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ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL

Name of Committee : Policy and Strategy

Date of Meeting : 10 June 2008

Title of Report : Final Draft Core Paths Plan

Lead Officer : Margaret Bochel, Head of Planning and Infrastructure

Author of Report : Rachel Sharp, Senior Planner (52)3316  [email protected]

Other Involvement : Aberdeen Outdoor Access Forum Ian Talboys, Countryside Officer, Jonathan Kitching, Outdoor Education Co-ordinator, Davie Grant, George Davidson, Jake Gellatly, Grounds Maintenance Officers, Gale Beattie, Team Leader Development Plan, Chris Jackson, Development Management, Dawn Haggarty, School Travel Plan Co-ordinator, Doug Ritchie, Engineer, Bill Wilson, Engineer, Judith Stones, Keeper of Archaeology. Various others were involved in the earlier stages, e.g. objective setting and initial consultation.

Consultation undertaken with : City Solicitor City Chamberlain ECMT Councillors Dean, Stewart, Clark and Greig

Summary of Report Following consultation on the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan, this report provides feedback to Members on the responses received and proposes a Final Draft Core Paths Plan. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 requires the Final Draft to undergo twelve weeks’ statutory consultation. Following this, it is possible that a Public Local Inquiry (PLI) may be required before adoption of the Plan. The consultation efforts to date have attempted to minimise or avoid outstanding objections, reducing the likelihood of a PLI being required.

Recommendations It is recommended that Members: 1. Note the responses received during consultation on the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan and the subsequent changes proposed in the Final Draft. 2. Instruct officers to proceed with publishing the Final Draft Core Paths Plan for statutory consultation. 3. Note the possible resource implications of implementing the proposed Final Core Paths Plan and refer to the Capital Planning Process for consideration of funding for 2009/10 and future. 4. Note the revenue resource implications and refer to Resources Management Committee.

Links to the Community Plan and to Vibrant, Dynamic & Forward Looking The Core Paths Plan will have positive impacts on at least six of the Community Plan’s fourteen Challenges. These include ‘Neighbourhood Action – Community Planning’, ‘Health and Social ITEM PAGE

Care’, ‘Land Use and Environment’, ‘Transport and Connections’; ‘Aberdeen’s Image’; and ‘Arts, Heritage and Sport’. The Core Paths Plan’s Vision, Aims and Objectives have been developed in line with Aberdeen’s Outdoor Access Strategy, which is wholly based upon these key challenges.

The Plan links with Vibrant, Dynamic & Forward Looking as follows. Education: promoting health and well-being of pupils through exercise. Economic Development: links with sustainable economy and regeneration. Culture, Arts and Sport: Increase participation, quality sports facilities and tourism. Health and Care: joint working with NHS Grampian and improving mental health and well-being. Transport: encouraging walking and cycling.

Implementation Although the Council has a statutory responsibility to prepare a Draft Core Paths Plan, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 does not require it to be implemented. There is a strong public expectation that this will be the case however, which is evident through the responses to the Consultative Draft version of the Plan. There are also strong strategic and policy reasons for implementing the Plan, with significant links to local and national outcomes. The Plan which has been developed to date seeks to strike a balance between the resources required to implement the core paths network and deliver the significant and wide ranging benefits associated with the Plan’s objectives.

Resource Implications People : Officers within the Planning and Infrastructure Service are working on the preparation of the Core Paths Plan, with inputs as and when appropriate from other Services. The implementation of the Plan will require joint-working from various services, including Neighbourhood Service Areas at an operational level.

Finance : The routes proposed as core paths have been assessed and works required to improve them identified. The cost of these improvements has been estimated at a minimum of around £350,000. This financial year £145,000 has been approved towards implementation of the Core Paths Plan through the Explore Aberdeen project by the Energising Aberdeen Board. Aberdeen Countryside Project has also agreed to contribute £70,000 over this financial year and next. A contribution of £120,000 towards particular proposed core paths by Nestrans for 2008/09 has also been approved. Sustrans has in the past been a key funding body for path works in the City. However it is as yet unclear to what extent they will continue to grant fund path work, as a result of the Spending Review. Once this is known, any outstanding capital implications will be referred to the Capital Planning Process. Additional maintenance costs for core paths on Council-owned land have been estimated at £30,000 in total across the City. It is proposed that this be referred to the Resources Management Committee. Full implementation of the Plan will be subject to Members’ approval of the necessary resources.

Systems & Technology : The Council’s new Geographic Information System (GIS) will enable the rolling out of the Countryside Access Management System (CAMS) to key officers in order to enable more effective monitoring and management of core paths. The CAMS software is already in use but to a limited extent until the new GIS is in place. 2 ITEM PAGE

Property : The Core Paths Plan must cover the whole Aberdeen City area and link with Aberdeenshire. Therefore proposed core paths run across land owned by the Council, as well as land owned by private and other public sector landowners.

Other Equipment : No implications on other equipment.

Other : No other implications.

Other Implications Health & Safety : One of the key aims of the Core Paths Plan is to encourage physical activity, which is a key factor in health improvement. Safety of path users will be considered by working towards all core paths being fit for purpose.

Risk Management : Risks include: possible lack of internal and external capacity for designing and carrying out improvement works; insufficient capital and/or revenue funds being available, leading to safety risks and possible liability issues, for example through inadequately maintained routes; if the Core Paths Plan is not produced the Council would fail to meet statutory obligations; if the Plan is not implemented, its objectives, which are linked to the Single Outcome Agreement, will not be met.

Human Rights/ : The ‘Paths for All’ principle, i.e. catering for all types of path user Equalities/Diversity and all abilities, is a key factor of the Core Paths Plan. The process has aimed to ensure all sectors of the community are involved and are catered for in the Plan. The Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment demonstrates these impacts.

Equalities Impact : On the whole, the results from the Equality and Human Rights Assessment Impact Assessment confirms that the Core Paths Plan should have positive impacts on a wide range of stakeholder groups. The Core Paths Plan will promote and designate a network of core paths suitable for a range of users (e.g. walkers, cyclists, horse-riders etc) and all abilities.

Sustainability : Sustainability is considered throughout the Core Paths Plan, from the high-level vision, through to the objectives relating to integration with other strategies, maintenance, and social, economic and environmental impacts.

Environmental : A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is required and comments from statutory consultees on a Scoping Report have been received. The responses were supportive of the proposed approach to carrying out the Environmental Assessment.

Social : Community engagement has been encouraged throughout the process. Social inclusion will be enhanced through connecting people and places.

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Economic : Positive impacts are expected, relating to tourism and business opportunities. Evidence suggests that good access to quality greenspaces is a key factor in attracting and retaining people and investment to an area.

Construction : The relevant construction regulations will be adhered to in carrying out physical path works.

Signature :

Main Considerations 1. Purpose of Report 1.1 The purpose of this report is to present a proposed Final Draft Core Paths Plan to Members, which on approval, will be subject to a twelve week period of statutory consultation in accordance with the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.

1.2 The report outlines the process that has been adopted to arrive at the stage of proposing a Final Draft Core Paths Plan, with reference given to the main findings from the consultation undertaken on the Consultative Draft. Key changes made as a result of the consultation responses have also been highlighted.

1.3 The report also includes reference to the future steps involved in finalising the Core Paths Plan, including the formal, statutory consultation which will be undertaken subject to Committee approval of the appended Final Draft Core Paths Plan.

2. Background and Context 2.1 The term ‘core paths’ was introduced in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. The Act set out that all Local Authorities and National Parks have a statutory duty to draw up a Core Paths Plan that will “provide the basic framework of routes sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area. This basic framework of routes will link into, and support, wider networks of other paths”.

2.2 In essence, the Core Paths Plan is a plan containing lists and maps showing the network of core paths, their links to other paths and information on how they were selected. A core path can comprise of many forms, from a simple trail on grass to a formal path with a tarmac surface. While diverse in their type, one common trait amongst core paths is that they will be easy to find and follow, well signposted, and as far as possible, will be free from barriers or obstructions.

2.4 There are many social, economic and environmental benefits associated with developing a core paths network, including: a) Supporting healthy lifestyles and health improvement initiatives; b) Promoting walking and cycling as sustainable travel modes for everyday trips to schools, shops, workplaces and leisure activities; c) Contributing towards social inclusion and sense of community; d) Promoting economic development through, for example, tourism; and e) Encouraging participation in sports and recreation.

3. Developing Aberdeen’s Core Paths Plan 3.1 Aberdeen’s Core Paths Plan has been developed in accordance with guidance issued by the Scottish Government and by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Paths for All 4 ITEM PAGE

Partnership. Community engagement and consultation is a key principle promoted within the guidance and has been central to the development of this Core Paths Plan.

3.2 A ‘Stage 1’ Information Gathering process was undertaken during the development of the Council’s Outdoor Access Strategy. This stage involved identifying the general principles and key issues regarding access to Aberdeen’s outdoors, identifying existing routes and desired new links. Analysis of other relevant strategies, plans or studies (including Neighbourhood Community Action Plans) also took place. All of this information was used in the preparation of the Council’s initial proposals for the Core Paths Plan, which took the form of a Consultative Draft.

3.4 Input and guidance from the Aberdeen Outdoor Access Forum (AbOAF), which consists of representatives of all of the key access interest groups (i.e. users (walkers, cyclists, horse riders, water sports enthusiasts), land mangers, communities and other organisations), has also been important in the development of Aberdeen’s Core Paths Plan. One area where AbOAF have been particularly supportive has been in the development of the vision, aims and objectives of the Core Paths Plan.

3.5 The vision of the Core Paths Plan is to “form a complete paths network throughout the City, encouraging healthy and sustainable access opportunities for all.” Beneath this vision, sit a number of more detailed aims and objectives related to accessibility, safety, quality of life, health, environmental protection, and integration. It has been upon these objectives that a criteria list was developed against which all candidate core paths were assessed.

3.6. The appraisal of the candidate core paths took place during summer/autumn 2007 and involved ‘scoring’ each candidate core path against each of the selection criteria using a combination of desk-based analysis (e.g. using the Council’s Geographical Information System (GIS) data) and on the ground route condition surveys. The route condition surveys have also been necessary in ascertaining the likely costs of bringing potential routes up to a ‘fit for purpose’ standard and likely future maintenance costs.

3.7 Having assessed and identified a final list of candidate core paths throughout the City, which it was believed would support the delivery of the Core Paths Plan vision, aims and objectives, Members will recall that a Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan was published for consultation in December 2007. This consultation period ran for a period of 8 weeks, closing on the 4th of February 2008. Members’ views on the Consultative Draft were sought at a drop-in workshop on 30th October 2007.

3.8 As part of the consultation process, CD and/or paper copies of the Consultative Draft were distributed to a variety of stakeholders including land managers, community councils, walking, cycling, watersports, and equestrian related groups, as well as a number of public sector bodies. A full list of groups consulted during the development of the Plan is included in a ‘Consultation Diary’ which is available as part of the supporting Study Report. In total, over 800 stakeholders were consulted as part of the process.

3.9 Copies of the Consultative Draft were also available to view in all libraries throughout the City, while officers were on hand at various public exhibitions, including at the Trinity Mall, during the consultation period. Comments forms were issued as part of the consultation process, and could also be completed online from the dedicated Core Paths Plan webpages on the Council’s website (www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/corepathsplan).

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3.10 Further details on how Aberdeen’s Core Paths Plan has been developed are available in the appended Final Draft Core Paths Plan, as well as in a separate Study Report. The Study Report has been produced as a background document to support and provide more detailed information on the various stages that have been undertaken to develop the Final Draft, including the various consultation activities and appraisal work. The Study Report is available on the Core Paths Plan pages of the Council’s website (www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/corepathsplan) and on the Committee Services pages as well as in the Members Library.

4. Consultation Outcomes and Key Changes Proposed 4.1 In total, 95 responses were received in response to the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan. Core path related issues received during consultation on the Council’s recently approved Local Transport Strategy have also been taken on board as part of the process. Key findings from the consultation process are described below, and covered in more detail in the appended Final Draft Core Paths Plan in Section 3.

4.2 On the whole, consultation results revealed support for the concept of developing a Core Paths Plan. The vision, aims and objectives were also supported.

4.3 However, some consultees (notably Scottish Natural Heritage) believed the Plan should include more information on how core paths were selected. While this has been addressed by including some information on this in the Final Draft, much more detailed information is also provided in the Study Report.

