DOCSLIB.ORG

Consultation Draft of Luton Rights of Way Improvement Plan

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Consultation Draft of Luton Rights of Way Improvement Plan AGENDA ITEM AREA COMMITTEE: SOUTH LUTON DATE: 2ND OCTOBER 2007 SUBJECT: CONSULTATION DRAFT OF LUTON RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN REPORT BY: HEAD OF ENGINEERING & TRANSPORTATION CONTACT OFFICER: KEITH DOVE 01582 547211 IMPLICATIONS: LEGAL 3 COMMUNITY SAFETY EQUALITIES ENVIRONMENT FINANCIAL 3 CONSULTATIONS STAFFING OTHER WARDS AFFECTED: ALL PURPOSE 1. The Government requires the Council to publish a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP) that sets out the current condition and use of Public Rights of Way in and around Luton, and suggests ways in which it could be improved. Government Guidance on the content of a RoWIP indicates that it should cover: • the extent to which rights of way meet the present and likely future needs of the public; • the opportunities rights of way provide for exercise and other forms of open air recreation and for enjoying Luton and its surrounding area; and • how accessible rights of way are to blind or partially sighted people and others with mobility problems. 2. It is necessary as part of this process to conduct a 12-week consultation on the draft RoWIP to assess the priorities of local residents and other interested stakeholders. The results of this consultation will be reviewed and used to inform the development of the final Plan to be published in late 2007. The purpose of this report is therefore to seek the views of this Area Committee on the consultation draft of the Luton RoWIP, a summary of which is appended to this report. RECOMMENDATION(S) 3. That the North Luton Area Committee note the report, and identifies the priorities that should be afforded to each of the actions and any other actions not currently included in the plan REPORT 4. The countryside in and around Luton is one of the town’s prime assets. To the north, east and south of the town, the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has some of the finest scenery in southeast England and is served by many footpaths and bridleways that start at the edge of (and in some cases within) the town. The main exceptions to this are the Upper Lea Valley Walk that runs from the north-west to south-east of the town, and the Icknield Way that runs from Blows Down in the south-west to the north-east of the town. These comprise a mix of public footpaths and bridleways, paths through parks, open spaces and nature conservation areas, and footpaths alongside roads. 5. There are a number of parks, playing fields and other green spaces that are an important resource for the enjoyment of people who live in the town. Some of these attract visitors from further afield such as the Museum at Wardown Park, and the Mossman collection at Stockwood Park. This Plan therefore goes beyond the requirements of a RoWIP, in that it also covers access improvements to Luton’s parks and open spaces as well as rights of way, an approach now recognised by the Government as “Good Practice”. The formal use of these parks, playing fields and other green spaces in the town is also covered by other Council policies. 6. The Council maintains the Public Rights of Way network in Luton, which consists of 7.2 kilometres of public footpath and 5.6 kilometres of public bridleway, and undertakes Annual surveys of their condition. Some footpaths and bridleways have been improved In the last 2-3 years as part of the Luton cycle network and re-designated as adopted highway, for example those that form the Riverside Walk in Limbury. 7. This draft Plan draws on extensive information collected to assess the adequacy of the existing rights of way network in Luton, together with the needs of users and non-users of that network. To investigate the current use of rights of way in Luton, a questionnaire was distributed to 952 local residents on the Citizens’ Panel (a pre-selected random sample of residents which is representative of the population of Luton), with a response rate of 40%. Young people are under-represented in the Citizens Panel, so to overcome this a questionnaire was also distributed to the 1300 people on the Young People’s panel. Results from other surveys on use of Rights of Way and green space were also used, in particular a survey undertaken by the North Chilterns Trust in 2006 at various community centres, where 473 of the 500 people interviewed lived at a Luton postcode. 8. These surveys found that about three quarters of adults and almost all young people use the rights of way network in Luton. However the frequency with which they do so could be higher, and use by certain unrepresented groups such as the unemployed, those without a private vehicle, ethnic minorities, the elderly and people with a disability or mobility aid could also be encouraged. Therefore the general aim of the action plan included within the Luton RoWIP is to: • develop and safeguard a rights of way network which is more accessible for all sectors of society • encourage use among those who currently use paths and parks infrequently or not at all in order to enhance health and well being • make using the rights of way an altogether safer and more pleasant experience. 