural environment which local people want to explore. The coastline, countryside and the River Stour Valley are all particularly popular destinations. Providing suitable cycle routes to these destinations and providing suitable facilities for cyclists at the locations is therefore important in helping to promote healthier lifestyles.

4.36 The creation of surfaced all-weather paths will improve access and encourage greater exploration of the local area. Again, where practical it may be beneficial to upgrade some existing public footpaths to public bridleway status to improve the provision of off-road cycle routes. This will help to achieve the ambition of creating more and higher quality circular routes.

Cycling Tourists

4.37 The tourism industry is an important aspect of the local economies of Bournemouth and Poole. Visitors who elect to bring or use bicycles require

20

clearly signed routes to the railway stations, the seafront, the ferry port in Poole and other key destinations. In addition, they, along with all cyclists, require clear cycle route maps and readily available secure cycle parking facilities at key destinations.

Horse and Carriage Users

4.38 Horse and carriage users can use Restricted Byways, Byways Open to All Traffic and the main highway network. There is no apparent demand for an increase in the provision of Public Rights of Way to cater for this niche of users.

People with Disabilities and Mobility Problems

4.39 Due to the variation in physical and mental abilities between all individuals, some users may have difficulty accessing or using the public right of way.

4.40 People with physical disabilities can have trouble negotiating rights of way for a series of reasons. The poor design of gates, barriers, steps and the like and the condition and width of the surface of the right of way can cause problems. The situation is exacerbated for wheelchair users and those who need to use motorised scooters.

4.41 Mobility problems also exist for people who need to push child buggies who find it difficult to negotiate certain designs of barrier or unmade surfaces, especially during wet weather.

4.42 People who are visually impaired can also struggle to use rights of way if information is not available in an appropriate format either about the paths or while on the paths. Information needs to be presented in a readable typeface and at a suitable size. It is also important that the paths are properly cleared and maintained to minimise danger caused by obstructions.

4.43 People with learning disabilities might also be excluded from the paths if information is not presented in an easily understandable format or destinations are not clearly signposted.

4.44 Personal safety issues can also be an issue for vulnerable users, typically from any anti-social activities of some users of the paths. This might be from careless users or in rare cases criminal behaviour. Considerations are made to help paths be overlooked to increase perceived and actual safety to users.

4.45 The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to prejudice anyone on the grounds of their disability. Therefore, it is the duty of the local authority to positively promote disability equality; this might be done through developing and improving the local rights of way to make it as accessible as possible to all users. Typically, this can be achieved by adopting an approach of the ‘least restrictive’ access option in path management.

21

4.46 The Highways and Transport Public Satisfaction Survey asked people how easy they thought the rights of way were to use by people with disabilities. Although the scores across Poole and Bournemouth were high compared nationally, they were lower than other metrics with only 53% being satisfied overall. There is a call for greater outreach to find out where individuals with disabilities are finding access to the Public Rights of Way challenging so solutions can be identified.

4.47 The current paths have been used and tested by able-bodied people for many years, but access for those with disabilities is still inadequate. There are routes that could be used by people with mobility difficulties but available information and promotion remains limited. Both Councils recognise the need to improve the paths for people with mobility difficulties, particularly when undertaking maintenance functions, installing path furniture, considering the creation of new routes and the diversion and improvement of existing routes.

4.48 The ‘Wheels Along the Stour’ project demonstrates what can be done to improve access to the walking paths for people with disabilities when the right level of funding is made available.

22

5.1 The proposed updated key objectives are as follows;  To provide safe, inclusive and accessible pathways  To promote Public Rights of Way as an integral part of travel across the two authorities.  To provide good quality information relating to Public Rights of Way

5.2 Operational experience and survey results since the publication of the first Rights of Way Improvement Plan have informed these objectives. This section looks at what specific actions will take place to bring the improvements into being.

Making the Paths Easier, Safer and More Popular

Suggested Improvements for People with Disabilities

5.3 Improving access for people with disabilities will have the effect of improving access for all people.

5.4 Natural England have produced a good practice document ‘By All Reasonable Means’ for working with disabled people to improve and increase their access to the outdoors. Both Authorities will use the guidance to improve access opportunities for disabled people and adopt the recommended ‘Least Restrictive Access’ approach.

5.5 Several routes in Bournemouth and Poole could be upgraded to an acceptable standard for use by people with mobility difficulties or with visual impairment. A key objective is therefore to identify and audit sites that have the greatest potential for such access and focus on enhancing these accordingly. Both Authorities will take the opportunity to work with local disability groups and other partners to audit routes and identify those that have the best potential for meeting the needs of disabled users.

5.6 Surface improvements to some Rights of Way would make them easier to use. These could range from improvements in the materials used for the maintenance to providing a ‘metalled’ surface, laying mesh or even a boardwalk on some uneven surfaces.

5.7 Wider access points and the removal or redesign of barriers would also enable the paths to become more accessible for people with disabilities. In

23

some instances, the paths require to have such barriers to prevent illegal vehicle use or to protect livestock. The Authorities will reflect on the need to retain certain barriers where there is no longer evidence that they are needed. However, where gating is required this should be of such design as to cause the least restriction. Both Authorities are already engaged in replacing stiles and other such barriers and, subject to funding, shall continue to implement a programme of installing ‘accessible’ gates where sufficient width is available.

5.8 A key action will be to review the signage of rights of way to ensure that it is appropriate for those with impaired vision, while remaining in line with current regulations and conventions. Every path should be signed from each metalled highway and a survey of missing signs has recently been undertaken, in preparation for the production and installation of new signs.

5.9 There is an on-going requirement to apply the Equality Act 2010 to monitor, limit and reduce the erection of furniture and other impediments on Rights of Way that may cause problems for people with mobility difficulties.

Suggested Improvements for Management and Maintenance:

5.10 Alterations to the rights of way management and maintenance regime can also contribute to making rights of way easier and safer to use. Suggested maintenance improvements include:  Create a rights of way management database to record and monitor the maintenance and enforcement of the paths;  Establish a signposting and way marking programme;  Ensure procedures are in place to enable the prompt enforcement of encroachment and the removal of obstructions;  Establish a programme of barrier improvements or replacement or removal;  Explore the possibility of a publicly accessible map system detailing all proposed works and reported problems.

Improving Path Signage

5.11 Providing enhanced signage and way marking, including information such as destination and distance, for all routes.

5.12 To encourage more user groups to use as many public rights of way as possible, signage needs to be made available in formats that meet the needs of various users or potential users. As well as identifying the way, signs should indicate the designation, destinations and provide distances.

5.13 It is important that appropriate information is provided at specific locations around the rights of way, typically using information boards.

Information notices along certain routes may contain a map and description of the way, to provide all user groups and people of carrying mobility levels with the necessary knowledge so an informed decision can be made as to whether a path is suitable for their needs. This would help to reduce the ‘fear’ of people getting lost or of not knowing what potential hazards they may encounter.