4.4 Many consultees responded to the consultation process simply to outline their support for the Core Paths Plan concept or for specific path proposals. In particular, improvements to the Deeside Way in recent years were commended, as well as support for the River Dee Path being a core path. In contrast, some consultees responded to object to the inclusion of specific routes within the Plan, however in most cases, the respondent was able to suggest a more suitable alternative route for consideration as a core path.

4.5 In addition, some objections stemmed from misinterpretations of the mapping. For example, some people objected to the inclusion of certain aspirational future routes on the basis that these appeared to cut across their property. However, the purpose of the aspirational routes was simply to show the principle of connecting two areas and, in the absence of detailed ground investigation, were simply displayed on the maps as straight lines. The work undertaken by officers since the Consultative Draft was produced (e.g. more detailed route surveys and discussion with stakeholders) will mean that the proposals will be clarified and misinterpretation avoided in the Final Draft.

4.6 Some respondents highlighted an aspiration for more routes to be included within the built up areas of the City. This included the city centre, routes to schools and routes within regeneration areas. These comments have been taken on board, and are discussed further in Section 3.6 of the appended Final Draft Core Paths Plan. Other key issues raised in the earlier consultation, which are also discussed in Section 3.6 are: the need to ensure links with Aberdeenshire; information on the impacts of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route; a need for more circular routes and; a need for more and better cycle routes.

4.7 A number of respondents also highlighted other specific paths that they would like to see included in the Core Paths Plan. Officers have considered these through route surveys, appraisal and / or in terms of resource implications and added these to the Plan where appropriate. The need for improved maintenance on existing paths (for example, 6 ITEM PAGE

drainage problems, overgrown vegetation etc.) was also frequently commented upon by respondents. Section 3.8.2 of the appended Final Draft Core Paths Plan proposes policies relating to the development and management of the core paths network.

4.8 It should also be noted that within the Study Report, annexes are presented which outline the full range of results from the consultation undertaken during the preparation of the Final Draft Core Paths Plan, including the outcomes from the consultation on the Consultative Draft. Outline information on how officers have taken on board each comment is also included alongside this.

5. Next Steps 5.1 Subject to Committee approval, the Final Draft Core Paths Plan will be published and made available for twelve weeks of statutory consultation. Although this will take place during the summer, twelve weeks of consultation should be adequate in taking into account the holiday period. The SEA Environmental Report will be completed and will also be consulted on for this twelve week period.

5.2 It is proposed that the Final Draft Core Paths Plan will be available in both hard and CD format. Each of the stakeholders consulted during the previous consultation stages will be provided with a copy, or informed of where they can view the proposals. The Final Draft will be made available for download from the Council’s website and also for viewing at each of the Council’s libraries and key Council offices. The supporting Study Report and SEA Environmental Report will be made available on the Council’s website.

5.3 Feedback will be encouraged through written and email correspondence, and also through completion of Comments Forms, both distributed to stakeholders and available for completion online at the Council’s website.

5.4 All comments and suggestions from the consultation period will be analysed and considered in finalising the Core Paths Plan and producing the SEA Post-Adoption Statement. It is anticipated that the Final Core Paths Plan will be reported back to this Committee in late 2008.

5.5 In accordance with the Land Reform Act, it should also be noted that in the event that objections to the Plan cannot be resolved, a public inquiry may be held before the Plan is finalised and formally approved by the Council and adopted by Ministers.

6. Recommendations

It is recommended that Members: 1. Note the responses received during consultation on the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan and the subsequent changes proposed in the Final Draft. 2. Instruct officers to proceed with publishing the Final Draft Core Paths Plan for statutory consultation. 3. Note the potential capital resource implications of implementing the proposed Final Core Paths Plan and refer to the Capital Planning process for consideration of funding for 2009/10 and future. 4. Note the revenue resource implications and refer to Resources Management Committee.

7 Aberdeen City Core Paths Plan

Final Draft

June 2008 Table of Contents

Table of Contents...... i 1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1 The Core Paths Plan in Context ...... 1 1.2 Links to Other Strategies and Plans ...... 1 2. The Core Paths Plan Explained: Some Frequently Asked Questions...... 2 2.1 What is a core path? ...... 2 2.2 What is a core paths network? ...... 2 2.3 What is a Core Paths Plan? ...... 2 2.4 Why develop a Core Paths Plan?...... 2 2.5 Who will use core paths?...... 3 2.6 How will my comments help? ...... 3 3. Developing the Core Paths Plan...... 4 3.1 Introduction...... 4 3.2 Initial Consultation ...... 4 3.3 Vision, Aims and Objectives Development...... 5 3.4 Selection Criteria ...... 7 3.5 Appraisal of the proposed core paths...... 8 3.6 The Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan...... 9 3.7 Strategic Environmental Assessment...... 14 3.8 Implementing and Monitoring – Actions and Policies ...... 15 4. Have Your Say...... 18 4.1 Getting Involved ...... 18 5. The Proposed Core Paths ...... 18 5.1 Route Descriptions ...... 18 5.2 Core Paths Plan Maps ...... 19

i 1. Introduction

Across Scotland, all Local Authorities and National Park Authorities are working to identify and designate networks of core paths, which will make it easier for everyone to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This document sets out the proposed core paths network for Aberdeen City. The Plan has been developed according to national guidance, placing a high importance on trying to involve as many people, and as wide a range of interests, as possible throughout the process using various consultation exercises. This Final Draft builds on analysis of the views given on a Consultative Draft version, which was the subject of detailed consultation between December 2007 and February 2008.

1.1 The Core Paths Plan in Context The term ‘core paths’ was introduced in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. The Act set out that all Local Authorities and National Parks have a statutory duty to draw up a Core Paths Plan that will “provide the basic framework of routes sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area. This basic framework of routes will link into, and support, wider networks of other paths”. The system of core paths will satisfy the basic needs of local people and visitors for recreation and for travel, and provide key links to the wider path network. To achieve this, the core paths network is made up of mainly existing paths and some new paths, which together will help to deliver our vision for “…a complete paths network throughout the city, encouraging healthy and sustainable access opportunities for all”. The Core Paths Plan will form a key part of outdoor access provision and will help to support wider national, regional and local policy objectives on health, recreation, education, economic development, social inclusion, community development, sustainable transport and tourism.

1.2 Links to Other Strategies and Plans The Core Paths Plan supports a number of other strategies and policies adopted by the Council and its partners. Outdoor Access Strategy North East Joint Health Structure Plan Improvement Plan

Finalised Aberdeen Neighbourhood Community Action Plans Local Plan Aberdeen Core Paths Plan Local Transport Strategy Vibrant, Dynamic, Forward Looking

Aberdeenshire Core Paths Plan Community Plan

Aberdeen & Grampian Regional Transport Strategy / Tourism Strategy Nestrans’ Health & Transport Action Plan

1 2. The Core Paths Plan Explained: Some Frequently Asked Questions

2.1 What is a core path? A core path can take many forms, from a simple trail on grass to a formal path with a tarmac surface. Rivers too can be designated as core paths as watersports also need to be catered for (our proposed approach to water access is explained in Section 3.5). While diverse in their type, one common trait amongst core paths is that they will be easy to find and follow, well signposted, and as far as possible, will be free from barriers or obstructions.

2.2 What is a core paths network? The core paths network is essentially the system of core paths proposed in this Final Draft Plan. As a whole, the network should cater for the wide range of users and user abilities of Aberdeen’s outdoor environment.

2.3 What is a Core Paths Plan? A Core Paths Plan is a plan containing lists and maps showing the network of core paths, their links to other paths and information on how they were selected. This document is the Final Draft of the Core Paths Plan, with the Final Plan anticipated for completion and adoption by the Council late 2008, pending possible Public Local Inquiry.

2.4 Why develop a Core Paths Plan? There are many social, economic and environmental benefits associated with the Core Paths Plan. These include: • Supporting healthy lifestyles and health improvement initiatives; • Promoting walking and cycling as sustainable travel modes for everyday trips to schools, shops, workplaces and leisure activities; • Contributing towards social inclusion and community engagement; • Promoting economic development through, for example, tourism; and • Encouraging participation in sports and recreation. These are just some of the advantages related to the development of a core paths network for the City. The objectives (and also the selection criteria) presented in the next section highlight the diversity of issues and policy areas which the Core Paths Plan aims to complement and improve.

2 The Benefits of Developing a Core Paths Plan The establishment and promotion of the Aberdeen core paths network should deliver multiple benefits across a wide range of areas. Increased levels of physical activity outdoors can contribute to improved levels of health and well-being. There is growing understanding that environmental issues are part and parcel of everyday quality of life and access to quality green space can be a key factor in helping the city to attract and retain people. Increased use of sustainable, active travel modes (such as walking and cycling), matched by a corresponding decrease in private car use, can also have positive effects on the local economy through contributing to reduced traffic levels (meaning that goods and staff move more efficiently through the transport network) and a healthier, more productive workforce. Tourism in the north east may also benefit through the promotion of the core paths network, delivering economic rewards to local businesses and services. The Core Paths Plan can also deliver benefits for the environment by encouraging responsible use of paths (many of which travel through sites of environmental interest) and appreciation of the environment. Core paths can also support wider aims of education and learning by providing access to areas of natural interest, wildlife, and key historical features. They can also act as a tool for managing access to assist land management operations.

2.5 Who will use core paths? Taken as a whole, Aberdeen’s core paths network aims to provide opportunities for walking, cycling, horse riding, non-motorised watersports and other activities for all ages and abilities. Not all individual paths will need to be designed or managed for every type of user however.

2.6 How will my comments help? After discussions with key stakeholders and gathering relevant information, we proposed an initial network of core paths for discussion with the public. This took the form of a Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan, which was consulted on between December 2007 and February 2008. The results from that consultation have been analysed and, where possible, taken on board in developing this Final Draft Core Paths Plan which will now be the subject of formal consultation for twelve weeks between X and X 2008. We look forward to hearing whether you think we have now got it right, with a network of routes sufficient for the purpose of giving people reasonable access throughout the area. Central to deciding whether the network of core paths is ‘sufficient’ is how well we have responded to what you have told us so far and tell us during this final consultation stage. The key points that were raised in the previous consultation and our responses to them are explained in section 3.6.

3 3. Developing the Core Paths Plan

3.1 Introduction The table below provides a brief summary of the various stages used to develop the Final Draft Core Paths Plan. Stage 1 Consultation (2003 – 2006) • Information Gathering (consultation to identify existing paths and key issues, this coincided with the development of Aberdeen’s Outdoor Access Strategy) • Information Review (review of relevant Council and Partner Strategies and Plans, collating information and views already gathered by others e.g. Neighbourhood Community Action Plans) Preparation of Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan (2007) • Develop Vision, Aims and Objectives • Develop Selection Criteria to assess the suitability of possible core paths • Identify possible core paths for inclusion in the Consultative Draft • Undertake appraisals of each possible core path against selection criteria • Prepare Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan Stage 2 Consultation (Winter 2007/08) • Consult on Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan • Review comments received • Path condition surveys - site work to identify condition of routes Preparation of Final Draft Core Paths Plan (Spring 2008) • Review all consultation findings to date • Amend Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan to form Final Draft Stage 3 Consultation (Summer 2008) • Formal, statutory consultation on the Final Draft Core Paths Plan • Review comments received • Amend if necessary Adoption of Core Paths Plan (Late 2008) • Public Local Inquiry (if any objections cannot be resolved) • Submission of Final Core Paths Plan to Ministers • Implementation and monitoring Implementation and Monitoring (Ongoing)

For Further Information – Core Paths Plan Study Report A Study Report can be found at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/corepathsplan. It provides a more detailed account of the process and outlines the information gathered throughout the preparation of the Core Paths Plan.

3.2 Initial Consultation A ‘Stage 1’ Information Gathering process was undertaken, coinciding with the development of the Council’s Outdoor Access Strategy. This stage involved identifying the general principles and key issues regarding access to Aberdeen’s outdoors as well

4 as existing routes and gaps. For example, generally you told us that there are lots of paths in Aberdeen but a lack of information about them and where they lead to. This is something that implementation of the Core Paths Plan will help to address through promotion via signs, interpretation panels and leaflets. Aberdeen Outdoor Access Forum (AbOAF) consists of representatives of all of the key interests in access – users (walkers, horse riders, cyclists and water sports enthusiasts), land mangers, communities and other organisations. The support of AbOAF throughout the development of the Core Paths Plan has been crucial in ensuring that the Plan meets the needs of everyone concerned. One of the key areas where AbOAF has influenced this Core Paths Plan has been in the development of the Plan’s vision, aims and objectives.