9. The Council intends to achieve these aims through specific actions set out in the summary of the draft RoWIP appended to this report, based on five broad themes: A better signed, maintained and accessible network for the whole community Improved promotion of rights of way Improved health and well-being of residents Enhanced management of green space and rights of way with updated definitive map Safety and security –lighting, underpasses, code of conduct on multi- user routes 10. The Luton Dunstable Local Transport Plan indicates that in the period 2006/07 to 2010/11, the Councils intend to commit £581,000 of Capital funding to improve rights of way in and around the area. For each of the actions identified under each theme, the action plan identifies those requiring no ( ) or minimal funding, and actions needing higher levels of additional funding. 11. The questionnaire prepared for this consultation therefore seeks the views of residents, users, and other key stakeholders about the importance and priority that should be afforded to each of the actions, and identify any further actions. Consideration of all responses will enable the Council to identify priorities and associated timescales for each of the actions. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 12. There are no financial implications in this report and this has been agreed with the Finance Manager on 16 August 2007. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS 13. There are no legal implications in this report and this has been agreed with Viv Mercer in Legal Services on 5th September 2007. APPENDIX 14. Appendix – Summary of Plan (enclosed separately for Members) Copies will be available at the meeting. LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972, SECTION 100D There are no background papers relating to this report. .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Housing Requirements, and to Meet the Identified Housing Needs of Its Residents
    6 SOCIAL MATTERS T DRAF Luton Local Plan 2001 - 2011 47 SOCIAL OBJECTIVES 6.1 Luton is expected to contribute to county-wide and regional housing requirements, and to meet the identified housing needs of its residents. However, Luton has difficulty in realising this expectation as scope for further residential development is severely restricted because the town is already built up to its boundaries. The main opportunities for new residential development arise as a result of the reuse of vacant or underused employment or commercial land, and the intensification of existing residential areas, mostly through conversions to flats, and development of ‘backland’ sites. 6.2 The provision of adequate community facilities, together with green space and leisure uses, is important to the quality of life for the residents of Luton and is a major land use issue. Luton is generally deficient in green space, with particular shortages in some inner areas, such as Bury Park. Development pressures in such a tightly constrained built up area have to be balanced against the need to protect green spaces and other community facilities. T 6.3 Thus the social objectives of the Plan are: Housing G Meeting local housing needs, including the need for affordable housing Leisure and DRAFCommunity Facilities G Making adequate and appropriate provision for sport, leisure, community development and green space to meet local community needs 6.4 The following chapters on housing and leisure and community facilities seek to deliver these objectives, through policies intended to satisfy both Government guidance and local concerns. 48 Luton Local Plan 2001 - 2011 HOUSING Introduction 6.8 There is a limited scope in Luton for new housing due to a lack of available developable land.
    [Show full text]
  • Whats New for 2007
    What’s New for 2008 Discover what’s new in the East of England for 2008 - attractions, facilities, special anniversaries and accommodation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bedfordshire Bedford Museum and Cecil Higgins Art Gallery www.bedfordmuseum.org Castle Lane, Bedford Two historic buildings in the complex - which forms Bedford Museum and the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery are to be refurbished thanks to a £2.5 million award by the Department for Communities and Local Government. This will bring the ‘Bedford Gallery’ and ‘Hexagon’ building back into public use as part of the overall museum facilities. Additional spaces for exhibitions and corporate hospitality will be created, and storage conditions for the collections of the art gallery and museum will be approved. The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery is now closed, and is due to re-open in 2009. Further information: +44 (0)1234 353323. Bedford River Festival – 12 and 13 July 2008 www.bedfordevents.co.uk One of the biggest free festivals in the UK, held on the banks of the River Great Ouse. Dragonboat and raft races, carnival parade, live entertainment, sports, music, fireworks, fun fair, trade and charity stands. The 2006 festival saw audiences of over 300,000. 2008 will be the 30th anniversary of the event – with special activities planned. Further information: +44 (0)1234 227392. Bodyflight www.bodyflight.co.uk Twinwoods Business Park, Twinwoods Road, Clapham (nr. Bedford) This indoor skydiving simulator will be opening a range of extra leisure facilities in March 2008, including a sauna, steam room and swimming pool. Further information: +44 (0)845 200 2960. Hilton Garden Inn (Luton North) www.stayhgi.com Butterfield, Hitchin Road, Luton Scheduled to open in April 2008, the Hilton Garden Inn will feature 157 modern bedrooms, each with complimentary internet access, air conditioning and high definition televisions.