24

5.14 It would be very beneficial if signage indicating a significant circular walk or ride included a dedicated type roundel to identify its suitability for different user groups.

Suggestions for Improving Safety

5.15 Anti-social behaviour, and in some cases, criminal activity not only inhibits the use of the rights of way but can also deter people from using it. Both Councils recognise this as an important issue and will continue to work with community groups and the police to identify specific measures that can be implemented to help address the problem.

5.16 Typical actions that can be taken include ensuring vegetation and trees are cut back effectively to improve visibility and to lighten path and in urban areas to improve street lighting.

5.17 Personal injuries can be preventing through ensuring that the surface of the Public Rights of Way is maintained to a safe standard, and inspections should occur on a regular basis across the conurbation to uphold this.

5.18 Physical structures such as barriers have resulted in injury incurring and fatality inducing accidents in the past. Removing hard barriers can not only benefit accessibility but also improve safety on paths.

5.19 The authorities are inspired by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Vision Zero, which aims only for the total elimination of all injuries and deaths on highways.

Extending Public Rights of Way 5.20 Results from previous consultations indicated that local people would like the rights of way to be extended. All users of course desire that their preferred class of way is extended, however the process for gaining additional routes should be led by demand. With declining horse ridership numbers and a general long term trend of increasing cyclists and walkers as a proportion of all network traffic, the demand will be on developing new cycling and walking links, although greater horse ridership could come about through improving and expanding riding links. Proposed General Extensions to the Paths 5.21 There has been a long-term aspiration to provide a complete walking, cycling and horse riding route around Poole Harbour linking Sandbanks, Hamworthy, Sandford, Wareham, Arne, and Studland. There are difficulties in creating an integrated link and various gaps exist, most notably the ‘Lytchett’ gap. 5.22 The Poole Harbour Trails Community Group was established in 2001 to try and lobby for the complete route. The group has successfully identified and published most of this route by 2009, although there remains a detour through Lytchett Minster, with the ambition for this leg of the route to be over the bridge between East Holton and Rockley Sands. There is still work to be done in optimising the route and further support is needed from Poole, Purbeck, and Dorset Councils for it to be successful.

25

5.23 Routes around the harbour are most likely to be extended through securing additional lengths of routes through the development planning process, and these will be created as and when opportunities allow. There are significant stretches of harbour side routes that may qualify under deemed dedication by statute, and these are currently under investigation. 5.24 The main opportunity for extending the paths continues to be the mapping of the former excluded area, which will likely introduce hundreds of new routes. Routes such as these tend to be less likely to procure links that contribute to achieving primary strategic links, and so there remains an entirely separate ambition to extend the walking and cycling network via other means such as the development planning process. 5.25 The South East Dorset Green Infrastructure Strategy ‘Investing in Green places’ outlines many routes that will complement the walking network:

5.26 Lower Stour Valley Project: Focusing on the river Stour and its floodplain from Sturminster Marshall to Christchurch, the project aims to provide accessible routes for walking and cycling, and will encourage multifunctional use by providing public footpaths, cycle routes, access to the river and opportunities for improving the natural environment. Cross authority working will be required to succeed.

5.27 Upton Country Park: This project will provide new greenspace with outdoor recreation facilities to serve residents across South East Dorset. It will complement the existing network of Parks, such as Moors Valley and Avon Heath and links well to the conurbation via the Castleman Trailway. The work will create cycling and walking routes.

5.28 Castleman Trailway: A key route for cyclists, walkers and horse riders that benefits Purbeck, Poole and East Dorset, the project aims to upgrade the Trailway through improved signage, promotion, and increasing accessibility to circular routes for all classes of users. Gaps in the provision for cyclists have been identified, and these will require assessment and improvement if possible.

5.29 Cycleway Project: The Cycleway Project aims to identify and prioritise the upgrade/implementation of existing and new cycle routes between major employment centres, residential areas and green open space. The focus will be on using green infrastructure corridors, primarily within the urban area to provide links to:

 The north and south of South East Dorset;  major employment sites at Ferndown and Bournemouth Airport;  areas of green space deprivation;

26

 other strategic GI cycle networks e.g. the Castleman Trailway and Stour Valley;  Wareham and Upton

5.30 Greenway, Coast and Chine Project: This project intends to maximise the potential offered to people using the coastal route between Poole Bay to Hengistbury Head and beyond. The emphasis will be on extending links between the coast and adjoining areas to the North into the urban area. Existing open spaces and the Chines provide the potential for access links penetrating the urban areas north of the coast.

5.31 Local Open Space Project: Although largely concerning the use of recreational space, there is a recognition that local open spaces can act as ‘stepping stones’ or links between larger linear features (including Public Rights of Way, and other walking and cycling links) and strategically important parks, and is therefore of relevance to the Rights of Way Improvement Plan. 5.32 During the ROWIP period a full strategic review will take place of walking and cycling routes with the purpose of addressing gaps in the network. The review will also identify where additional links can be introduced into the paths. In certain circumstances the Councils will seek the dedication of some off-road walking, cycling and horse riding routes for them to be formally recorded on the Definitive Map.

Proposed Extensions to the Paths for Cyclists

5.33 The routes through green spaces within Bournemouth are to be reviewed during the ROWIP period. A previous survey has been completed, and the review will emphasise the stated desire for more circular routes. These routes will be identified and improved to provide circular and attractive walking and riding paths. The areas under review will include Kinson Common, Northbourne Meadows, Queens Park, Kings Park, Iford Meadows, Tuckton Gardens, Fisherman’s Walk and Woodland Walk. There is also a desire to improve the level of connectivity between communities. 5.34 The review will also look at links for school children who cycle to school, with a view to providing improvements to existing routes to make them safer. 5.35 National Cycle Network routes 2 and 25 run through Poole and Bournemouth. Some limitations have been identified by users such as the closure of the promenade to cyclists during the peak summer period. Alternative cliff top on-road cycle route provision will be explored further to make the National Cycle Network more continuous all year round. 5.36 Bournemouth Airport and the adjacent business park are expanding and there is a need to provide cycle links to all the surrounding areas, particularly within the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch conurbation. There are existing routes along the Northern boundary of Bournemouth that