Aberdeen Outdoor Access Forum (AbOAF) Most people agree that managing access to the outdoors is a good thing, although there are different views on how it should be done. Walkers, horse-riders, cyclists, water- sports enthusiasts, land managers, local communities, Aberdeen City Council and other organisations may all have different interests, concerns and priorities. To facilitate discussion, understanding and improvement of responsible access in Aberdeen, and as a duty of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, the Aberdeen Outdoor Access Forum (AbOAF) was set up in 2005. It consists of representatives of all of the key stakeholders in access to the outdoors: - User groups - Land Managers - Communities - Aberdeen City Council - Scottish Natural Heritage - NHS Grampian - Forestry Commission Scotland The Forum advises the Council on outdoor access issues and offers assistance in the resolution of any outdoor access disputes. The Forum meets every three months, and has proved a key sounding board for advice and opinion on the development of the City’s first Core Paths Plan.

3.3 Vision, Aims and Objectives Development The vision, aims, and objectives provide a strategic focus for the Plan and were used to develop selection criteria, against which each candidate core path was assessed. The vision, aims and objectives were identified using the key points gathered throughout Stage 1. This ensures that they are closely aligned with the City’s other policies and strategies, such as the Community Plan, Local Plan and Outdoor Access Strategy.

3.3.1 Vision Aberdeen’s core paths network will form a complete paths network throughout the City, encouraging healthy and sustainable access opportunities for all.

3.3.2 Aims The core paths network will:

5 1. Connect residential areas, greenspaces, amenities, other attractions and the wider countryside into Aberdeenshire. 2. Form a basic, safe framework for outdoor recreation and sustainable and active travel. 3. Improve the quality of life of Aberdeen’s residents and visitors. 4. Assist Aberdeen's people to lead healthier lifestyles. 5. Promote environmental protection and foster the development of a more sustainable city. 6. Be well integrated in policy and usage terms, encouraging access opportunities for all.

3.3.3 Objectives These aims were broken down into the following objectives.

Aim 1: Connect residential areas, greenspaces, amenities, other attractions and the wider countryside into Aberdeenshire. Objective 1: To promote and improve links between settlements, facilities (e.g. shops, health facilities and in particular schools), transport links and attractions. Objective 2: To promote and improve links to greenspaces in Aberdeen (e.g. parks, forests, rivers, beaches and other open spaces). Objective 3: To promote and improve access to places of interest in Aberdeen (e.g. built attractions, natural features and heritage sites). Objective 4: To link and support the wider path network in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Aim 2: Form a basic, safe framework for outdoor recreation and sustainable and active travel. Objective 1: To ensure the effective and efficient maintenance and development of Aberdeen's core path network. Objective 2: To work with partners to continue to reduce accidents involving non- motorised users. Objective 3: To work in partnership with Grampian Police in order to enhance the safety of the paths network.

Aim 3: Improve the quality of life of Aberdeen’s residents and visitors. Objective 1: To promote the Core Paths Plan for the purposes of recreation and tourism opportunities. Objective 2: To provide access to an attractive environment that contributes to an improved quality of life for local residents and visitors.

Aim 4: Assist Aberdeen's residents to lead healthier lifestyles. Objective 1: To promote and increase the use of sustainable, active forms of travel. Objective 2: To promote and increase participation in informal outdoor recreation.

6 Aim 5: Promote environmental protection and foster the development of a more sustainable city. Objective 1: To protect and promote the area’s environmental quality, biodiversity, local heritage and cultural identity. Objective 2: To support and promote initiatives that educate and raise awareness on the importance of environmental sustainability. Objective 3: To foster the development of a future generation of sustainable transport users.

Aim 6: Be well integrated in policy and usage terms, encouraging access opportunities for all. Objective 1: To improve and promote accessibility for all to the core paths network. Objective 2: Ensure that the Core Paths Plan influences the future development and implementation of local, regional and national land use planning, economic development, and community development strategies. Objective 3: To assist and promote responsible land management and deliver mutual benefits for path users and land managers. Objective 4: To enable and promote responsible multi-use of the core paths network. Objective 5: To promote and encourage understanding of, and compliance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Objective 6: To improve ease of use and understanding of the core paths network by developing a consistent approach to signposting, information provision and branding. Objective 7: To involve appropriate stakeholders in planning and development of the core paths network.

3.4 Selection Criteria Based on the vision, aims and objectives, a checklist was designed as a tool to inform the selection of proposed core paths. While it is to be emphasised that this is just a guiding tool, adopting this approach should ensure that the core paths network has been developed consistently and that the rationale for designating some paths but not others is clear. It has generally been the case that the proposed core paths have performed well against the majority of the selection criteria. It is also important to note that in line with Government Guidance, the likely resources available for ensuring the achievability and sustainability of the core paths network have also been taken into consideration, and has led to the prioritisation of routes suggested as core paths. As the selection criteria are linked to the objectives, which stem from the high level aims, we can be confident that the proposed core paths network will help to address these strategic challenges, such as health improvement, economic development and sustainable travel.

7 Providing Connections Safety • Links neighbourhoods / settlements • Safe and fit for purpose • Links and incorporates greenspaces Health • Links facilities / services with residential • Offers health improvement opportunities through areas recreation and/or active travel • Access to places of interest Quality of Life • Provides safe routes to school • Potential for supporting economic development / business opportunities • Provides access to public transport • Attractive Surroundings • Links and supports wider path networks Implementability • Circular routes • Value for Money Integration Community Support • Community Regeneration Areas • Landowner Support • Considerate of other land uses • Community Demand / Support • Multi-use Paths • Avoids adverse impact on local residents / neighbours • All Abilities Paths Environmental Protection and Sustainability • Environmental Protection • Access to Nature / Education

3.5 Appraisal of the proposed core paths This section briefly describes the desk-based appraisal and fieldwork that has been undertaken to inform the selection of core paths throughout the City.

3.5.1 Performance against Selection Criteria The assessment of each of the candidate core paths was initially undertaken as a desk- based task, with each of the candidate paths being appraised using information generated from Aberdeen City Council’s Geographical Information System. This was then complemented by further on the ground assessment. For each of the criterion, paths were scored using a scale of minus two to plus two, where minus two represents a major negative impact, minus one – a minor negative impact, zero – no impact, one – a minor positive impact, and two representing a major positive impact. Possible candidate core paths that scored poorly were reviewed to determine why this was so. This led to one of three outcomes: 1. The path remained as a proposed core path as it met a more specialised criteria not offered by many other paths throughout the network. 2. The path was re-routed so as to attract higher scores and/or avoid low scoring criteria. 3. The route was not proposed as a core path and/or an alternative route was assessed for suitability.

8 Core Paths and Watersports The question of whether the Rivers Dee and Don should be core paths was discussed with AbOAF. Although it is clear that the rivers are very important routes for enjoyment of watersports, it was felt that they should not be core paths. AbOAF agreed that as there could be no physical change to the rivers themselves by designation as core paths, it is more appropriate to focus on the key access and egress points. Land managers and water users agree that there are opportunities for encouraging safe and responsible access through well managed and promoted access points. It is important to note however that access is not restricted only to these key access and egress points, just as other types of access, such as walking, are not restricted only to core paths.

3.5.2 Sufficiency The extent to which the proposed core paths network caters for all activities (e.g. walking, cycling, horse riding, watersports) and abilities (e.g. wheelchair users) was assessed. Information on the suitability of each core path for multi-use and all abilities was gathered as part of the route appraisal process. This information was transferred to a map of the City, indicating in different colours the suitability of the routes for multi-use and all abilities. This suggested that there were a fairly even distribution of wheelchair accessible routes across the City and a significant and fairly even distribution of routes suitable for multi-use. Although this assessment is fairly crude given the fact that levels of ability vary greatly amongst different people, and multi-use is based on responsible behaviour rather than necessarily physical path qualities, this task was useful nevertheless in giving us an indication of sufficiency across the City.

3.6 The Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan The Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan presented the first suggestions for a core paths network for Aberdeen for public consultation. The purpose of this consultation was to encourage as many people as possible to give us their views on the proposals. The views of land managers, residents, visitors, people who currently enjoy the outdoors for recreation or active travel and those who do not were sought. This was to ensure that concerns or possible improvements to the Plan could be highlighted, discussed and then addressed in this Final Draft. Consultation on the Consultative Draft took place for 8 weeks between December 2007 and February 2008. As part of the consultation process, CD and/or paper copies of the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan were distributed to a variety of stakeholders including land managers, community councils, sports organisations, walking, cycling, watersports, and equestrian related groups, as well as a number of public sector bodies. In total, over 800 individuals and organisations were consulted as part of the process and many others were involved through the publicity gained. In total, 95 responses were received. Core Paths Plan related issues received during consultation on the Council’s recently approved Local Transport Strategy were also taken into account as part of the process. A summary of the main findings is presented below and has been set out according to key headings. A full list of the consultation comments received, including an indication of how each of the comments have been taken on board in preparing this Final Draft is available in the Study Report.

9 Land Manager 17 Organisation / Agency 11 Community / User 67 Total 95

Category of Respondent

Land Manager

Organisation/ Agency

Community/ User

3.6.1 General Outcomes On the whole, consultation results revealed support for the concept of developing a Core Paths Plan and the vision, aims and objectives presented within the Consultative Draft. Many consultees responded to the consultation simply to outline their support for the concept of a Core Paths Plan or for specific path proposals. In particular, improvements to the Deeside Way in recent years were commended, as well as support for the River Dee path being a core path. In contrast, some consultees responded to object to the inclusion of specific routes within the Plan. In many of these cases however, the respondent was able to suggest a more suitable alternative route for consideration as a core path. In addition, some of the objections received stemmed from misinterpretations of the mapping. Respondents were encouraged to submit their comments using the Comments Form supplied. The Comments Form included two general questions on the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan: ‘Does the system of core paths as a whole cater sufficiently for all user types and abilities?’ and ‘Is the coverage well balanced across the whole area?’ Although not everyone who supplied a response used the Comments Form provided, the answers given to these questions by those who did are displayed in the following charts.

10 Does the System of Core Paths as Is the Coverage Well Balanced a Whole Cater Sufficiently for All Across the Whole Area? User Types and Abilities?

Yes Yes No No Other Other

Some of the key issues raised in response to the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan are discussed below.

3.6.2 Urban Routes Several people felt that the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan lacked core paths in the built-up, urban parts of the City. There are very few off-road paths within the built-up area of Aberdeen and almost all that do exist were proposed as core paths in the Consultative Draft. This did however leave a considerable gap in the core path provision across the area. While the Consultative Draft was being prepared, the focus was on off-road routes as it was felt that people know there are pavements they can walk on throughout the urban parts of the City, and recommended on-road cycling routes are promoted through the Aberdeen Cycle Map. The advice given by AbOAF was that predominantly on-road routes are outside the role of the Core Paths Plan and should be enhanced through actions and policies of the Council’s Local Transport Strategy. In built-up areas, a wide range of measures such as the installation of pedestrian or toucan crossings, dropped kerbs, information, improved lighting, 20mph zones, cycle lanes, advanced stop lines etc are all required across the entire City in order to encourage modal shift towards walking and cycling. The Core Paths Plan could help to raise the priority of particular key locations, but should not deflect from the work ongoing and still required all over the City.

11 Aberdeen Local Transport Strategy Aberdeen’s Local Transport Strategy (LTS) 2008-2012 is heavily focused on achieving travel behaviour change through the promotion of sustainable travel modes. In addition to supporting the development of the Council’s Core Paths Plan, key actions and policies within the LTS to encourage greater levels of walking and cycling include: • Ongoing implementation of traffic calming measures and improved pedestrian and cycling facilities; • Ensuring that improvements to footways and cycleways across the City is matched by increased investment in maintenance of these facilities; • Promoting the transport hierarchy outlined in SPP17 that promotes walking and cycling ahead of motorised modes, and ensuring sustainable transport provision is no longer an afterthought in the development planning process; • Undertaking pedestrian audits of main pedestrian routes to include maintenance, lighting, obstructions, quality, cleanliness and crossing facilities; • Pedestrianisation of Union Street following wider improvements to the strategic road network; • Continued support for the School Travel Planning process and the development of School Travel Plans; and • Development of a Cycle Strategy for the City.

