Yaxley to Farcet Cycle Route

Agenda Item No : 8 YAXLEY TO FARCET CYCLE ROUTE To: Economy and Environment Committee Meeting Date: 21 st Octo ber 2014 From: Graham Hughes, Executive Director – Economy, Transport and Environment Electoral division: Norman Cross Forward Plan ref: Not applicable Key decision: No Purpose: To consider the use of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to secure land needed for a cycle track between Yaxley and Farcet. Recommendation: Committee is asked to approve exercising Compulsory Purchase Order powers to secure the land needed to construct the scheme. Officer contact: Name: Mike Davies Post: Team Leader - Cycling Projects Email: [email protected] Tel: 01223 699913 1/8 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 The need for a safe cycle route between the villages of Yaxley and Farcet was identified in 1999 in a report to the Huntingdonshire Environment and Transport Area Joint Committee (AJC). The Committee approved a long list of potential cycling schemes which ranked this scheme first. 1.2 At its meeting of 7 th July 2008, the same AJC approved a new list of rural cycling schemes across the district. The new list again ranked the Yaxley to Farcet in first position. The same meeting considered and approved the findings of a report examining the three proposed phases of construction and the results of public consultation. This showed overwhelming support for the scheme. 1.3 The first two phases of construction were carried out in 2009. The remaining rural section, between Station Farm, Yaxley and Farcet cemetery, was considered by the AJC at its meeting of 11 th October 2010, and is shown on Plan 1 . It was agreed that this final section should be taken forward for further development using available Section 106 funding. 1.4 The final stretch of route is to be sited on agricultural land to give a shared foot and cycleway set back from the road. A planning application for the route seeking approval for change of use was made to Huntingdonshire District Council, and was approved on 24 th March 2011. 1.5 The process to acquire the land commenced in early summer 2012. After lengthy negotiations, agents working on behalf of the County Council managed to secure agreements with the agents of both landowners for both land purchase and necessary accommodation works. However, since those agreements were made it has proved impossible to complete the sale because of legal delays, and the apparent impossibility of productive engagement with the solicitor for one of the vendors. 1.6 The legal process involved in finalising the purchase has stalled. The reason for this is not known. Repeated and frequent attempts by County agents and solicitors to reopen a dialogue have proved fruitless. 2. POINTS TO CONSIDER 2.1 The scheme cannot be built within the existing highway boundary because of a lack of space, unfavourable levels, and a belt of trees. To forge a useful link between the villages it is imperative that the necessary land is acquired. 2.2 It should be made clear that the County have gone to great lengths to satisfy the requirements of both landowners. In addition to the purchase price, reasonable accommodation works such as the provision of gates, field accesses and fencing have been agreed that apparently satisfies the needs of all concerned. 2.3 There is real public need for this route. The B1091 is a clear cycling desire line, forging a link into Peterborough and linking to the A15 and, most 2/8 importantly, Stanground College. The current road environment is extremely hostile for cyclists, and certainly not suitable for those of school age. 2.4 The scheme is strongly supported by the local County member, and there has been active support and now a marked degree of frustration from all elected representatives including the local MP and the Leader of Peterborough City Council. 3. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 Little remains to be done beyond the acquisition of the land and for construction itself. There is an approved design in place for a good quality route along the planned alignment. There is sufficient budget allocated to fund the works. The budget is Section 106 which is time limited to October 2018. 3.2 Commencing Compulsory Purchase order (CPO) procedures may in fact prove to be sufficient action to finalise land purchase by negotiation as is normally the practice for cycleway schemes. 3.3 If the likelihood of CPO powers being exercised is not effective then the process would commence, and will entail significant input by the Council in preparing the necessary documentation for the compulsory purchase order which will add to scheme costs. 3.4 Completing the CPO process would take 12 - 18 months depending upon availability of resources and the number of objections received. 3.5 In view of the benefits of the scheme, and the strong local support, Committee is asked for approval to commence compulsory purchase procedures. 4. ALIGNMENT WITH CORPORATE PRIORITIES 4.1 Developing the local economy for the benefit of all More people cycling and walking contributes to a healthier population, improved productivity, reduced traffic congestion, reliability of journey times and adds capacity into an already constrained road network, all of which contributes to economic wellbeing. 4.2 Helping people live healthy and independent lives Currently many people feel unsafe cycling, although cycling is potentially a form of economic, reliable transport that allows them to access employment or training and hence independence, and the opportunity to incorporate active travel into their lives. The proposals address a route that is perceived by many cyclists to be unsafe. 4.3 Supporting and protecting vulnerable people The new path would also provide a facility for wheelchair users to undertake 3/8 journeys between Yaxley and Farcet. 5. SIGNIFICANT IMPLICATIONS 5.1 Resource Implications The scheme is capital funded from Section 106 contributions. The scheme is being designed to ensure minimal maintenance and revenue costs. 5.2 Statutory, Risk and Legal Implications It is proposed to seek the necessary land by means of a Compulsory Purchase Order. If there are significant objections then this could result in a Public Inquiry. 5.3 Equality and Diversity Implications A new foot and cycleway would be available for everyone in the community to use. 5.4 Engagement and Consultation Implications A thorough and extensive period of consultation and engagement has been undertaken 5.5 Public Health Implications More people cycling and walking undoubtedly contributes to improved public health. 5.6 Localism and local member engagement There has been extensive public and stakeholder consultation. The Project Team have engaged with, and updated local members throughout. Source Documents Location A Wing, Floor 2 Castle Court, Cambridge 4/8 PLAN 1 – SCHEME PROPOSALS 5/8 PLAN 2 – FIRST PLOT OF LAND NEEDED FOR SCHEME 6/8 PLAN 3 – SECOND PLOT OF LAND NEEDED FOR SCHEME 7/8 8/8 .

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