27

could be recorded as Public Rights of Way and benefit from surface upgrades to serve the increased cycle demand arising from the developments. There remains the challenge of crossing the River Stour, so a review will be undertaken to assess the feasibility of improving river crossings where required. This work will occur with the involvement of the Bournemouth Cycling Forum to ensure efforts are not duplicated. 5.37 The Heritage Cycle Route in Poole was developed some years ago to provide a scenic and historically engaging cycle route extending between Poole Town Centre and Upton Country Park via the Eastern side of Holes Bay. Work is currently underway to investigate and record various Public Rights of Way on the South/South West sides of Holes Bay, with a view to creating a cycling link around Upton Lake and extending between Upton and Poole Town Centre. This would require the upgrading of Footpath 12 to a Bridleway. 5.38 The Poole Harbour Trail, now in its final stages of completion, forms the basis of a leisurely and accessible route that circumnavigates the Harbour. This is a route that is likely to receive promotion to tourists visiting the area, and so this should be reviewed for its suitability for expanding bicycle friendly routes. It is an ambition for there to be a bridged link between Rockley Point and Holton, which would connect Poole with neighbouring areas of East Dorset in a more direct way. 5.39 The Castleman Trailway in Poole is well used by walkers and cyclists and extends out to Ringwood and the New Forest. Apart from small sections it is not formally recorded as a Public Right of Way. The section running alongside the River Stour on the border with Wimborne which is partially along the line of Footpath 92 should be reviewed for widths and suitability for increasing access to cyclists, however there are certain areas such as the bridge where this is considered inappropriate. Housing schemes at Leigh Road and the North of Canford Heath could influence demand of this route, so this will have to be reviewed. 5.40 The provision of suitable secure cycle parking on the paths is important, particularly on routes where onward journeys are only permitted by foot. 5.41 An aspiration of both Councils is to review the status of promoted routes to see whether they can become protected as Rights of Way along their entire length. 5.42 In general, cyclists will also share in the benefits derived from the proposed improvements for horse riders listed below.

Proposed Extensions to the Paths for Horse Riders 5.43 The following specific proposals have been put forward for extending the paths for horse riders:  Longfleet Drive to become a bridleway throughout;  Instatement of Bridleway 93, which runs parallel to the Castleman Trailway, is not waymarked or clearly identified through the woodland section;  Provision of ‘Pegasus’ crossings or safer crossings where appropriate;  Provision of bridleway from Muscliffe to Throop and beyond (River Stour route).  Improvement of Sandy Way (Bridleway O7) to make surface of good quality especially during winter months.

28

 Improve access from Talbot Village to Talbot Heath including use of the underpasses opposite the University under Wallisdown Road;  Bridleway 1 (Roman Road) in Poole requires improvements including the removal of obstructions, and the addition of signage, road crossings and traffic calming measures on Merley Park Road and Blandford Road to reduce risk to crossing equestrians.  Bridleway 2 in Poole has now had surface improved, however this may require monitoring as draining issues during the winter period could lead to degradation.  Bridleway 23 in Poole route to be reviewed in conjunction with the Gravel Hill improvement scheme. The route represents an important East-West cycling route and will be reviewed for upgrades during the Improvement Plan.  Bridleway 118 in Poole crosses a well-used tip access which exposes Bridleway traffic to encounters with HGVs. The crossing here should be considered for review to enhance safety and visibility of users.  Bridleway 37 in Poole requires diversion, a surface upgrade, and a review of the Alder Road/Herbert Avenue junction arrangement to include associated signage. The limiting factors here are steepness but also the SSSI status of Talbot Heath.  Review Throop links to look for opportunities for joining routes between Throop and Throop River Crossing.  Riders from Wallisdown, Talbot Heath and Bournemouth would like FP32 upgraded to connect with BR35, BR36 and BR37 to link with Bourne Bottom.  Review links south of Talbot Heath.  Review link between Ashington Cutting on the old Somerset and Dorset railway line in Broadstone and Bridleway 1 Roman Road and explore evidence supporting a claim for a Bridleway.  Assess legality and feasibility of previous proposal for the reclassification of the Castleman Trailway as a Bridleway to permit riders to safely reach Oakley Hill, Upton and Broadstone.  Assess legality and feasibility of previous proposal to reclassify the Bourne Valley greenway to allow horse access where possible as the route was originally proposed by the British Horse Society.  Explore links between BR23 on Canford Heath and Castleman Trailway and Delph Woods. These proposals will be pursued when funding becomes available, or when development opportunities arise. They will be prioritised by public demand.

General Aspirational Proposals for all Riders:  Provide strategic routes running east/west and north/south. Emphasise full integration with existing long distance routes such as the National Cycle Network, Wessex Ridgeway, Stour Valley Way, European Long Distance Path E9 and the Dorset Public Rights of Way network.  Provide access to Merley from Upton, Broadstone and Corfe Mullen Bourne Valley Greenway.  Provide circular routes around Canford Heath, Talbot Heath and at other locations where possible.

29

Improving Promotional Information about the Public Rights of Way: 5.44 Apart from the physical measures necessary to improve the Rights of Way, one of the biggest inhibitors to its use is the lack of available information about the paths. The following initiatives will therefore be pursued to improve promotion. 5.45 Literature and maps are part of the promotion strategy, but these would be more effectively implemented by working closely with colleagues to disseminate this information, and use it to back new workplace and school travel plans.

Production and Promotion of Route Maps and Leaflets 5.46 A conurbation wide cycling map has been produced which has proved successful and popular in informing residents and visitors of cycle routes throughout the Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch area. The map is due to be updated. A walking map for Poole has been produced which has also been successful and popular. Bournemouth has yet to produce a consolidated singular walking map; this should be considered. 5.47 A review of the naming and annotation conventions for key routes should happen to encourage ease of use, referencing the system of clearly identifiable symbols to help identify differing routes such as those used for the Bourne Valley Greenway. 5.48 Maps will provide clear information such as the location of viewpoints, special interest sites, picnic areas, parking areas, cycle parking, toilets, baby changing facilities and available transport links. A popular option might be to highlight circular routes as this is of interest to many recreational users. It will be particularly beneficial to indicate the degree of difficulty of the various routes for people with varying disabilities or mobility problems. Any information that will help to encourage use should be considered. 5.49 Leaflets and maps will be made available in a variety of places such as leisure centres, libraries, GP surgeries, supermarkets and schools where people are more likely to access the information. Local access and community groups can also be used as a medium through which to communicate with the wider user base. Employers could also disseminate literature to encourage active commuting. Outdoor pursuits shops might also be a point of contact with encouraging new users. 5.50 Making maps available is only one small part of what is required to encourage more use of the walking and cycling paths, and more active travel behaviour. The “point of sale” must be considered. Maps must be displayed in an eye-catching way that commands visual attention so those who are not already familiar with the existence of the maps will find out about them. 5.51 Additionally, a more cost effective solution will be the use of existing publicly available electronic mapping systems to be accessed by smartphone. This could be promoted with a cost-effective advertising campaign on websites and in Tourist Information offices etc.