Through discussions with AbOAF, it was felt that the main opportunity for on-road or pavement core paths in the urban area is in promoting key routes for visitors to the area. Therefore, the urban routes added as core paths in the Final Draft Core Paths Plan are mainly concentrated on streets that pass by or link visitor attractions, such as those promoted through the City Trails leaflets and link with the bus and rail station. City Trails One of the existing initiatives in Aberdeen seeking to promote walking and cycling, particularly within the City Centre is the City Trails series of leaflets. These have been very popular with both residents and visitors, with around 250,000 leaflets having been picked up across Aberdeen City and Shire. The series of leaflets will be extended on an area basis across the City, providing information on core paths and for example places of interest, public transport links, and responsible access.

3.6.3 Safe Routes to Schools Some people felt that there should be more core paths around schools than proposed in the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan. Similarly to the point above, encouraging walking and cycling to school requires a wide range of transport related measures, which are seen to be outside the role of the Core Paths Plan. It also depends heavily on promotional activities, which are the key role of the School Travel Co-ordinator. Further

12 analysis of areas around schools has however highlighted some additional key routes, mainly off-road, which pupils use to travel to and from school and these have been assessed as core paths and added where appropriate. It must be emphasised however that designation as a core path alone will make little difference to school travel and that continuing or enhancing the promotional activities carried out in partnership with the schools is essential. Walk to School Initiative Sixteen schools in Aberdeen have participated in the Walk to School Initiative since it started in 2005. The initiative is both individual and class-based, and has involved providing wall charts to record the days walked to school and awarding badges on reaching set goals. The majority of schools involved have seen significant changes in travel behaviour, in the region of a 19% increase in the number of children walking, and a 17% reduction in the number travelling to school by car. The project is being extended to include more schools, with pupils and teachers helping to identify key routes and promoting them through the use of colourful markings developed with the school.

3.6.4 Circular Routes In response to several requests for more circular routes to be provided in the Core Paths Plan, the Final Draft includes a number of additional paths which offer various circuits. Many core paths also offer circuits through the use of public transport or the wider paths network.

3.6.5 Cycle Routes A number of respondents to the Consultative Draft consultation highlighted a lack of facilities or routes for cycling within the urban area. As highlighted in section 3.6.2, it is felt that this is best approached through the Local Transport Strategy’s programme of action, including the production of a Cycling Strategy. Although some extra routes have been added, all comments received relating to on-road cycling issues, have been noted and passed to the appropriate team within the Council to address.

3.6.6 Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) Around thirteen proposed core paths are directly affected by the line of the proposed AWPR. Some respondents to the Consultative Draft highlighted the impact that the AWPR could have on core paths and asked for information on how this will be addressed. Throughout the planning and design of the AWPR, officers from both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council have been involved in discussions with the road designers in order to identify and address any impacts on outdoor recreation and sustainable travel. The route descriptions for each proposed core path (see section 5.1) explain any impacts that the AWPR will have and how the path may change in the

13 future. For example, some routes will be diverted to the nearest road crossing point.

3.6.7 Regeneration Areas It was also highlighted that there were relatively few core paths within the regeneration areas of the City. Again this was down to the fact that there are relatively few off-road paths in existence in many of these areas. However, through more detailed consideration of other related projects underway, some extra routes have been added to the Final Draft. Relevant projects include the NHS Walks to Health project and the City’s Woodlands In and Around Towns project, both of which involve identifying routes for promotion in regeneration areas.

3.6.8 Aberdeenshire core paths A further frequently raised issue related to the need to ensure that Aberdeen’s core paths network links with Aberdeenshire’s. Aberdeenshire Council is still in the process of developing its Core Paths Plan, although officers from both Councils have been in regular discussion over cross-boundary paths. The Route Descriptions in Section 5.1 provide some further information on relevant core paths.

3.6.9 Development sites A significant proportion of the land managers who provided comments on the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan highlighted plans or aspirations for development on areas of land on which core paths had been proposed. There were some concerns that core paths could act as constraints in the development of sites. Government guidance states however that core paths may be diverted through appropriate planning conditions. This should ensure that, through appropriate discussion and application of Planning Policy, appropriate linkages through development sites will be maintained while also benefiting the development. With the Finalised Aberdeen Local Plan approaching adoption and a new Structure Plan for Aberdeen City and Shire in production, land use and people’s travel patterns and recreation needs are likely to change significantly in coming years. It is therefore important that the Core Paths Plan is reviewed and integrated with the next Local Plan.

3.7 Strategic Environmental Assessment In parallel with preparation of the Final Draft Core Paths Plan a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) has been undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005.

Strategic Environmental Assessment SEA is a systematic method for considering the likely environmental effects of plans, programmes and strategies and aims to: • integrate environmental factors into strategy preparation and decision-making; • improve the Core Paths Plan and enhance environmental protection; • increase public participation in decision making; and • facilitate openness and transparency of decision-making.

14 The SEA Environmental Report on the Core Paths Plan outlines the environmental policies that the Council will work by in implementing the Plan, and the mitigation measures that will be adopted to prevent, reduce or offset environmental impacts of the schemes proposed through the Core Paths Plan. The Environmental Report is available at main Council offices and on the Council’s website at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/corepathsplan.

3.8 Implementing and Monitoring – Actions and Policies The comments received through the consultation on this Final Draft will be analysed and used to develop a Final Core Paths Plan for Council and Ministerial approval and adoption. It is possible that prior to adoption, a Public Local Inquiry may need to be held if objections are received and cannot be resolved. The following policies will assist or guide the implementation and monitoring of the Core Paths Plan following adoption.

3.8.1 Developing the core paths network Core paths will be developed through a number of means, including projects managed by the Council and partners, as well as through the Planning process. It is important to note that there is already a lot happening to enhance outdoor access on the ground. Some of the key points identified in the earlier stages of this process have led to for example, signposting being installed throughout the Bucks Burn Valley Path Network and on the Deeside Way as well as path improvement projects and new routes being developed. Further information on some recent path projects is available in the On Track newsletters available on www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/corepathsplan.

Development Policy 1 ACC, working with partners as appropriate, will seek to ensure that the network of core paths is at a fit for purpose standard within two years of the adoption of the Core Paths Plan. Policy 2 ACC will pursue the integration of the Core Paths Plan with Aberdeen’s next Local Plan. Policy 3 Development Frameworks for major development sites will have regard to the Core Paths Plan and related Aberdeen City and Government policies such as Scottish Planning Policy 17; Planning for Transport and the Local Transport Strategy. Policy 4 Developments within the vicinity of core paths should, where possible, link into the core paths network to facilitate active, sustainable travel and recreation. Policy 5 Development sites which include routes marked in the Core Paths Plan as ‘aspirational’ should take these into consideration in planning the development layout. Policy 6 Developers will have opportunities to create or divert core paths through appropriate Planning Conditions and Agreements.

15 Policy 7 In accordance with Planning Circular 12/1996 developer contributions may be sought in order to enhance or develop the core paths network or wider path network.

3.8.2 Managing the core paths network It is clear through the discussions to date that everyone agrees on the need for core paths to be appropriately managed and maintained. Many of the proposed core paths are already managed by Aberdeen City Council, by various teams, including Roads Maintenance, Grounds Maintenance and the Ranger Service. Of those on land owned by other parties, many are already managed for public access, while some paths are not. Throughout the life of this Core Paths Plan it is intended to work towards all core paths being appropriately managed to ensure they are: • signposted • fit for purpose • as accessible as practicable, and • safe.

Management Policy 8 ACC will continue to manage and maintain core paths on its own land and will work with private and other land managers towards ensuring appropriate management and maintenance of core paths is carried out. Policy 9 ACC will liaise with stakeholders over any core path issues, through AbOAF where appropriate. Policy 10 ACC will further develop joint-working initiatives within the Council and with partners, in order to maximise the expected benefits of the Core Paths Plan.

3.8.3 Promoting the Core Paths Plan In order to meet the vision, aims and objectives, a combination of measures are required, not just physical work, in order to encourage more people to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. The following policies relate to promotion of the Core Paths Plan. Promotion Policy 11 In accordance with Aberdeen’s Strategy for Access to the Outdoors and national best practice guidelines, a consistent approach to urban and rural path signposting will be developed. Policy 12 The core paths network will be promoted through signage, interpretation panels and leaflets.

16 3.8.4 Monitoring and Reviewing the Core Paths Plan Having a robust monitoring regime from the outset is important in order to be able to measure the delivery of the Core Paths Plan’s vision, aims and objectives. Consideration has been given to the local outcome indicators agreed between the Council and the Government through the Single Outcome Agreement (SOA). The SOA sets out the key outcomes or priorities for Scotland and for Aberdeen, and its delivery will be an important consideration in public spending. Outcomes that the Core Paths Plan may help to address include: • promoting active travel as the primary mode of choice within communities (measured by frequency of adults walking and cycling); • delivering a sustainable transport system (measured through the Local Transport Strategy and Regional Transport Strategy); • improving the healthy development of children and their families (measured by percentage of children walking or cycling to school); • reducing health inequalities (measured by increasing the mode share of adults undertaking active travel to work or education); and • increasing levels of participation in physical activity (measured by percentage of population taking part in physical activities and modal share of adults undertaking active travel to work or education) These indicators will be monitored using a combination of national sources, such as the Scottish Household Survey, as well as local sources including the Aberdeen Citizen’s Panel Surveys, the ‘City Voice’. A number of automated people/cycle counters will also be installed throughout the City. Monitoring and Review Policy 13 ACC will monitor the implementation of the Core Paths Plan, including its promotion, development and upgrading of paths. Policy 14 ACC will extend its current path monitoring mechanisms (exploring partnerships with Aberdeen Countryside Project in doing so) to monitor the standard of core paths, as well as the impacts on other policy areas, including biodiversity, health, sports participation and cultural heritage. Policy 15 ACC will monitor the uptake of Scottish Rural Development Programme / Land Management Contract funding by land managers in order to develop or maintain core paths. Policy 16 ACC will monitor developer contributions towards the core paths network. Policy 17 ACC will record monitoring information and feedback in order to inform future reviews of the Core Paths Plan, which will be carried out in accordance with Government guidance.

17 4. Have Your Say

This document is a Final Draft of the Core Paths Plan, showing the Council’s proposed core paths network for Aberdeen City. If you responded to the earlier consultation stages of this process, thank you for your input. It is hoped that this Final Draft has addressed the issues raised but we are keen to hear your views on whether we have got it right, or if other things can be done to improve the Plan.

4.1 Getting Involved To facilitate feedback, copies of this Final Draft Core Paths Plan and accompanying maps for formal consultation are available from the main Council buildings, including The Point, and also at all libraries across the City. Copies can also be downloaded from the Council’s website at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/corepathsplan. We have developed a Comments Form for you to provide your comments on. This is available at the above locations or can be completed online at the above address. All responses are sought by xxxxx 2008.

Get in touch by… Post Core Paths Plan Consultation, Planning & Infrastructure, Strategic Leadership, Aberdeen City Council, St Nicholas House, Broad Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1BW Phone 01224 523316 Email [email protected] Online Comments Form available at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/corepathsplan 5. The Proposed Core Paths

The proposed core paths network is presented on maps on the following pages. An overview map of the Aberdeen City core paths network is provided followed by more detailed sections of the City. In addition to core paths, some routes are marked as aspirational paths. These do not currently exist but consultations have shown there is a significant demand for them to be constructed. Once these aspirations are in place it is intended that they be added as core paths in a future review of the Core Paths Plan. Throughout the maps each candidate core path and aspirational path has a reference number next to it. Consultees are asked to use these reference numbers when commenting on specific routes.

5.1 Route Descriptions A Route Description for each proposed core path or aspirational path is given below, providing basic information on the type of route, why it has been proposed and any opportunities that exist for the route. [An example core path route description is provided below. This section will contain a Route Description for each core path and aspirational path and will be made available to Members along with the maps prior to the Committee.] CP66 – Deeside Way

18 Description Purpose Opportunities Path follows the route Route linking all of the Western end, near of the old Deeside lower Deeside Peterculter, could be Railway Line from communities in the City enhanced, along with some Duthie Park to the City and Shire. East end access points throughout. boundary, west of terminates at Duthie Park, Opportunities for promotion Peterculter. The track which contains Grampian’s as a regional asset for is in good order, top visitor attraction, the residents and visitors are generally flat and David Welch Winter being explored in consists of a mixture of Gardens. The route is also partnership with tarmac sections and a District Wildlife Site. Aberdeenshire Council, granite dust. The There are links to public Scottish Enterprise majority of the route is transport along the length Grampian, Cairngorms wheelchair accessible, of the route, via the parallel National Park Authority and although some access North Deeside Road. This Sustrans. This will result in points require and CP70 – River Dee consistent branding of the improvement. Path offer various circular route throughout the region, route options. It is with various economic spin- extremely well used for offs expected. recreation and for travel.