    [Show full text]
  • Rural Crafts & Trades Today
    a report for the Museum of English Rural Life at the University of Reading Rural Crafts & Trades Today An assessment of preservation and presentation in museums and archives Compiled by David Viner Part Two - The Directory Grundisburgh Smithy, Museum of E.Anglian Life, Stowmarket DAVID VINER Understanding, preserving and presenting the historic environment 8 Tower Street CIRENCESTER Glos GL7 1EF Phone & Fax 01285 651513 & E: [email protected] December 2007 The Directory of Rural Crafts and Trades Collections Rural Crafts & Trades Today An assessment of preservation and presentation in museums and archives Part Two: The Directory This section forms Appendix Three of the main report, but is bound separately here as a Part Two for convenience of reference and handling. Similarly, Appendix Eight, A Rural Crafts & Trades Bibliography, is separately bound as a Part Three. The Directory presents a summary for each museum of the information gathered from various sources during this project, following the methodology summarised in the main report. The Questionnaire & Survey form as used is shown as Appendix One and the list of consultations, site visits etc is shown in detail in Appendix Two. Coding summaries are as follows: Responses to the Questionnaire &Survey/Summary are Π response received and incorporated in The Directory x museum circulated but no response received --- museum not circulated with Q & Survey form MY07 entry in Museums & Galleries Yearbook 2007 Museums are listed alphabetically according to the order adopted in this publication. Similarly, the Registration entry is followed and no account is taken of the subsequent Accreditation scheme for museums and galleries.
    [Show full text]
  • AIA News 137 Summer 2006
    INDUSTRIAL ARCHAE SUMMER 2 ()()6 THE BULLETIN OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY FREE TO MEMBERS OF AIA h rll til iiu r I rit I 1'. I*HE T n t rrt I ItH J-*--*fr I iltti I I I :. U '*--=- ffi-u--. -rf-{ \..-..^-" _.- -l-tr --\- Belper Mill o AIA Council Report o BAA Awards o Letters o Large river structures Paddington Span Four o Regional News. Publications \lll0'\ , The AIA Council of Management's --..,n General Report for 2005 AIA-j. ._ ,/ir,, This Report the Council theme of 'lndustrial archaeology and industrial ,0, ,ri General of AIA of Management sunmarises the activities of the heritage in National Parks: research, recording INDUSTRIAL Council and the membership for the year ending and conservation'. Dr Mike Nevell gave the Rolt 3l December 2005. Memorial Lecture, entitled 'Recent trends in ARCHAEOLOGY industrial archaeological research'. The essential NEWS Ls7 Barry Hood, Honorary Secretary theme was the need for many industrial archaeologists to move away from the study of Summer ZOOG Normally the Council consists of four elected processes to the wider awareness of the place of officers and nine elected members, but one any particular industry within its social and Honorary President vacancy was unfilled at the AGM so for the rest of landscape environment. Prof Angus Buchanan 1 3 Hensley Road, Bath BA2 2DR the year there were four officers and eight elected ln addition educational field visits had been Chairman members. ln 2005 the Council met twice prior to arranged over the four days after the AGM and Prof Marilyn Palmer the AGM, and one a weekend covered range sites, Morley School ofArchaeology and Ancient History University further time for of a wide of including oi Leicester, Leicester LEl 7RH meetings afterwards.