Promotion on Websites

30

5.52 Rights of Way information on the Councils’ websites will be reviewed to make it more intuitive, useful, attractive, concise and easy to find. The websites will promoted routes and incorporate the Definitive Map for the public to view. This will provide clarity to landowners, developers, users and the like to minimise dispute and confusion. Furthermore, the inclusion of maps and plans can also be used to help market the local Public Rights of Way for tourism purposes. 5.53 Poole intends to make the electronic mapping facility iMap available to the public, and this will display all Public Rights of Way across Poole and Bournemouth. The paths will be annotated to show path names. 5.54 The general public use many different mapping websites to find out information about available walking, cycling and horse riding routes. These websites include Google Maps, Open Streetmap, CycleStreets.net, and Dorset Explorer, amongst others. Where possible, it is essential to ensure that these resources are kept up to date with accurate information. 5.55 Using new 360° video technology, video surveys of paths could be used to create an easily accessible full visual record of the most popular paths so that they can be seen in advance by path users when planning journeys.

Magazine, Newspaper and e-News Articles 5.56 Various partners regularly publish magazines and this provides the opportunity to promote Public Rights of Way and to give advice and guidance for their use. Typically, Bournemouth Council publishes ‘BH Life’ and Poole provides the ‘Email me’ electronic newsletter service for local people.

Funding for improvements 5.57 The greatest barriers to the implementation of the improvements will be the lack of available funding and resources. Limited funds are available through the Councils’ ‘revenue’ budgets which traditionally are only sufficient to cover maintenance activities. 5.58 The Local Transport Plans provide ‘capital’ funding for Councils which can be used for improvements to the paths. However, to achieve many of the aspirations within this plan it will be necessary to maximise opportunities for other funding, joint working with partners, linking into other strategies and capitalising upon new developments. The following examples indicate how improvements may be realised:  Working with voluntary groups to undertake path audits;  Working with volunteers such as ‘Business in the Community’ to carry out path improvements;  Securing development contributions through Section 106 and CIL monies;  Pursuing various grant opportunities;  Utilising Heathland Mitigation monies;  Accessing monies from the Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund;  Linking into works being undertaken for other funded initiatives, such as school strategies, or green spaces strategies.  Securing additions to the paths as part of large housing or building developments.

31

Assessment of the Definitive Map and Statement

6.1 Bournemouth Borough Council and Borough of Poole both have a statutory duty to maintain a Definitive Map and Definitive Statement of Public Rights of Way. These duties require that the Map and Statement are kept under continual review and are published. 6.2 The Poole Definitive Map is substantially incomplete due to there being a formerly ‘Excluded Area’ in place. This area was omitted from the original Public Rights of Way survey after 1949, and subsequent legislation has required that all areas now have a complete legal record of all Public Rights of Way. The Ramblers Association and Rotary Club of Poole Bay have voluntarily provided survey data for the entire area. Work is now underway to record all missing paths. This is a substantial task that will likely draw a significant amount of time and resources from the Rights of Way team, as there are anticipated to be several hundred possible unrecorded routes in total. The timetable for the completion of this work is at Appendix A. 6.3 The Definitive Map for Poole is currently at a scale of 1:25000, whereas that for Bournemouth is at 1:10600 (6” to a mile). These maps are currently paper copies with Poole’s map being dated 1989 and Bournemouth’s 1972. However, both Councils have an updated electronic working copy on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 6.4 Some authorities have declared their electronic record as the official Definitive Map. Bournemouth and Poole will review the legality of maintaining an electronic Definitive Map and Statement and if feasible, pursue the publication of the new Definitive Maps on their websites. This will make viewing the Definitive Map and Statement much easier to the public and professionals, but will also make the authorities’ duty of continuous review more streamlined, understandable and transparent. 6.5 The Bournemouth and Poole Definitive Statements currently have minimal detail and require review to clarify issues such as the width of the route. The Ramblers have provided much more detailed information for the new Definitive Statements which will be used in the update. 6.6 The public have a right to apply to record unrecorded rights, changes to status and other changes to the Definitive Map based upon user or documentary evidence. 6.7 The Ramblers Association provided a comprehensive survey of walked routes through Poole and Bournemouth which they believe may be public and which are not recorded on the Definitive Map. The routes are currently being assessed for whether rights have been acquired through deemed dedication by statute.

32

6.8 Both the Poole and Bournemouth Definitive Maps have many misalignments due to having been inaccurately drafted, or due to diversions not having been completed. These inaccuracies will be identified and corrected during the period of the Improvement Plan. 6.9 From the assessment of the Definitive Map and Statement for both Bournemouth and Poole the following actions have been identified:  Review the Definitive Maps for both Boroughs to produce sealed and online legal records.  Modify the Definitive Map and Statement for the previously unrecorded area of Poole.  Review the Definitive Statements and modify them to record important information such as the width of paths. Use higher resolution of grid references to ensure accuracy.  Review reported under-recorded routes with unchallenged public access of historic records.  Rectify alignment anomalies.  Undertake a review to improve the connectivity of the Public Rights of Way, identify gaps and identify opportunities where developments may likely procure additional links. These links should be listed and registered on the GIS system for both authorities to ensure that when development occurs, the opportunity for additional links is promptly addressed.  Review backlog of Definitive Map Modification Orders in Poole. 6.10 The Map and Statement are available for public inspection during normal working hours in Council offices, and copies of any part of the legal record are available over email by request. Both Councils provide some rights of way information on the web in map form. The web version is not currently a legal record or guaranteed to be up to date. 6.11 All legal changes to the Definitive Map and Statement are notified to the Ordnance Survey. 6.12 Encroachments onto Public Rights of Way must be enforced against under the Councils’ duty to protect all recorded routes. This duty can only be successfully accomplished through enforcement that is backed by quality evidence. A high quality, detailed Definitive Map and Statement must be able to be relied upon to fulfil this purpose.

33

7.1 Based upon the research that has been carried out for the ROWIP, a proposed ‘Statement of Priorities’ has been drawn up to identify the improvement processes that are made to the Public Rights of Way.

7.2 The implementation of the Statement of Priorities will be carried out via the everyday work of the Public Rights of Way team, however identified infrastructure improvements will rely on Local Transport Plan 3 derived capital funding. These works are listed in a rolling 3-year schedule called the Capital Programme, which are individually budgeted for.

7.3 The following Statement of Priorities is produced as a guide for what the Councils and their partners seek to achieve over the next 9 years although some priorities, like maintenance, are processes that do not have an end.

7.4 The priorities associated with these processes may change over time due to the constantly changing situation of staff resources, funding, and the implications of the Local Government Reorganisation which will require an appraisal of the needs of Public Rights of Way in Christchurch. This part of the Improvement Plan will therefore be updated following the reorganisation.

Monitoring Performance

7.5 It is expected that the National Highways and Transport Public Satisfaction Survey will continue to be taken regularly. The results from this survey will enable both authorities to gauge the impact of any improvements.

7.6 The Dorset Local Access Forum is invited to monitor and review the progress made on the ROWIP on a continuous basis.

7.7 Key stakeholders will be regularly consulted for their opinion on priorities, new concerns and opportunities that may arise during the running period of the improvement plan.