5.2 Core Paths Plan Maps KEY: - Proposed core paths. It is proposed that these routes will become core paths through the adoption of the Final Core Paths Plan. - Aspirational paths. These routes do not currently exist but signify a longer term aspiration for them to be created. Once they are created, it is expected that they will be designated as core paths in future revisions of the Plan.

19 Aberdeen City Core Paths Plan

Study Report June 2008

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ...... 3 1.1 Introduction...... 3 1.2 Other Relevant Supporting Documents...... 3 2. Development of the Draft Core Paths Plan ...... 5 2.1 Introduction...... 5 2.2 Activities and Consultations during Stage 1 ...... 6 2.3 Activities and Consultations during Stage 2 ...... 8 2.4 Activities and Consultations during Stage 3 ...... 13

• Annex A: Consultation Diary • Annex B: Stage 1 Consultation Results • Annex C: Stage 1 Information Review Results • Annex D: Vision, Aims and Objectives • Annex E: Candidate Core Path Appraisal Sheets • Annex F: Stage 2 Consultation Diary • Annex G: Stage 2 Consultation Tree • Annex H: Stage 2 Consultation Results 1. Introduction

1.1 Introduction This Study Report accompanies the Final Draft Core Paths Plan for Aberdeen. It has been produced as a background document showing in much more detail how the Final Draft has been developed. In line with Government guidance on preparing Core Paths Plans, the development of Aberdeen’s Plan is based on three key stages of consultation: 1. Stage 1: First round of informal consultations, information gathering and review of existing information. (2003-2006) 2. Stage 2: Informal public consultation on a Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan. (Spring 2007 to Spring 2008) 3. Stage 3: Statutory, formal public consultation on a Final Draft Core Paths Plan. (Summer 2008)

This report describes the various activities and consultations that have taken place to date and provides information on the factors that have been considered in appraising and identifying the network of core paths proposed within the Final Draft Core Paths Plan. This document has been produced to support the Final Draft during the Stage 3 (statutory) consultation. It gives readers more information with which to understand the context of the Final Draft Plan. Following the 12 weeks of statutory consultation, there will be a period of up to around three months in which to discuss with relevant parties any representations received, and make any amendments necessary, before proceeding to adoption of the Plan or a Public Local Inquiry.

1.2 Other Relevant Supporting Documents Besides this Study Report, it is important to note that the Core Paths Plan has close links to a number of strategies and policies: • Aberdeen’s Strategy for Access to the Outdoors – The Core Paths Plan will directly support the implementation of Aberdeen’s Outdoor Access Strategy (published in 2004), by providing a City-wide framework for outdoor access provision. The Strategy’s development involved consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and sought to identify the current supply of access in the City and the key views of stakeholders on for example the most important routes, demand for additional links and any existing issues. This information was used and supplemented to form the Core Paths Plan Stage 1 consultation. • Community Plan – Aberdeenfutures, published in 2001, was the Council’s first Community Plan and outlined the vision for “a city which is vibrant, dynamic, forward looking - an even better place to live and work, where people can expect high quality services that meet their needs”. The Strategy highlights fourteen key challenge areas that must be addressed to deliver this vision. The development of the Core Paths Plan will help to address many of these challenges, particularly those related to transport and connections, and land-use and the environment. A key point emphasised by the Community Plan is the importance of local consultation – a point taken on board with the development of the Core Paths Plan. • Aberdeen Local Transport Strategy – The Council’s Local Transport Strategy (LTS) 2008-2012 recognises the important contribution that the development of the Core Paths Plan can play in delivering the Strategy’s vision for “A sustainable transport system that is fit for the 21st Century, accessible to all, supports a vibrant economy and minimises the impact on our environment”. The LTS also promotes a number of actions and policies that will complement the Core Paths Plan, ranging from a commitment to undertake pedestrian audits and ensure compliance of transport services with DDA legislation, to the development of a separate Cycling Strategy. • Structure Plan – North East Structure Plan Together (NEST), adopted in 2001, highlights that both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils are committed to promoting better access to open space and the countryside. A new Structure Plan is currently being developed for the region and this will reflect the broad aims of the Core Paths Plan, such as encouraging sustainable forms of travel like walking and cycling. • Local Plan – The Finalised Aberdeen Local Plan is approaching adoption at present. It has close links with the Core Paths Plan, not only in policy terms but also with respect to the areas of land to be developed and the needs of those who will live or work there. These factors were taken into account during the development of the Core Paths Plan and are outlined further in Annex C. As the new local development plan is prepared, it is intended that the Core Paths Plan will be incorporated into this, with a review being undertaken of the Core Paths Plan if appropriate. • Other local, regional and national policy areas – As part of the development of Aberdeen’s Strategy for Access to the Outdoors, a review of a wide range of relevant local, regional and national policies and strategies was carried out. As the Core Paths Plan acts as the framework for delivering the aims of the Outdoor Access Strategy, it also relates to all of these wider strategies, including health, the environment, economic development, tourism, and land management. In carrying out Stage 1 of the Core Paths Plan in parallel with the development of the Outdoor Access Strategy, these local, regional and national strategies were taken into account while setting the vision, aims and objectives of the Core Paths Plan.

Going forward, it will be important that the significant opportunities afforded by development of the Core Paths Plan to strengthen links to the actions and policies outlined in the aforementioned strategies and plans are seized. 2. Development of the Draft Core Paths Plan

2.1 Introduction The diagram below illustrates the Core Paths Plan development process with reference to the relevant appendices where further information can be found.

See Section 2.2.1 of this Stage 1 Consultation Study Report; Annex A (Consultation Diary); • Information Gathering Annex B (Stage 1 Consultation Results); • Information Review Annex C (Information Review Results) Preparation of Consultative Draft CPP • Vision, Aims, Objectives See Annex D for Vision, • Develop Selection Criteria Aims and Objectives. • Identify possible core paths Also, see Annex E for SEA Screening some sample path Report • Path appraisal against appraisals using the criteria selection criteria • Prepare Consultative Draft t n e m

s Stage 2 Consultation

s See Annex F for Stage 2

e • Consult on Consultative Draft Consultation Diary, s

SEA Scoping s Annex G for Report A • Review comments received Consultation Tree and l

a • Path Condition Surveys Annex H Stage 2 Results t n e m

n Preparation of Final Draft o r i

v • Review consultation n findings to date E c i • Amend Consultative Draft to g

e form Final Draft t a r t S Stage 3 Consultation SEA Environmental • Formal, statutory Report consultation • Review comments received • Amend as appropriate

Adoption of Core Paths Plan • Public Local Inquiry if necessary • Adopt Core Paths Plan 2.2 Activities and Consultations during Stage 1 The first stage undertaken in developing the Core Paths Plan was carried out in parallel with the development of Aberdeen’s Strategy for Access to the Outdoors. As the City’s first access strategy, the process of developing it was almost as important as the strategy itself, in bringing together the relevant parties for the first time and gathering information on access provision. The table below summarises the main actions undertaken during this Stage. When Carried Out Action/Activity 2003-04 Consultation with Community Councils, and the Access Advisory Group for Aberdeen, which was the predecessor of the Outdoor Access Forum and other groups. The information gathered was used to develop a digital database of path information across the City. 2005-06 Additional consultation to fill any gaps apparent from the earlier consultation. 2006 Review of plans, strategies, studies that may have information relevant to the Core Paths Plan.

Annex A presents in further detail a Stage 1 Consultation Diary outlining the key activities undertaken during the first consultation stage, while Annexes B and C present the results from the consultation and information reviews undertaken during this stage.

2.2.1 Stage 1 Consultation While the development of the Core Paths Plan did not formally begin until 2006, information gathered during the production of the Council’s Outdoor Access Strategy and in the development of the digital paths database from years previous was central to the preparation of the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan. In summer 2003, for example, as part of a supply / demand review undertaken during the preparation of the Outdoor Access Strategy, blank Ordnance Survey maps were sent to all Community Councils and key user groups. These groups were asked to use the maps to mark on all routes they were aware of as well as to provide additional information on levels and type of path use, path quality and condition, and any other issues. Information gleaned from this was inputted into the paths database. In 2006, following a check on the coverage of involvement in the earlier consultations, specific groups or areas were targeted in an attempt to fill any information gaps. For example, some Community Council areas had not returned any information on paths in their area, sometimes because no Community Council existed at that time. As the Neighbourhood Community Planning process was underway at this time, access officers attended community events, such as Planning for Real exercises in these areas in order to try to involve these communities. Various events were attended to introduce the concept of the Core Paths Plan, encourage buy-in to the process, and invite thoughts on initial suggestions for core paths. In summer 2006, all Aberdeen Outdoor Access Forum Members (AbOAF) were provided with Core Paths Plan packs. These packs contained guidance on Core Paths Plans, A0-size maps of the whole City, showing the paths database, along with instructions and a table for providing information. Information was requested on: • any paths members were aware of that were not marked on the map; • any paths that did not actually exist but were on the map; • any paths members thought should exist but did not at that time; and • for land managers; any paths that have access problems (which may be addressed by Core Paths Plan e.g. realignment, upgrading, signage etc).

In preparing their responses and updating the maps, AbOAF Members were also asked to involve ‘constituents’ and other members of groups that they represent. Information collected from this stage provided a strong basis on which to designate an initial core paths network. In addition to consultation through AbOAF, an Internal Officer Working Group was established to provide input and guidance to the development of the Core Paths Plan and to ensure that the Plan was being developed in accordance with wider Council objectives. The Internal Officer Working Group included officers from a wide range of Council departments, representing community planning, environmental sustainability, economic development, culture and leisure, transportation and planning, and maintenance, amongst others. The meeting of the Internal Officer Working Group revealed a strong level of interest in the core paths planning process. Through the Group, community planning officers provided summaries of Neighbourhood Action Plans for their areas, from which relevant path issues were fed into the Core Paths Plan development process. In addition to this, officers attended the Land Use Forum public event in June 2006, with maps available for attendees to view. Information generated from this event was collated and used to inform the development of the Core Paths Plan. In September 2006, a joint workshop on the Core Paths Plan was also held between Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council at Woodhill House, as part of the Doors Open Day event. Again, maps containing the SPR information were provided at this event to encourage feedback. Information gathered through the above consultations and many of the specific comments received (particularly those submitted in writing) are available as Annex B.

2.2.3 Review of Plans, Strategies and Studies Complementary to the Stage 1 consultations, an extensive review was undertaken of other relevant plans, strategies and studies that had information relevant to the development of the Core Paths Plan. This was particularly important given that a very extensive community planning process, involving Planning for Real exercises in each of the 37 neighbourhoods, took place around this time and it was important that the opportunity to make the most of this was taken. Also, as the Planning for Real events covered the full range of issues that local communities could be concerned with, there was a much wider range of participants than would have attended an event organised specifically for the Core Paths Plan, leading to a wider range of views being gathered. Information sources reviewed included: • Neighbourhood Community Actions Plans – reports which outlined the outcomes of each of the 37 neighbourhoods’ Planning for Real events which took place between 2004 and 2006; • Aberdeen Outdoor Access Strategy (2004) – developed in tandem with the Stage 1 Core Paths Plan consultation; • Local Plan Chapter 2, Land Release – provides an analysis of each area of the City, including details on strengths and opportunities relating to access provision. Also outlines major future development sites; • Woodland Audit – prepared in advance of a bid for funding from Woodlands In and Around Towns: • Halcrow Fox Path Feasibility Study (2000); • Feedback from Local Plan consultation events; and • Folder of ad-hoc comments gathered (2003-06). o Comments were gathered from various sources including the Active Living Project Summary, the Forest and Woodland Strategy, and Rights of Way files. The full list of issues identified through the review of information sources noted above have been collated and presented in Annex C.