    [Show full text]
  • Luton Rights of Way Improvement Plan: Luton’S Great Outdoors
    LUTON RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN: LUTON’S GREAT OUTDOORS JULY 2008 Luton is a thriving multi-ethnic town. It is surrounded on three sides Contents by the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, accessed from the fringe of the town by a number of public footpaths and Introduction 1 bridleways. There are a number of excellent parks and green spaces within the town, connected by a network of other paths and How have we produced this plan 2 cycleways. However, the town has a number of deprived areas, and a recent Policy background 4 study has indicated that it has the lowest rates of life expectancy in the East of England. What are the Councils legal duties? 6 The public rights of way network, together with other paths and Use of Luton’s rights of way 8 cycleways in the town therefore forms an important resource for leisure and informal sports, as well as travel to meet our everyday How to encourage more use of Luton’s rights of way 11 needs. Information on the use of the network, on which this Plan is based, was obtained from extensive research of adults and young Action plan and priorities 12 people carried out in Spring 2007. This has highlighted five key themes of Luton’s Rights of Way Theme 1: a better signed, maintained and accessible network for 13 Improvement Plan. The most important being to encourage the whole community greater use of the network are the need for better signed, Theme 2: improved promotion of rights of way 16 maintained and accessible network, and improved safety and security.
    [Show full text]
  • SAHAAS Special Architectural Collection
    SAHAAS Special Architectural Collection In 2016 the Society acquired the two sets of papers that form this Special Collection from the families of the late John Smith and Gerard McSweeney respectively. The Collection relates to the history of the town’s many timber-framed buildings. It forms an important resource especially for researchers investigating the urban development of market towns such as St Albans. Both Smith and McSweeney were members of this Society, John elected an Honorary Member in 2012. Smith managed the extensive 17th century research project undertaken by SAHAAS members from the 1990s. This led to the publication of the acclaimed St Albans 1650-1700: A thoroughfare town and its people. McSweeney was a key member of the research group. Together they worked on a detailed investigation of surviving architectural evidence for the 17th century town. The combination of their work with the more typical documentary study of social history sources was an innovative feature of the project. With a career spent as an investigator with the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England, Smith brought his professional expertise to bear on this work. This Special Architectural Collection contains the fruits of their research. Of particular note are over 50 reports drafted by Smith following visits to many of the remaining secular 17th century buildings. The papers otherwise consist of images, maps and extracts from documentary sources that were used to develop their interpretation. Eventually we intend to add these papers to the Library’s online catalogue. In the meantime the following fairly rough and ready handlist should help researchers identify material of interest.
    [Show full text]
  • Museum News Spring06
    MUSEUMTHE JOURNAL OF NATIONAL HERITAGE G SUMMER 2008 G ISSUE 83 G £3news INSIDE NEWS History at risk listed 1 Lottery cash for collections 2 Luton’s eco-friendly museum 3 Motion to head MLA 3 General Wolfe saved 3 NH PROFILE Nick Dodd 4 Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, 200 years on LOCAL FOCUS Hitchin’s elementary battle 5 Throughout 2009 Ironbridge Gorge Museum in Shropshire, built on the site where Abraham Darby first smelted iron with coke in 1709, will be celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of the Industrial ART FUND PRIZE Revolution. Woking’s wonder 6-7 The first of a series of events marking Darby’s discovery at Coalbrookdale was a public archaeology programme coinciding with National Archaeology Week in July. The major archaeological NH investigation was intended to provide more detailed information about the workings of Darby’s original furnace, now known as the “Old Furnace” (above). On certain days the general public were DEBATE 7 invited to participate in the excavation - in the less sensitive areas of the site, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The results of the excavation will go on show in 2009. MUSEUM IN THE NEWS Our black history 8 English Heritage to MUSEUM OF THE YEAR REVISITED list history at risk The River and Rowing Museum New register latest safeguard for are for buildings. It is to include grade II listed build- (1999) 9 heritage in peril ings, scheduled monuments, archaeology, historic landscapes, parks and gardens, places of worship, English Heritage have launched a new Heritage At conservation areas, battlefields and even designated Risk Register in a bid to safeguard all aspects of the maritime wrecks, deemed to be at risk of loss national patrimony in the same way that buildings through decay or damage.