Prioritisation Key:

A = Immediate Priorities B = Short Term/Ongoing & Currently Active Improvements C = Long Term Improvements/Aspirations

34

Ref. Action Priority Delivered by Key Partners

1 Produce consolidated electronic Definitive Maps and Statements incorporating A 2021 BBC, BoP, RA, OSS all legal changes for both authorities.

2 Review website resources and update where required B 2018 BBC, BoP

3 Complete the Public Rights of Way survey within the former ‘excluded area’ of A 2021 BoP, RA, OSS Poole, make orders and modify the Definitive Map.

4 Conduct a comprehensive review to identify unrecorded Public Rights of Way A 2021 BoP, RA, OSS, BHS within other areas of Poole, make Orders and modify the Definitive Map

5 Conduct a comprehensive review to identify unrecorded Public Rights of Way A Completed BBC with Leisure and within areas of Bournemouth, make orders and modify the Definitive Map. Parks, RA, OSS, BHS

6 Review Definitive Maps for path alignment anomalies and rectify these through B 2023 BBC, BoP, RA Order making.

35

Ref. Action Priority Delivered by Key Partners

7 Review the condition of recorded Public Rights of Way and implement a A ongoing BoP and BBC Highways programme of prioritised repairs and improvements and to ensure the paths Maintenance Teams, Parks comply with the provisions of the Equality Act. and Leisure, Volunteer Groups, RA

8 Develop methods of reducing illegal motor vehicle use on the Public Rights of C 2026 BBC, BoP, Dorset Police, Way. Urban Heaths Partnership

9 Produce walking map for both authorities. B 2019

10 Update internal and external electronic records. B 2020 BBC, BoP

11 Review Public Rights of Way and cycle track signage and implement a A PRoW BBC, BoP programme of signpost installation including enhanced signage for key routes. signage complete

Strategic signs 2022

36

Ref. Action Priority Delivered by Key Partners

12 Provide information and notice boards on key routes. C 2022

13 Implement minor path-specific improvements identified by walkers, horse A/B Ongoing BBC and BoP, RA, riders and cyclists. BHS, CTC

14 Undertake a comprehensive accessibility audit of Public Rights of Way and C 2026 BBC, BoP, Urban open spaces to identify key routes and access improvements for people with Heaths Partnership, mobility difficulties. Dorset CC, Parks, Leisure, Highways, disability groups.

15 Implement improvements from accessibility audit to enable key routes to B 2026 BBC and BoP, RA, comply with disabled access standards. Local disability groups, Parks, Leisure and Highways, volunteers

37

Ref. Action Priority Delivered by Key Partners

16 Review the connectivity of the Public Rights of Way across the conurbation and B 2025 BoP, BBC, various create a database of where paths could be created. Integrate this into planning partners systems to ensure that new development is reviewed for suitability of establishing new links.

17 Where there is an identified need to improve and extend the walking paths seek C Ongoing BBC and BoP Rights of to create new PROW footpaths (including specific improvements identified in Way, Walking and Section 7 of this ROWIP). Cycling Officers.

18 Where there is an identified need to improve and extend the cycle paths seek to C Ongoing BBC and BoP Rights of upgrade footpaths to bridleway status and/or create new bridleways or cycle Way Walking and track orders (including specific improvements in Section 7 of this ROWIP). Cycling Officers, CTC, DCN

38

Ref. Action Priority Delivered by Key Partners

19 Where there is an identified need to improve and extend the horse-riding paths C Ongoing BBC and BoP seek to upgrade footpaths to bridleway status and/or create new bridleways Rights of Way (including specific improvements identified in Section 7 of this ROWIP) Walking and Cycling Officers, CTC, DCN

20 Review the provision of lighting on Public Rights of Way and where inadequate C 2026 BBC, BoP provide lighting especially in priority areas

21 Resurvey Public Rights of Way and modify the Definitive Statement to record C 2026 BBC, BoP widths and other relevant details. Explore use of 360° camera to perform video survey of all key routes, make videos available on website.

39

Appendices

Appendix A: Schedule for Mapping of the Former Excluded Area Appendix B: Linking into Wider Strategies

40

Appendix A: Schedule for the Mapping of the Former Excluded Area in Poole

41

Appendix B: Linking into Wider Strategies

In developing the ROWIP it is important to take into account the aims and objectives of other wider strategies and policies. Typically, these include those produced by government departments, statutory bodies, internal council departments and external partners. Below is a summary of the key policies and strategies that will benefit from an effective ROWIP.

White Paper - The Natural Choice, securing the value of nature.

The Natural Choice White Paper encapsulates the vision for making ecological thinking central to England’s future development. The institutional framework for delivering this vision is centred on Local Nature Partnerships, which raise awareness of green opportunities across authority boundaries, Nature Improvement Areas, which enhance and reconnect nature across 12 designated areas in England, and the reform of the planning system, so that green design can be incorporated wherever possible; also allowing for biodiversity offsets.

The White Paper further outlines how Rights of Way are an asset to achieving this naturalist vision, and the consultation and advisory procedure culminating in the Deregulation Act 2015 has lead the way to ‘connecting by improving access to coast and countryside’.

Bournemouth Town Centre Area Action Plan (AAP)

Public realm: The public realm is made up of the beach, green spaces, including the gardens and hard landscaped public spaces such as the Square and Pier approach as well as the streets that connect them. Some parts of the public realm, particularly our green spaces, are high quality. However, many of our streets are uninspiring and functional.

1.12.6: Focussing new homes in the Town Centre also helps to support the economy. More people living in the Town Centre would provide an enlarged customer base for local businesses and help to boost trade. It would also give more people the opportunity to walk or cycle to work. This has a range of benefits including helping to reduce traffic congestion making the transport network more efficient and would be cost effective for workers.

1.12.18: Walking and cycling can be encouraged by making improvements to the public realm so that the experience of travelling particularly on foot or by bicycle is more enjoyable, safer, and perceived distances between places are reduced. This perception of distance could also be altered by including information on signs about walking or cycling times. Good signage can also be used to enable drivers to reach car parks or other destinations efficiently, reduce unnecessary driving around, use of fuel and pollution.

1.12.20: Where new buildings are needed good design can raise environmental standards by including sustainable methods of construction and materials, incorporate energy conservation and generation and make efficient use of water by recycling and allowing rain water to mimic natural processes as closely as possible to minimise flood risk. Encouraging tall buildings where they are appropriate in central locations that are easy to reach by public transport, walking and cycling can also have environmental benefits.

1.12.21: A good physical environment is also needed to contribute to environmental

42

sustainability. It can encourage people to walk and cycle which reduces carbon dioxide emissions and also has a positive affect on health, both mentally by fostering a sense of well being and physically by encouraging activity.

Objective 5: Ensure the Town Centre is a sustainable and accessible place that provides a more positive experience for pedestrians, disabled people, cyclists and public transport users.