2.3 Activities and Consultations during Stage 2 Using the information gathered in Stage 1, Aberdeen’s Core Paths Plan’s Vision, Aims and Objectives were identified, which led to the initial identification of a network of possible core paths and their appraisal against the selection critieria. Following this, a Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan was developed for informal consultation in winter 2007-08. The table below summarises the main actions undertaken during this Stage. When Carried Out Action/Activity Spring / summer 2007 Development of Vision, Aims and Objectives

Spring / summer 2007 Development of Selection Criteria

Spring / summer 2007 Initial Appraisal of Candidate Core Paths

Summer 2007 Initial Consultation

Summer 2007 Land Manager Awareness-Raising

Summer 2007 Internal Consultation

Autumn 2007 Production of Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan

Winter 2007-08 Consultation on Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan Winter / Spring 2008 Route Condition Surveys Spring 2008 Collation of Consultation Results

Annex D outlines the vision, aims and objectives developed to provide the strategic focus for the Core Paths Plan, Annex E presents a sample set of Appraisal Summary Tables that were prepared whilst assessing the suitability of each candidate core path. Annex F provides a Stage 2 Consultation Diary, Annex G presents a Consultation Tree developed by way of a ‘brainstorm’ of potential consultees, and Annex H provides the results from Stage 2 consultation on the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan. 2.3.1 Development of Vision, Aims and Objectives In order to provide a strategic focus for the Core Paths Plan, it was considered important early on to develop a Vision and set of Aims and Objectives that the Core Paths Plan should seek to address. The Vision, Aims and set of Objectives were developed in close partnership with AbOAF, and these are set out as Annex D. The process of developing them has been very important as not only have they helped to provide a strategic focus for the Plan, but they have also informed the development of the selection criteria which has been used to assess the candidate core paths included in the Plan. In order to assess the suitability of the Vision, Aims and Objectives of the Core Paths Plan, these have been compared against the various key challenges, problems and issues that the Core Paths Plan should seek to address and presented within a matrix. This matrix is presented in Annex D. In sum, the matrix illustrates that, if delivered, the Core Path Plan Vision, Aims and Objectives should help to address the key challenge areas identified.

2.3.2 Development of Selection Criteria In line with the vision, aims and objectives, a Core Paths Criteria Checklist was developed, designed as a tool to inform the selection of candidate core paths. Each of the candidate core paths included within the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan were assessed against the criteria, as presented below. Criterion – Providing Connections Criterion – Safety • Links neighbourhoods / settlements • Safe and fit for purpose • Links and incorporates greenspaces Criterion – Health • Links facilities / services with • Offers health improvement residential areas opportunities through recreation and/or active travel • Access to places of interest Criterion – Quality of Life • Provides safe routes to school • Potential for supporting economic • Provides access to public transport development / business opportunities • Links and supports wider path • Attractive Surroundings networks Criterion – Implementability • Circular routes • Value for Money Criterion – Integration Criterion – Community Support • Community Regeneration Areas • Landowner Support • Considerate of other land uses • Community Demand / Support • Multi-use Paths • Avoids adverse impact on local residents / neighbours • All Abilities Paths Criterion – Environmental Protection and Sustainability • Environmental Protection • Access to Nature / Education While it is to be emphasised that the appraisal scoring system is just a guiding tool in the process of proposing the network of core paths, adopting this approach has helped to ensure that the proposed core paths network has been developed consistently and that the rationale for designating some paths but not others is clear.

2.3.3 Initial Appraisal of Candidate Core Paths The assessment of each of the candidate core paths was initially undertaken as a desk- based task, with each of the candidate paths appraised using information (overlays) generated from Aberdeen City Council’s Geographical Information System. As an example, to assess the performance of candidate core paths against the criterion of ‘linking and incorporating greenspace’, the ‘Greenspace Network’ overlay was transposed onto a map of Aberdeen City to illustrate which possible core paths travelled through and/or provided access to greenspaces. Similarly, to assess the potential for core paths to deliver safer routes to schools, an overlay displaying all schools in Aberdeen as well as an overlay showing their catchment areas, was transposed onto a map of Aberdeen to indicate which possible core paths would be likely to provide safer routes to schools. This has subsequently been complemented by further on the ground assessment of paths (see 2.3.10). On the ground assessment was particularly useful to assess the performance of candidate core paths against those factors that required consideration of the path’s physical attributes, such as the extent to which a path was suitable for multi- use and/or all abilities. Using the selection criteria, a Core Path Criteria Checklist was developed against which each of the candidate core paths was assessed. For each of the criterion, paths were scored using a scale of minus two to plus two - where minus two means a major negative impact, minus one means a minor negative impact, zero - no impact, one - a minor positive impact, and two indicates a major positive impact. Possible candidate core paths that scored poorly against a range of criterion were reviewed to determine why this was so. The review led to one of three outcomes: 1. The path remained as it met a more specialised criteria not offered by many other paths throughout the network. 2. The path was re-routed so as to attract higher scoring impacts and avoid low scoring impacts on the assessment criteria. 3. The route was abandoned and/or an alternative route was assessed for suitability. It is to be emphasised that this appraisal scoring system has simply been one tool in the process of identifying our network of candidate core paths. Nevertheless, this appraisal system has played an important part in informing decisions on the content of the Core Paths Plan. In general terms, those paths proposed as candidate core paths have performed well against the majority of the selection criteria. A sample of Appraisal Summary Tables – that is the completed Criteria Checklists for several proposed core paths – is provided in Annex E as an example.

2.3.4 Core Paths Plan Promotion, Publicity and Consultation Throughout summer 2008, a number of public events were attended by access officers (and AbOAF Members) in order to promote and raise awareness of the Core Paths Planning process. Events attended included: • Aberdeen Blooms, Hazlehead Park, August 2007 • Door’s Open Day, The Beach Ballroom, September 2007 • Walkathon, Aberdeen Beach, September 2007

While the actual Consultative Draft document was not available at this point to officially consult upon at these events, the identified routes were available to view on large maps. It was also considered important to attend these events due to the large numbers expected, particularly the visiting population likely to be at the event. At each event, exhibition stands were used to publicise the Core Paths Plan, while large maps showing the initial candidate core paths were available for viewing and commenting upon using comments forms that were provided. Interested stakeholders were also able to pick up a Core Paths Plan information flyer. It should also be emphasised that as part of the ongoing consultation undertaken, regular meetings continued to be held with AbOAF, whose advice and opinions were valuable during the entire process of developing the Core Paths Plan.

2.3.5 Land Manager Consultation In order to develop as extensive as possible a database of land manager contacts for consultation as part of the Core Paths Plan process, in July 2007, GIS mapping was used to identify all possible farm holdings and properties potentially affected by proposed core paths. In total, around 500 contacts were established from this search. Although this approach was fairly broad-brushed, it was important in attempting to involve as many land managers with an interest in the process as possible. Liaison with the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) and Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA) Access Officers also assisted in disseminating information. Each of these contacts were sent a letter highlighting the background of the core paths planning process, future stages in the development of the Core Paths Plan, and how land managers could get in touch to discuss any issues they had with access. Reply slips were enclosed, encouraging land managers to indicate their interest in receiving a copy of the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan and to update contact details. Throughout Stage 2, individual face to face meetings were held with land managers who requested this.

2.3.6 Internal Consultation Further to the initial meeting with the Internal Officer Working Group formed during Stage 1, email correspondence was used during the Stage 2 process to provide the group with updates on the progress of the development of the Plan, encourage their comments as it developed as well as integrate it with their areas of work. In addition to internal officer correspondence, in October 2007, a presentation was given to Councillors involved in the Council’s Local Transport Strategy Member Officer Working Group. The purpose of this meeting was simply to raise awareness, provide an update on the Core Paths Plan and seek feedback on the proposed process for taking the Plan forward for consultation. There was a general acceptance of the process and the work undertaken to date. This meeting was then followed up with the organisation of a drop-in workshop for Councillors later that month, coinciding with the Policy and Strategy Committee date, thus allowing Councillors to drop-in before or after the Committee. At the workshop, copies of maps outlining the proposed core paths network were available, along with other key documents that explained how the Core Paths Plan was being developed (e.g. the Vision, Aims and Objectives Paper, Selection Criteria Checklist, Information Flyer and Comments Forms). Officers were also available to answer any questions or issues raised by Councillors, while a presentation was left running on loop, summarising the context of the Core Paths Plan and how it was being developed. In general, all comments received were positive, with discussion focussing on the Plan as a whole rather than specific routes, other than previous access issues raised by constituents.

2.3.7 Production of Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan A Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan was prepared taking on board the comments from the various consultation exercises undertaken during Stages 1 and the initial tasks in leading to Stage 2. In developing the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan, a deliberate effort was made to ensure the document was as simple as possible, only providing essential information. It was considered that preparing a weighty document at this stage could discourage comments and feedback. To this effect, information was provided on Core Paths Plan Frequently Asked Questions; how stakeholders could get involved and comment on the Plan; and on the Core Paths Plan mapping itself. The document was produced in A3 to ensure that maps were legible and at as large a scale as possible.

2.3.8 Consultation on Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan Consultation on the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan took place over eight weeks between December 2007 and February 2008. As part of the consultation process, CD and/or paper copies of the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan were distributed to a variety of stakeholders including land managers (as identified under 2.3.5), Community Councils, sports organisations, walking, cycling, watersports, and equestrian related groups, as well as a number of public sector bodies. In total, over 1000 stakeholders were consulted as part of the process. Annex G contains a brainstorm-style consultation tree, outlining all of the key stakeholder groups and means of targeting them. Copies of the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan were available to view in all libraries throughout the City, while officers were on hand at various public exhibitions, including at the Trinity Mall, during the consultation period. Comments forms were issued as part of the consultation process, and could also be completed online from the dedicated Core Paths Plan web pages of the Council’s website (www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/corepathsplan). Throughout Stage 2, informal face-to-face meetings and discussions were held with individuals or organisations on request. Many of these meetings took place on site, allowing land managers to illustrate any issues they had with candidate core paths included in the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan. These meetings also allowed for land managers to point out potential alternative, more suitable core paths. During the consultation period and following it, officers also attended various other meetings and events to raise awareness of the Core Paths Plan process. These are outlined further in the Stage 2 Consultation Diary included in Annex F. 2.3.9 Route Condition Surveys Supplementary to the GIS analysis undertaken as part of the initial appraisal of candidate core paths against the selection criteria checklists, on the ground route condition surveys were undertaken of each of the candidate core paths to ascertain the costs of bringing routes up to a fit for purpose standard. The site work also allowed for ‘ground-truthing’ i.e. assessment of the candidate core paths against some of the criteria that were previously unknown to officers and could not be assessed using the GIS analysis, such as whether paths were multi-use or all abilities paths for example.

2.3.10 Collation of Consultation Results In total, 95 responses were received in response to the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan. Core path related issues received during consultation on the Council’s recently approved Local Transport Strategy were also taken into account as part of the process. Results were collated into an Access Database, and assigned specific issue numbers allowing all comments received in relation to specific paths to be tracked etc. Section 3.6 of the Final Draft Core Paths Plan summarises the key issues raised and Annex G presents the full list of the consultation comments received in response to the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan. This includes an outline comment from officers in response to each comment received.

2.4 Activities and Consultations during Stage 3 The bulk of the third stage in the development of the Core Paths Plan for Aberdeen is yet to take place at the time of writing, as this involves statutory consultation on the Final Draft Core Paths Plan. The table below summarises the main actions undertaken during and leading up to this Stage. When Carried Out Action/Activity Spring 2008 Team Workshop Spring 2008 Further Ground Truthing and Fine Tuning Spring 2008 Development of Final Draft Core Paths Plan July - October 2008 Statutory Consultation on Final Draft July - October 2008 Consultation on SEA Environmental Report

2.3.1 Team Workshop Following collation of the comments raised in relation to the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan, an intensive two day workshop was held during which access officers considered the full range of consultation results, both from the Stage 1 and Stage 2 consultations. The goal of this workshop was to decide on the final paths for inclusion in the Final Draft Core Paths Plan. Sufficiency maps were prepared in advance of the workshop to help identify whether or not there was a need to designate more paths for specific path user types. This involved highlighting on maps whether candidate core paths are suitable for all abilities or multi- use and enabled officers to gain an overview of the geographical coverage and sufficiency of the network. As a result of this workshop, a number of new potential core paths were identified for further consideration and analysis. While no routes were formally dropped as a result of the Stage 2 consultations, analysis lead to some re-routing of paths, as well as the designation of previously proposed candidate core paths to future aspirational paths, due to deliverability concerns. In addition to the internal officer team workshop, in April 2008, a specially convened meeting was also organised with AbOAF to discuss the main consultation responses, proposed changes and discuss any outstanding issues on which the Forum’s views were sought. At the meeting, the Forum members were encouraged to provide guidance on changes that could be made to the Plan in order to address the issues raised, for example the lack of urban core paths. There was also discussion and advice given on the presentation of the Finalised Plan.