    [Show full text]
  • Statement of Accounts 2017/18
    STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2017/18 2017/18 01 02 03 04 05 Written Core Financial Notes to the Supplementary Glossary Statements and Statements Accounts Statement and Narrative Report Supporting Notes Chief Finance Officer’s Comprehensive Income General Accounting Housing Revenue Glossary of Terms Narrative Report and Expenditure Policies and Judgements Account (HRA) Page 141 Page 3 Statement Page 46 Statements Page 40 Page 116 Statement of Movement in Reserves Comprehensive Income Housing Revenue Responsibilities for Statement and Expenditure Account (HRA) the Statement Page 41 Statement Supporting Supporting Notes of Accounts Notes Page 118 Page 16 Page 51 Annual Governance Balance Sheet Movement in Reserves Collection Fund Statement Page 42 Statement Supporting Statements Page 17 Notes Page 120 Page 65 Independent Auditor’s Cash Flow Statement Balance Sheet Collection Fund Report Page 44 Statement Supporting Supporting Notes Page 33 Notes Page 121 Page 74 Cash Flow Statement Group Accounts Supporting Notes Statements Page 109 Page 123 Other Supporting Notes Group Accounts Page 111 Supporting Notes Page 123 P a g e | 1 01 Written Statements and Narrative Report Narrative Report Page 3 Statement of Responsibilities for the Statement of Accounts Page 16 Annual Governance Statement Page 17 Independent Auditor’s Report Page 44 CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER’S NARRATIVE REPORT A. BACKGROUND Council Tax per head of population which is both below the national average, and considerably below the level of the council tax elsewhere in Bedfordshire, Local Government continues to face a challenging financial picture, the result of and is working hard to collect as much income as it can so that this can be the EU Referendum result and continued austerity.
    [Show full text]
  • Local Plan 2001 - 2011
    Luton Local Plan 2001 - 2011 Adopted March 2006 Department of Environment and Regeneration FOREWORD This written statement and the accompanying Proposals Map is the statutory local plan for Luton and constitutes part of the development plan for the Borough. It was adopted under Regulation 27 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 on 30th March 2006. The Local Plan is the Council’s land use strategy for the Borough. It sets the pattern and character of future development in the town and provides the basis that the Council will use for the determination of planning applications. The Council expects that land shown on the Proposals Map without a specific designation will be retained in its current use, unless the proposed new use complies with the policies in this Plan. In assessing planning applications, the Council will take into account all of the relevant policies in the Local Plan and any other material considerations before reaching a decision on the merits of the proposed scheme. Hence it will be necessary for applicants to identify, and have regard to, all relevant policies. These may, for example, include design, landscaping and car parking, as well as any specific land use or site-specific policy. The process of preparing the Local Plan involved the publication of an Issues Report, First Deposit Draft and Second Deposit Draft, a Public Inquiry that was chaired by an independent Inspector, and Proposed Modifications made having regard to the Inspector’s recommendations. All stages involved extensive consultation and the Council wishes to thank all those organisations and individuals who took part in any stage of the process.
    [Show full text]
  • Conference and Venue Guide 2014/2015
    Luton Conference and Venue Guide 2014/2015 www.luton.gov.uk/tourism 1 www.luton.gov.uk/tourism Contents Page Contents/Introduction 2 Going Out/Places to Visit 3 Places to Visit 4 Luton Holiday Inn 5 Basepoint Innovation and Business Base 6 Wrest Park Enterprises 7 Holiday Inn Express, Luton Airport 8 Putteridge Bury 9 UK Centre for Carnival Arts 10 Community Centres 11 Community Centres 12 Stockwood DiscoveryCentre/Wardown Park Museum 13 Hat Factory/Luton Library/Luton Library Theatre 14 The Leagrave Centre 15 Ramada Encore 16 Crescent Hall 17 Active Luton Conference and Events 18-19 Travelling to Luton 20 An ideal place for business or pleasure Luton is a bustling and lively place with a strong cosmopolitan feel. It’s a town with its own international airport and good road and rail links to the rest of the UK. With a great choice of entertainment, accommodation, places to eat and drink and attractions Luton is the perfect place to host your event. Luton offers a selection of venues to cater for everyone’s budget and needs with first class facilities and service. Picture supplied by The Hat Factory 2 www.luton.gov.uk/tourism Going out Need to entertain your guests? Why not try Luton’s entertainment with something for everyone? Visit the Galaxy Centre leisure and entertainment China, India, France, Thailand, Greece, Italy and complex based in the town centre offering a wide traditional English cuisine are widely available at a range of facilities including an 11 screen cinema, range of prices. games station, Namco bowling centre, restaurants But if you don’t want the entertainment to stop, and The Whitehouse Lloyds No 1 bar.