4.2.5: It has long been recognised that the travel interchange presents a poor welcome to Bournemouth. Similarly, the links between this area and the rest of the Town Centre are poor, particularly for walking and cycling.

Policy T2: Walking and cycling

The Council will work with its partners, stakeholders and developers to promote walking and cycling by:  Reducing severance caused by wide/busy roads  Providing cycle lanes along key routes around the town centre and  Increasing the number of pedestrian focused routes

Bournemouth Core Strategy

The Bournemouth Local Plan: Core Strategy is the apex planning document for Bournemouth. The Core Strategy and associated Development Plan Documents supersede the Bournemouth District Wide Local Plan (2002) to become the overarching policy framework for the Borough. The Bournemouth Plan will cover the period 2006 until 2026. The Bournemouth Core Strategy provides the spatial strategy for the Borough.

Objective 4: Enable and encourage an integrated, accessible, sustainable and well used public transport system and increase opportunities to walk and cycle. Ensure that employment, leisure and community facilities are easily accessible by a choice of transport methods.

2.2.10: Natural Environment, Sport, Recreation and Green Infrastructure: A network of high quality green infrastructure will link across the town to encourage the use of public open space.

4.1.20: Creating vibrant active centres encourages participation and interaction from a broader section of society. Management of public spaces, buildings and the spaces around them equally contribute to reducing the fear of crime and tackles anti-social behaviour.

Policy CS 14

Delivering Transport Infrastructure

The Council will require new development to be served by adequate transport infrastructure and will ensure that impacts on the existing transport network are mitigated. This shall include requirements for developers to:

Contribute towards improvements to the existing transport infrastructure that are deemed to directly relate to, and mitigate against the impacts of, new development;

43

Fund the necessary transport infrastructure and mitigation measures required for the development of their particular site, including high quality, attractive links to walking, cycling and public transport networks; and

Make financial contributions towards existing transport contribution schemes or when introduced a Community Infrastructure Levy, when appropriate, to provide for transport infrastructure identified as necessary to support planned growth and to mitigate the proportionate cumulative impact of additional trips generated by their development on the wider transport network.

Policy CS 17

Increasing Opportunities for Cycling and Walking

All new developments will provide adequate cycle storage in accordance with the Council's adopted standards. New development will be well integrated with, and will not compromise, any existing or proposed cycling and walking network.

In preparing a development proposal, the onus will be on developers to set out clearly how the proposed development(s) will help achieve the Core Strategy's strategic objective of facilitating and increasing levels of walking and cycling in the Borough.

The Council, working with other partners and developers, will promote walking and cycling through:

Linking homes and travel destinations and integrating public transport, pedestrian and cycle routes to encourage permeability between areas on travel routes and promote sustainable multi-modal trips; Developing the Borough‘s sustainable travel network to make it more attractive and encourage walking and cycling for all types of trip. In addition, cycling and walking linkages will be made with areas of green infrastructure; Working with employers to develop travel plans and policies to assist in the aim of reducing car use for work purposes and in promoting travel to work by more sustainable travel modes, particularly walking and cycling; and Focusing most development within and in close proximity of the town centre and district centres and key public transport routes.

Policy CS 30

Promoting Green Infrastructure

The Council, through its own strategies and work programmes, and working with developers and other partners, will provide for a well-connected and distributed multi-functional green infrastructure network, identifying the Borough as an urban greening zone and the coastal strip as a coastal enhancement zone, that:

Retains and enhances Bournemouth‘s attractiveness as a tourist destination and as a location for economic investment; Assists in the mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change; Assists with flood and surface water attenuation; Improves sustainable access through improved walking and cycling routes to key destinations, the coast and open spaces; Connects and enriches biodiversity and wildlife habitats;

44

Promotes a healthy population through environmental enhancements, and increased access to open space, formal and informal recreation and sport opportunities; Enhances the townscape, landscape, historical and cultural identity of the Borough; Offers residents the opportunity to grow their own food through allotment and community garden provision; Enhances the coastal strip including the beach, chines, cliffs, cliff top and Christchurch Harbour; and Links to and complements sub-regional green infrastructure provision.

Policy CS 36

Stour Valley Project

The Stour Valley has the potential to act as a sub-regionally significant recreation and habitat resource. The Council and partners will promote sustainable public access and implement a management plan that considers the following:

Sustainable access from the urban area, to a continuous walking, cycling and bridleway route through the valley, including links to the north of the River Stour; Gateway points in the valley offering education, interpretation and other public facilities; A demonstration farm and visitor centre at Hick‘s Farm, Muscliffe; Habitat restoration including floodplain grazing marsh, reed beds, wet woodland and in-stream corridor habitats; Opportunities for flood water attenuation and storage; and Creating a valley landscape that performs the function of a ‘Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace’ (SANG).

Poole Core Strategy

The Core Strategy leads Poole's Local Plan Documents and provides the overarching policy framework for development in Poole, as well as the context for other Development Plan Documents, such as The Site Specific Allocations Development Management Policies DPD and Delivering Poole’s Infrastructure DPD.

The Core Strategy aims that will be assisted in being achieved by the improvement of the Public Rights of Way network will be:

Strategic Objective 4:

The Spatial Strategy places a significant emphasis upon the Town Centre and other accessible locations in accommodating new development over the next 20 years. This will help to reduce the need to travel by car but the strategy will also require careful management of traffic growth and investment in alternatives to the car. Key local centres and other suitable locations on main routes within the Bournemouth and Poole (A35) Corridor will accommodate higher density new development, and other

45

prime transport corridors which have high frequency bus services will also be suitable. The roadspace along these corridors will be managed to improve the efficiency of public transport, promote walking and cycling and minimise adverse impacts of traffic.

There will be continued commitment to developing an integrated approach to spatial planning and transport strategies across South East Dorset. Transport priorities will include managing the road space and traffic growth, supporting improvements to the frequency and reliability of bus services, improvements to “local” rail services, and complementary parking strategies, including the extension of controlled parking zones. There will also be a need to plan, prioritise and deliver infrastructure in accordance with the South East Dorset Multi-Modal Transport Study (SEDMMTS) and Local Transport Plan priorities in order to manage traffic growth and protect and maintained the function and capacity of the A31.