2.3.2 Further Ground Truthing and Fine Tuning For each of the new routes proposed following the analysis of the Stage 2 consultations and team workshop, further appraisal work was undertaken in line with the processes described under 2.3.3 and 2.3.9 earlier. Therefore, each of the new paths have been subject to appraisal against the Selection Criteria Checklists and on the ground route checking.

2.3.3 Development of Final Draft Core Paths Plan Having identified the final list of core paths for inclusion in the Final Draft Core Paths Plan, the next stage involved the writing and preparation of the Final Draft Core Paths Plan itself. In developing the Final Draft Core Paths Plan, comments received in relation to the content and presentation of the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan were taken into account. For example, further information was requested on how the Core Paths Plan had been developed. While this additional information has now been included in the Final Draft Core Paths Plan, it is still considered that the Plan should contain only essential information that will allow and encourage stakeholders to comment on the Plan during the consultation period. To this effect, this Core Paths Plan Study Report has been prepared to accommodate the background detailed information highlighting the various stages in the development of the Core Paths Plan and the detailed information received. The Final Draft Core Paths Plan is structured in a similar way to the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan, although with more information provided on how the Plan has been developed, and how the results from consultation have influenced the Final Draft Core Paths Plan. Descriptions of each of the proposed core paths have also been included in the Final Draft Core Paths Plan. These give readers more information on why each path is proposed as a core path, what type of route it is and any opportunities for the future.

2.3.4 Statutory Consultation on Final Draft Core Paths Plan The Final Draft Core Paths Plan will be distributed to a wide variety of stakeholders, whose contacts have been collected during the previous consultation processes. The Final Draft Core Paths Plan will also be made available for download from the Council’s website and will be situated for viewing at each of the Council’s libraries and key Council offices. Press releases will also be used to promote the consultation process. Feedback will be encouraged through written and email correspondence, and also through completion of Comments Forms, both distributed to stakeholders and available for completion online at the Council’s website. All valid comments and suggestions will be analysed and considered in finalising the Core Paths Plan and producing the SEA Post-Adoption Statement. It is anticipated that the Final Core Paths Plan will be published in late 2008. In accordance with the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, it should also be noted that in the event that valid objections to the Plan cannot be resolved, a public local inquiry may be held before the Plan is finalised and formally adopted by the Council.

2.3.4 Consultation on SEA Environmental Report In parallel with the preparation of the Final Draft Core Paths Plan, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) has been undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. SEA is a systematic method for considering the likely environmental effects of plans, programmes and strategies and aims to: • integrate environmental factors into strategy preparation and decision-making; • improve the Core Paths Plan and enhance environmental protection; • increase public participation in decision making; and • facilitate openness and transparency of decision-making.

The SEA Environmental Report, including non-technical summary, outlines the environmental policies that the Council will work by in implementing this Plan, and the mitigation measures that will be adopted to prevent, reduce or offset environmental impacts of the schemes proposed on the back of the Core Paths Plan. The Environmental Report is available at main Council offices and on the Council’s website at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/corepathsplan. Annex A Stage 1 Consultation Diary

ANNEX A - STAGE 1 CONSULTATION DIARY

Summer 2003 Supply / Demand Review for Outdoor Access Strategy Letter & A0-size blank OS map sent to all Community Councils and key stakeholder groups. Info returned was inputted to Scottish Paths Record (SPR).

Autumn 2003 Scottish Paths Record SNH employed consultants to construct and populate a Geographical Information System (GIS) database of path information for Scotland. For Aberdeen’s database, the consultants used the information gathered from the Supply/Demand Review as well as other sources of information such as Ordnance Survey and the OSCAR roads network. Baseline info included many anomalies e.g. paths marked as existing across airport runway, all of the roads network marked as paths etc). All path info provided by ACC (Access Officer, Countryside Rangers, Aberdeen Countryside Project) was given with a value in the Primary Name field (i.e. every path was given a name), which meant that anomalies could be filtered out by digitally querying the data.

21 June 2004 Meeting with Council tenant farmers All of the Council’s tenant farmers (around fifteen) were invited to attend a workshop on access. Rachel Sharp gave a presentation outlining the new access legislation and the development of the Outdoor Access Strategy. There was discussion on key issues and the concept of Core Paths Plans was introduced.

Spring 2006 Analysis of information to date Officers analysed the geographical and interest-based coverage of involvement to date and identified gaps, leading to areas and groups being prioritised for future consultation in order to fill these gaps.

Summer 2006 Core Paths Plan Stage 1 Consultation, Information Gathering All Aberdeen Outdoor Access Forum members were provided with CPP packs containing: the SNH and Paths for All national guidance document on Core Paths Plans, A0-size maps of the whole City showing Scottish Paths Record (purple lines); Instructions and a table for providing additional info; Guidance on areas / groups to focus on was provided in order to prioritise those groups more information is sought from e.g. mountain bikers and land managers.

Each member was asked to record on the map and table: • any paths they are aware of that were not marked on the map • any paths that don’t actually exist but were on the map • any paths they think should exist but don’t • for land managers; any paths that have access problems (which may be addressed by CPP e.g. realignment, upgrading, signage etc).

They were asked to draw path issues on the map AND provide additional info (explanation, contact details etc) on the table, cross-referencing with a number i.e. first path drawn on map = 1, corresponding with info in table marked path number 1. Members were asked to involve as many people as possible in the task, take it to any committees, meetings e.g. Craig Douglas took it to Aberdeen Kayak Club and Grampian & Speyside Paddlesports Association Committees.

30 May 2006 Cross-Service meeting Meeting arranged for ACC Officers, 11 officers attended, good level of interest. Neighbourhood Community Planning Officers agreed to seek info from contacts in their neighbourhoods, particularly focussing on areas lacking info to date. They also agreed to provide summaries of Neighbourhood Action Plans for their areas.

27 June 2006 Land Use Forum public event 25 attended, encouraged to view the maps and provide any comments on them.

9 Sept 2006 Doors Open Day Joint workshop at Woodhill House with Aberdeenshire Council access officers. Took along display info and six A1 printouts of SPR, with info tables attached. Around 30 people attended. Press release: 4/9/06

July - Aug 2006 Maps and table sent to NCPOs on request Requested return by end October

October 2006 Countryside Access Management System All info gathered to date in Stage 1 inputted to CAMS and Excel Sheet (“Stage 1 Results”). SPR data exported and inputted to CAMS as this new system allows much more information to be stored against each path.

October 2006 Information Review Review of plans, strategies and studies that may have info relevant to Core Paths Plan.

Documents / sources reviewed:

• Neighbourhood Community Action Plans (each of the 37 neighbourhoods) • Outdoor Access Strategy • Local Plan Ch 2 Land Release p21-25 • Green Space Network maps supporting Local Plan • Woodland Audit • Halcrow Fox Path Feasibility Study 2000 – extensive path consultation carried out with all stakeholders • Local Plan stakeholder workshops feedback • Scotways / CROW data (incorporated in SPR and CAMS) • Folder of ad-hoc comments gathered 2003-06 • Active Living Project Summary • Forest and Woodland Strategy • Right of Way files (incorporated in SPR and CAMS)

Annex B Stage 1 Consultation Results

Annex B – Stage 1 Consultation Results This annex presents the route specific results submitted as part of the various consultation activities described in Annex A. Note: With reference to the columns ‘User Types’ and ‘Suitable for use by’, the following options were available: Watersports (WS), Pedestrians (P), Cyclists (C), Horses (H)

Info provider Local Path Name User Suitable Existing or Extra Info: Types for use by Desired AbOAF River Dee WS WS Existing Kayaks, canoes, as well as rowing boats on lower sections AbOAF Coastal Path South P/C/H Desired Some construction work, fencing off areas of cliff, way round Colesea Yawn needed. Officer response: Issues with shooting range further south AbOAF Inchgarth Reservoir WS WS Existing Some current use by kayaks - mainly by ACC Outdoor Ed - 2004 Agreement AbOAF Blacktop - Hazlehead link PCH Mainly H Existing Heavily used by horses, making it not good for peds/cycles. Upgrading would enhance use by all. AbOAF Wellwood None PCH Desired Need for connection through development Officer response: Wellwood Planning Appeal - SE Reporter ruled in favour of developer, no public path through site AbOAF Kirkhill Forest P P Existing Trodden path runs north and south from viewing tower AbOAF Craibstone PCH PCH Existing Existing Craibstone roads AbOAF Coastal Path North PCH PCH Existing Coastal Path throughout City needed, north section - burns need to be bridged. Info provider Local Path Name User Suitable Existing or Extra Info: Types for use by Desired AbOAF Allan Park loop PW P Existing - Could be upgraded to wheelchair suitable needs upgrade AbOAF Cults / Bieldside - P P Existing - In need of upgrading - Safer Routes to School Foggieton needs upgrade AbOAF Cults - Milltimber link PCH Desired Link needed for Safe Route to School, Cults Academy and Primary - part of potential radial Core Path from Airyhall to Culter AbOAF River Dee Path PC P Existing - Needs upgrading - bridge needed for drain at needs Mains O Murtle, signposting needed, upgrade / upgrade replace stiles with self closing gates Officer response: see CGF funding for this AbOAF Gough Burn P P Existing Rough footpath alongside burn, little maintenance, part of Craibstone Estate Paths AbOAF Craibstone PC PC Existing Tarmac road, access to pond and West Woods. Used by walkers, cyclists, dog walkers, runners AbOAF West Woods PC PC Existing Rough paths, little maintenance AbOAF Marshall Trailers - Kirkhill PCH PCH Existing Scrap heap off-putting, overgrown section. AbOAF Rowett PC PC Existing Former access to People's Park Cricket Ground & old route to Banff AbOAF Rowett P PCH Existing Track going past Rowett piggery, used by walkers AbOAF Bankhead - Stoneywood PC PC Existing Pavement and tarmac section. Used for e.g. access to Newhills Bowling Club Info provider Local Path Name User Suitable Existing or Extra Info: Types for use by Desired AbOAF Bucksburn P P Existing Claimed right of way. Narrow, muddy footpath, not maintained AbOAF Grandholm PC PC Existing Circular route, waymarked by Aberdeen Countryside Project, used by youths on bikes / scramblers. Could be part of a Granite Quarry history circuit. AbOAF Danestone - Clarkhill PCH Desired Possible through route Wood AbOAF Bucksburn - Kingswells PCH Desired Link needed for Safe Route to School / facilities in Bucksburn. Rec & commuting. Strong demand from comm (Neighb Action Plans, School Board etc) AbOAF Brimmond - Bucksburn PCH Desired Former route to Brimmond Hill via shooting range and old quarries. Now overgrown and impassable. AbOAF Kingswells north PCH Desired Possible AWPR 'inner ring' path for cycling / walking. AbOAF Elrick paths PCH PCH Existing Elrick paths neglected, in need of upgrade AbOAF Brimmond paths PCH PCH Existing Brimmond paths neglected, in need of upgrade AbOAF Westfield - Milltimber P P Existing Only possible in mid summer when water (Summer) levels low, creates circuits AbOAF Access to Stone Circle Existing Access to Stone Circle