    [Show full text]
  • Studio at Little Trees Farm
    Studio at Little Trees Farm Studio at Little Trees Farm Contact Details: Daytime Phone: 0*1+244 305162839405 H*a+rpend0e1n2 H*e+rtfor0d1s2h3i4r5e6 A*L+5 3PF0 England £ 225.00 - £ 1,052.00 per week This open plan studio is in the town of Harpenden near Luton and sleeps two people. Facilities: Room Details: Communications: Sleeps: 2 Broadband Internet 1 Double Room Entertainment: TV 1 Bathroom Kitchen: Cooker, Dishwasher, Fridge Laundry: Washing Machine Price Included: Linen, Towels © 2021 LovetoEscape.com - Brochure created: 24 September 2021 Studio at Little Trees Farm Recommended Attractions 1. Goodwood Art Gallery, Historic Buildings and Monuments, Nature Reserve, Parks Gardens and Woodlands, Tours and Trips, Visitor Centres and Museums, Childrens Attractions, Zoos Farms and Wildlife Parks, Bistros and Brasseries, Cafes Coffee Shops and Tearooms, Horse Riding and Pony Trekking, Shooting and Fishing, Walking and Climbing Motor circuit, Stately Home, Racecourse, Aerodrome, Forestry, Chichester, PO18 0PX, West Sussex, Organic Farm Shop, Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival England 2. Goodwood Races Festivals and Events, Horse Racing Under the family of the Duke of Richmond, Goodwood Races sits Chichester, PO18 0PS, West Sussex, only five miles north of the town of Chichester. England 3. Arundel Castle and Gardens Historic Buildings and Monuments, Parks Gardens and Woodlands This converted Castle and Stately Home is over 1000 years old, and Arundel, BN18 9AB, West Sussex, sits on the bank of the River Arun in West Sussex England 4. Chichester Cathedral Historic Buildings and Monuments, Tours and Trips This 900 Year Old Cathedral has been visited millions of times by Chichester, PO19 1PX, West Sussex, people of all faiths and denominations.
    [Show full text]
  • Luton Hat Trail Leaflet
    Luton’s Heritage — Hats off to Luton: a guide to the town’s hat industry The Luton Hat Trail www.travelluton.co.uk 2 Philip Wright, a member of the Felt Makers Livery since he was 21, has been running the family business, Walter Wright, hat manufacturer, for over 15 years. The company was formed in 1889 by Philip’s great-grandparents, Walter and Minnie-Susan Wright, in Albion Road, Luton. The Wright family have been involved in the making of quality ladies hats for over 300 years, making Philip one of the oldest ‘blood line’ hat manufacturers in the world. Inspired by his private customers and friends, Philip designs and makes hats for individuals, including HRH Princess Royal, film, theatre, television, uniform and department stores and boutiques worldwide. He takes his creations to a variety of different public exhibitions from Dubai to London. Whether the hat is for a special occasion, such as the races or a wedding, or more niche club and daywear, Philip endeavours to have a hat for everyone. See video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZcADJzQrfY Luton’s Heritage • Luton Hat Trail 3 Introduction Welcome to the Luton Hat Trail! In the 18th century the English hatting industry was predominantly centred on London, Luton, Denton and Stockport (near Manchester), and Atherstone (Warwickshire). Historically it consisted of two distinct crafts, the straw hat trade (women’s hats and bonnets) and the felt trade (caps and men’s hats). At the beginning of the 1800s the Napoleonic Wars blocked imports of straw plait and hats from the continent, so Luton’s businessmen and women set up factories, both large and small, to supply local and national markets with straw hats.
    [Show full text]