Key Outcomes:

 Reduced proportion of single occupancy trips by car  More homes and facilities in accessible places  Communities which are self-sufficient in terms of functions and facilities  Reduced community severance / overcoming physical barriers within communities  Improved heath and safer places  Improving air quality  More reliable bus journey times and improved public satisfaction

PCS 15 – Access and Movement:

Access and movement will be planned for and managed positively to support the creation of sustainable communities. The strategy for achieving this is to: i. direct new development to highly accessible locations which are capable of meeting a range of local needs and will help to reduce the need to travel, principally the Town Centre and key locations on suitable Prime Transport Corridors; ii. support continued improvements in public transport services, principally buses but also cross-conurbation rail, services, as a means of reducing the proportion of journeys made by single-occupancy cars; iii. manage the road space along Prime Transport Corridors in order to improve the quality, reliability, safety and attractiveness of alternatives to the private car, in particular walking, cycling and public transport; iv. secure delivery of the second lifting bridge and associated infrastructure in the Regeneration Area; v. address the adverse impact of traffic upon communities through environmental enhancements (including tree planting) and improved provision for pedestrians and cyclists; vi. work jointly with neighbouring authorities and transport operators, other partners and, where required, with regional and national partners, to continue the development of a consistent and integrated approach to spatial planning and transport strategies across South East Dorset;

46

vii. ensure new development supports the principles of sustainable access and movement, including the needs of people with restricted mobility; and viii. ensure new development or transport initiatives do not have a significant adverse effect upon the integrity of the Dorset Heathlands SPA and Ramsar sites, Dorset Heaths SCA or Poole Harbour SPA/Ramsar sites.

The Council, in partnership with neighbouring authorities, the Regional Development Agency, the Regional Assembly, Government Office for the South West and Highways Agency, will develop a transport strategy (via the South East Dorset Multi Modal Transport Study) to plan and prioritise the delivery of transport infrastructure schemes across the sub-region in a manner which is appropriately sequenced with development, and which ensures that the necessary certainty over their timely delivery is provided. Where the transport strategy identifies schemes on the local or Strategic Highway Networks (including the A31) which are needed to enable future development to take place, proposals will be permitted only where they enable the implementation of such schemes in accordance with the model’s delivery programme.

Poole Local Plan

Policy PP34

A safe, connected and accessible transport network

1) New Development

Proposals for new development will be required to:

a) Maximise the use of sustainable forms of travel; c) Contribute positively to the retention and creation of: i) attractive, safe and accessible places; and ii) the provision of safe, convenient pedestrian and cyclist routes; and d) Improve safety and convenience of travel, including improved access to local services and facilities by foot, cycle and public transport

Bournemouth Seafront Masterplan Project

 New access points from cliffs to prom  Improve access and accessibility onto beach eg steps, slopes and Boardwalks

Bournemouth & Poole NHS Adult Obesity Strategy 2015

This is the 1st joint action plan for tackling adult obesity and overweight.

For transport, this should mean giving greater priority to healthy active lifestyles through the promotion and enabling of walking and cycling including;  signposting of rights of way from metalled road.

47

 Improve walking signage from the bus/rail station into the town  Linking Public Open Space and local natural reserves walking and cycling routes across the borough

Whilst walking is often understated as a mode of transport it’s importance for short, local journeys and it’s benefit to both the environment and personal health has long been recognised with the congested conurbation.

It also highlighted opportunities such as better pedestrian signing, walking maps and greenway projects.

NICE 2012 - PH8 - Physical activity and the environment

The Department of Health (DH) asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE or the Institute) to produce public health guidance on the promotion and creation of physical environments that support increased levels of physical activity. This includes;

 Those involved with campus sites, including hospitals and universities, should ensure different parts of the site are linked by appropriate walking and cycling routes. (Campuses comprise two or more related buildings set together in the grounds of a defined site.)  Ensure new workplaces are linked to walking and cycling networks. Where possible, these links should improve the existing walking and cycling infrastructure by creating new through routes (and not just links to the new facility).  Plan and provide a comprehensive network of routes for walking, cycling and using other modes of transport involving physical activity. These routes should offer everyone (including people whose mobility is impaired) convenient, safe and attractive access to workplaces, homes, schools and other public facilities. (The latter includes shops, play and green areas and social destinations.) They should be built and maintained to a high standard.  Ensure public open spaces and public paths can be reached on foot, by bicycle and using other modes of transport involving physical activity. They should also be accessible by public transport.  Ensure public open spaces and public paths are maintained to a high standard. They should be safe, attractive and welcoming to everyone.

Bournemouth Corporate Plan 2016/2017

The Bournemouth 2026 Vision is: 'To be a town which values and listens to its residents'.

AC3 – Improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities for residents

We recognise the enormous contribution community groups and individual volunteers make to improving health and wellbeing in Bournemouth and we will continue to build solutions that use and develop this asset. We also recognise that the Council has a strong role to play in improving the health and wellbeing of residents through its focus on ensuring a vibrant town, underpinned by economic and physical regeneration. This includes real opportunities to help people become more active, through development of high quality public space, and as a provider of key services like housing, education and care.

AC5 – Working with others to ensure people are safe and feel safe

48

We will work in partnership with other agencies to ensure that people are safe, and feel safe, in and around their homes. We will continue to work in partnership with communities, the police and other agencies to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour across the Town.

AC5d – Increase the percentage of people who feel safe when outside in their local area after dark.

2016/2017 Target: 54%

AC5e – Increase the percentage of people who feel safe when outside in their local area during the day.

2016/2017 Target: 89%

IE3 – Promoting sustainable travel

The Council’s ongoing commitment to encourage greater use of sustainable modes of transport (i.e. public transport, walking, cycling, and electric cars [supported by six rapid electric charging points]) will seek to enhance the range of suitable alternatives to regular car use and encourage people to change their travel habits, particularly for shorter distance journeys made on a regular basis. Travelling across the Town and the wider conurbations will be easier, safer and less harmful on the environment.

Outcome targets:

IE3c - Increase the number of cycling trips at selected monitoring sites.

2016/17 Target: 4733 cycling trips.

IE5 – Protecting Bournemouth’s parks and natural open spaces

We will continue to protect and enhance our unique and beautiful natural environment which we recognise as being one of the key reasons that people come to live in, work in and visit Bournemouth. We will get the best out of our open spaces, whilst protecting them from the effects of development and other environmental factors. Raising the profile and quality of these spaces is a key element in promoting the Town.

Outcome targets:

IE5bi - Reduce CO2 emissions from the Town from 5.7 tonnes per person in 2005 to 4 tonnes per person in 2020.

2016/17 Target: 4.33 tonnes per head of population

IE5c – Increase the percentage of residents who have used the parks and open spaces public services provided or supported by the Council at least once a month.

2016/17 Target: 78% in 2017/2018

IE5d – Increase the percentage of residents who are satisfied with parks and open spaces.

2016/17 Target: 82% in 2017/2018

TE1 – Improving Bournemouth’s evening and night-time economy

TE5 – Investing in our tourism economy

49

LTP - Accessibility Strategy (Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole)

AS4 – Embed accessibility issues in the planning process

The Councils will join up policies on land use planning and accessibility, it is envisaged that all new development will be accessible by a range of different modes of transport. This is already being done through the preparation of Local Development Frameworks, but it will continue to be strengthened by seeking to:

 Encourage sustainable patterns of development in locations well served by a range of facilities easily accessible by bicycle, public transport and walking  Work with developers to secure layouts of new development that encourage accessibility  Ensure that new development is well integrated with, and does not compromise, the existing cycle route and rights of way network  Make appropriate use of planning obligations to secure the provision of necessary and relevant cycle, walking and public transport facilities within the site and to/from strategic destinations

AS9 – Promote cycling and walking

We will support people to meet their accessibility needs by encouraging people to walk for journeys less than 2kn and to cycle for journeys less than 5km by:

 Targeting walking and cycling improvements for short trips i.e. within urban areas and linking villages  Implementing walking and cycling routes that link key centres of employment, education and health with nearby residential areas  Promoting and facilitating walking and cycling as part of longer distance public transport journeys, particularly for rail journeys from the market towns  Support the implementation of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) and a joint team for the conurbation.

Reduce Carbon Emissions

 Improving Dorset’s extensive rights of way network to encourage active travel to improve access

Better Safety, Security & Health

 Improving Dorset’s extensive rights of way network to encourage active travel to improve access

LTP - Health Strategy (Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole)

The benefits of regular physical activity to health, longevity, well being and protection from serious illness have long been established. They easily surpass the effectiveness of any drugs or other medical treatment. The challenge for everyone, young and old alike, is to build these benefits into their daily lives.

50

To help improve quality of life for communities in South East Dorset, by providing “green lungs‟ and access to nature as well as opportunities for active and passive recreation particularly in socially deprived areas.

Rights of Way Improvement Plans (RoWIPs) aim to update and develop an efficient and effective Rights of Way Network so that it provides not only recreational and sporting benefits but also support for many other policy objectives including: public health, environmental quality, cultural identity, community vitality, sustainable transport, green tourism, social inclusion, land management – agriculture, forestry & environmental conservation, planning and development, the economy and overall quality of life. RoWIPs are intended to be the prime means by which local highway authorities identify the changes to be made, in terms of the management of, and improvements, to their local rights of way network. This enables them to meet the government’s aim for a better provision for walkers, cyclists, equestrians and people with mobility difficulties.

The Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Total Place Pilot is a multi-agency report that focuses on services and support for elderly people. The task of the pilot was to “secure better services and outcomes for older people at lower cost through a focus on place, greater collaboration between agencies and greater involvement of customers/citizens”. Part of the pilot project looks at providing physical activity opportunities for older people as part of primary prevention measures which promote wellbeing.

Policy HEA1: Create a safe, enjoyable, attractive physical environment for cyclists and pedestrians

 Conduct street audits in the main streets of our town centres. People will not walk if the street is ugly, noisy, dirty, unsafe, boring or full of barriers to easy movement. Street audits can help to identify impediments that will discourage walking and contribute to improvement plans. Provide pleasant and safe pedestrian access on busy streets and across barriers such as major roads or railways.  Ensure all cycling and walking infrastructure including bridges, Public Rights of Way, adopted highway - footpaths (footpath and cycling network), cycle storage, seating, etc. is maintained to a high standard.

Policy HEA5: Join up publicity and marketing for active travel with the NHS and Leisure services

 Promote the existing Public Rights of Way network in and around schools and encourage people to explore the routes.

Policy HEA7: Integrate cycling and walking with public transport

 Publicise the Public Rights of Way network at all suitable locations

Policy HEA10: Maximise funding opportunities for active travel

 Work with planning authorities and development control officers to ensure developer contributions and other sources of funding can be collected for developing cycling and walking infrastructure.

Policy HEA11: Promote initiatives that ensure people have to make a mode choice

 Publicise walking, cycling and public transport options at all suitable locations

51

Bournemouth Sustainable Travel to School Strategy 2011

Improvements to our Rights of Way and adoption of a formal Walking strategy will directly contribute to the STTSS by increasing access to and improved safety of walking routes.

The GIS team in Bournemouth have prepared a layer of Rights of Way footpaths and bridleways together with mapping urban footways (the pavement next to a road) and routes visible through parkland. Passenger Transport now uses this to determine safe walk to school routes for children.

A walking map illustrating walking routes through the Poole Public Rights of Way network has already been produced and has proved popular and useful. There is a further plan to introduce maps for both Bournemouth and Poole detailing Public Rights of Way, access land and the urban footway network.

The Bournemouth and Poole Rights of Way layers have now been included on the GeoWessex Dorset Explorer tool, allowing parents and school children alike easy and immediate access to electronic mapping thereby assisting in the journey planning process.

A signposting programme has started in Bournemouth to sign all 366 rights of way, with destination information being included. This will make it easier for people new to the area to navigate the path network on the ground without a map, and will also assist in the reporting of maintenance or enforcement issues to the Council.

Walking and cycling are zero carbon forms of travel so creating an environment in which people choose to walk, cycle or use public transport instead of the private car will achieve a reduction in carbon emissions. Carbon emissions will also be reduced by improving connections between different modes of transport to make travel seamless. Improving the rights of way network will encourage active travel and have a positive impact on carbon emissions.

Reducing reliance upon carbon fuel based vehicles may also increase air quality close to schools.

Bournemouth Green Space Strategy

The Green Space Strategy outlines options for the future management of Bournemouth’s open spaces, from parks & countryside to allotments, cemeteries, playing fields and verges.

GN3 The Council will develop greenway routes and implement the Bournemouth & Poole Rights of Way Improvement Plan.

GN4 The Council will promote safe and enjoyable walking and cycling opportunities within the Borough.

Bournemouth & Poole NHS Joint strategic needs assessment 2015

Further analysis and narrative following the updated structure and content being published on a rolling basis covering the period 2010-2015, in particular two new in-depth sections on addressing inequalities, general health improvement especially in older people, and reducing the impact of long term conditions.

52

Section 2 - 5.5 Through the Local Transport Plan, a mechanism exists for shifting investment from non- active to active travel modes. This should be vigorously pursued, because higher levels of walking will not only benefit older people, but all ages, and protect against many chronic, highly prevalent diseases. It will also contribute to reducing carbon emissions. These measures are likely to be popular, because in the recent Place Survey of local residents, the quality of pavements, reduction of traffic congestion scored highly as both important to the quality of life, and in need of improvement. (Bournemouth Borough 2009) For older people, top concerns were crime, and (lack of) clean streets. If more car users were persuaded to walk instead, this would deter crime through increased social cohesion (Bursick & Grasmic 1993)

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 requires that Natural England creates a long-distance coastal path around England for the purpose of recreation. Natural England expects to complete work on the England Coast Path in 2020, however the 67km long stretch between Lulworth Cove and Highcliffe is expected to be complete in 2017.

While the Act places the duty of the creation of the path on Natural England, Poole & Bournemouth will have an important role in its implementation and future management.

Healthy Weight for Children and Young People Strategy 2011-2015

For transport, this should mean giving greater priority to healthy active lifestyles through the promotion and enabling of walking and cycling.

53