AbOAF River Dee - Culter Burn P Desired Link needed, no through route past Cobblestocks. AbOAF Culter Burn link P Not existing Property gardens extend down to Culter burn Info provider Local Path Name User Suitable Existing or Extra Info: Types for use by Desired bank, no access AbOAF Culter Burn - River Dee P Desired No route currently exists through Cobblestocks. Link needed. AbOAF Fisherman's path P Desired No continuous route - agreement needed with Golf Club & Fishing Interests AbOAF Culter Burn P Desired Not used for many years - impassable due to vegetation, rocky gorge. AbOAF Coronation Rd PC Desired Culter in Bloom & ACC discussing. Links Greenspace school, health centre, etc. Base for Culter path network? e.g. panel AbOAF Culter Dam loop PW Desired Opportunity for local nature walk near village centre. Loop round dam particularly desirable. AbOAF Baads Wood PCH? PCH? Existing Central section difficult - requires detour along field boundary AbOAF Hill of Ardbeck P P Existing Short boggy section discourages access AbOAF Deeside Way PCH PCH Existing - Upgrading required - muddy puddles, lack of Upgrade camber / crossfall needed Member of Colesea Yawn P P Existing (??) Access to old fish factory - closed and private public sign erected - RS: Access not possible due to erosion of cliff Member of Hillhead of Derbeth Not existing No link exists currently between 'front' & 'back' public roads to Hillhead of Derbeth. Member of Cove - Altens PC Desired Link needed as part of plans for industrial units public Info provider Local Path Name User Suitable Existing or Extra Info: Types for use by Desired Member of Cove Altens PC PC Existing Existing informal link public Member of Cove - Altens PC PC Existing Existing informal link public Member of Deeside - Westhill C C Existing Good route linking Culter / Deeside and public Westhill. On quiet roads. Member of Colesea Yawn P Desired Continuous coastal path needed public Member of Old Mineral Line PCH PCH Desired Old Mineral Line through Royal Aberdeen - public coastal route between City & Shire / Newburgh Member of City - Corby Loch PCH Desired Link from City - Corby Loch almost possible but public section of road too busy. Member of City - Corby Loch PCH Desired Complete link needed public Member of Persley Br - Dyce Station C Desired Better cycle link needed public Member of Hazlehead ? ? Existing Countesswells Road - Hazlehead Woods public Member of Powis Burn P Desired Re-establish Powis Burn route (see North public Beach Masterplan). Reconnect Seaton to sea. Member of Coast link - Exhibition P Desired Better link needed between coast and public Centre Exhibition Centre and Bridge of Don estates Member of Pinewood P P Existing Link between Pinewood - Pinewood Fields - public Hazlehead Wood - Countesswells Road Info provider Local Path Name User Suitable Existing or Extra Info: Types for use by Desired Member of Burnieboozle - Pinewood P P Existing Link to Burnieboozle Crescent public Member of Bridge of Don - Coast P Desired Link needed between Bridge of Don and public Coast, including better ped crossings on A90. Member of Brimmond Hill P P Existing Gorse clearing needed public Member of Fernhill PCH PCH Existing Needs improvement public Member of Hazlehead PCH PCH Existing Longer loops should be signposted public Member of Newton of Countesswells PCH PCH Existing Needs cutting back and signposting public Member of Kingshill Wood PCH PCH Existing 'Private' signs put off users public Member of Kingshill Wood PCH PCH Existing Needs signposting public Member of Brimmond - Kingswells PCH PCH Desired Open up farm tracks to create direct link public between Brimmond and Kingswells Member of Kingswells PC Desired Need to remove fences blocking paths. Path is public very overgrown, almost impassable. Member of River Don WS WS Existing Used by canoeists, kayakers public AbOAF River Don WS WS Existing Known current access / egress point AbOAF Corby Loch WS WS Existing Watersports use Info provider Local Path Name User Suitable Existing or Extra Info: Types for use by Desired AbOAF Corby Loch WS WS Existing Known current access / egress point AbOAF Loirston Loch WS WS Existing Watersports use AbOAF Loirston Loch WS WS Existing Access / Egress point AbOAF Inchgarth Reservoir WS WS Existing Access / Egress point AbOAF River Dee WS WS Existing Access / Egress point AbOAF Nigg Bay WS WS Existing Access / egress

AbOAF Beach WS WS Existing Access / egress AbOAF Donmouth WS WS Existing Access / egress Member of Kinellar ? ? Existing Info from land manager, inclusion in Land public Management Contract Option 15 Member of Nether Don - University P P Desired Old Aberdeen Heritage Society public Member of The Slacks Existing Aberdeenshire Council CPP Consultation public response Member of Hill of Marcus Existing Aberdeenshire Council CPP Consultation public response Strategic City - Kirkhill Desired Strategic desire for link and various comments from public (outside CPP consultation) Strategic / Hazlehead - Foggieton Desired General demand - strategic and public (outside Public CPP consultation) Strategic / Countesswells - Desired General demand - strategic and public (outside Public Foggieton CPP consultation) Info provider Local Path Name User Suitable Existing or Extra Info: Types for use by Desired Member of Howes Road, Bucksburn Existing - Needs upgrading (tarmac & lighting) very public Link needs important for sustainable transport upgrade Strategic / River Don - Downie Hill Desired Need for new link as alternative to riverside Public path which is eroded, costly to fix, unsustainable Strategic / River Dee Path Potential for continuous route between section Public north of Br of Dee and south to RGU Public Lover's Walk Existing Need all abilities access - good circular route School (head Hazlehead Desired Safer Routes to School - suggestion from teacher) Headteacher School (head Middleton Park Desired Safer Routes to School teacher) Aberdeenshire The Wickets Existing Info from Aberdeenshire Councillor Jock Councillor McGregor, through Colin Miller Public - Local Loirston Loch - Kincorth Desired Need for new link between Loirston Loch and Plan workshop Kincorth Sustrans River Don NCN1 Desired New section being progressed to link with Formartine and Buchan Way Annex C Stage 1 Information Review Results

Annex C – Stage 1 Information Review Results Information on access issues that should be considered in developing the Final Draft CPP has been gathered from various sources including the Neighbourhood Community Action Plans (NCAP), Outdoor Access Strategy, Local Plan, Woodland Audit and a Path Feasibility Study commissioned by Aberdeen City Council in 2000. Although this feasibility study was carried out some time ago, it included extensive consultation and many issues highlighted are, or were at the time of the Stage 1 consultation, still current.

SOURCE ISSUE Forest and Woodland Strategy Link woodlands with wooded corridors Forest and Woodland Strategy Way-marking and interpretation to encourage and guide visits Active Living Project Summary Increase participation in sports, physical recreation & physical activity (Active Aberdeen Performance Indicators Objective 2) Active Living Project Summary Regeneration areas priority Northfield NCAP, Bucksburn Provision of footpaths = key issue NCAP Kingswells NCAP Improve path signage = key issue Kingswells NCAP Youth facilities – access to greenspace, woodland Kingswells NCAP Need for new path link between Kingswells and Bucksburn Bucksburn NCAP Need for new / better paths linking Newhills Church, Forrit Brae, Bucksburn, Kingswells Kingswells NCAP Concern over loss of path link between Kingswells and Brimmond Hill due to AWPR Sheddocksley NCAP Paths to Kingswells from Lewis Court to be maintained Sheddocksley NCAP Improve outdoor leisure / sport facilities Balgownie NCAP Pedestrian crossing needed at AECC, Ellon Road Balgownie & Donmouth NCAP Balgownie & Donmouth area unsafe for cyclists Bucksburn NCAP, Dyce NCAP Bucksburn & Dyce traffic safety, incl. Cycle paths Bucksburn NCAP Nature Trails, improved path network in Craibstone area Bucksburn NCAP More cycle lanes needed (esp. along Don) Bucksburn NCAP Need for new / improved safe link between Bucksburn and Newhills Bucksburn NCAP Need for new / improved safe link between Forrit Brae and Newhills Almost every NCAP Improve leisure facilities Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill & Co-ordinate transport links with Core Paths Plan Seafield NCAP Braeside, Mannofield, Broomhill & Repair steps to Deeside Line at both sides of S Anderson Dr & lighting Seafield NCAP Cove NCAP Extend Coastal Path to Cove Harbour Cove NCAP Better linking up of existing paths in Cove to create complete network Cove NCAP Provide path from Charleston Road for better access to school Culter NCAP Create path along Culter Burn Culter NCAP Create new footpaths and nature trails Cults, Bieldside, Milltimber NCAP Create new cycle lanes Cults, Bieldside, Milltimber NCAP Create path at Den of Murtle and Contlaw Road Ferryhill NCAP Improve walkways and cycle access Ferryhill NCAP Link Ruthrieston Circle with Deeside Line Torry NCAP Improvement of St Fitticks Comm Park, the Gramps, Torry Headland, Bay of Nigg for recreation Torry NCAP Restoration of (and linkage to) Wellington Suspension Bridge Ashgrove NCAP Surface path, CCTV, lighting at Back Hilton Shops (done) George Street NCAP Cycle safety issue in George Street area Almost all NCAPs Tackle health inequalities Many NCAPs Improve access to sports facilities Hilton NCAP Stewart Park – focal point of area – access to? West End NCAP Provide footpath in Rubislaw Den Hazlehead NCAP Upgrade path from Woodend Terminus to Skene Road Cemetery Dyce NCAP Need for path through Central Park, Dyce Denmore NCAP Denmore Road to Ellon Road – path needs improvement Woodland Audit Developing new paths linking City with woodlands Woodland Audit Desired new link between Countesswells – Hazlehead Woodland Audit Desired new link between Cults, Foggieton - Hazlehead Woodland Audit Linking the City with woodlands and / or linking woodlands with public transport Woodland Audit Better link between Countesswells and Hazlehead Woodland Audit Need direct access from City to Kirkhill Forest (major forest destination) Woodland Audit Need direct access from City to Counteswells (major forest destination) Woodland Audit Need link between Bankhead and Kirkhill Forest Woodland Audit Need link between Deeside Line and Countesswells Woodland Audit Enhance access to River Don (linear woodland) from regeneration areas especially Woodland Audit Enhance access to woodland / greenspace at Tullos, Nigg, Loirston Woodland Audit Enhance info at Tullos, Nigg, Loirston, River Don woodlands Local Plan GSNP Ch2 Access to coast (north and south) from urban areas needs to be improved Local Plan GSNP Ch2 Access between Perwinnes Moss and Corby Loch needs to be improved Local Plan GSNP Ch2 Access along north / east side of River Don (outwith urban area) needs to be improved Local Plan GSNP Ch2 Access between Kingswells and Den of Maidencraig should be improved Local Plan GSNP Ch2 Link between Den of Maidencraig and Kingswells is needed Local Plan GSNP Ch2 New route between Grandholm Moss and Stoneyhill Wood would create orbital link between Bridge of Don and Parkhill / Dyce / F&B Way Local Plan Green Space Network Deeside Line Local Plan Green Space Network Rivers Dee and Don Local Plan Green Space Network Den of Cults – Foggieton, Kingshill, Blacktop Local Plan Green Space Network Blacktop – Hazlehead – Johnston Gardens Local Plan Green Space Network The Bucks Burn (Kingswells – Bucksburn) Local Plan Green Space Network Culter – Blacktop Local Plan Green Space Network Kirkihill Forest – Brimmond – Kingswells Local Plan Green Space Network Kirkhill Forest – Bucksburn Local Plan Green Space Network Danestone – Parkhill / Don Local Plan Green Space Network River Dee Local Plan Green Space Network Beach Local Plan Green Space Network Coast – Silver Burn – Parkhill Local Plan Green Space Network Kingswells – Den of Maidencraig Local Plan Green Space Network Loirston – Kincorth – Tullos – Balnagask Local Plan Green Space Network Cove – Coast - Balnagask Local Plan Green Space Network Pitfodels / Mannofield / Garthdee – Maidencraig – Heathryfold (urban edge ring) Local Plan Green Space Network Bridge of Don – Corby Loch Local Plan Green Space Network Bridge of Don – Blackdog / Balmedie Local Plan Green Space Network Loirston / Charlestown, along A90 corridor to River Dee Local Plan Green Space Network North Culter – North Milltimber – Foggieton Local Plan Green Space Network Culter Burn - Blacktop Outdoor Access Strategy Need for new link between Potterton and City / Scotstown Outdoor Access Strategy New / improved link(s) needed between Cove and Altens Outdoor Access Strategy Need for new link between Danestone / Br of Don and Parkhill Outdoor Access Strategy Need better links between Cove and Altens Halcrow Path Feasibility Study All route info inputted to SPR and then to CAMS Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Section 3 summarises consultation undertaken – events, attendance, key points Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Access to Deeside Line West of Peterculter (Deeside Way) Halcrow Path Feasibility Study “Up the Hill” behind Peterculter is valuable Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Problems crossing Countesswells Road / Alford Road from / to Hazlehead Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Desire for new link between Hazlehead and Kingswells (following powerlines?) Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Minor roads around Bucksburn / Newhills – problem for non motorised users Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Beacon Sports for the Disabled – access to summit of Brimmond Hill possible at present from north but from south access for disabled is restricted. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Disabled access problems at Bridge of Dee, accessing Deeside Line Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Improvements of River Don path needed Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Middleton Park / Balgownie Path poor condition Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Royal Aberdeen Golf Club (Balgownie Links) are tolerant of access and wish to manage it better, including possible promotion of a route across to seafront Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Need for promoted linear routes with bus links / return Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Management of coastal path at Doonies Farm needs improvement Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Bridges are a key issue around Peterculter e.g. tributary to Dee Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Need for new path between Milltimber and Peterculter via Guthrie Hill Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Deeside Way needs to be multi use and all abilities as well as access points to it Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Route from North Anderson Drive to Angusfield Avenue (a wooded walkway) is very attractive Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Routes within Hazlehead Park poorly maintained – especially horse routes Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Good all abilities access within Hazlehead Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Need for better signage, more welcoming paths / confidence Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Ideal strategic route links Bucksburn to Brimmond Hill at Chapel of Stoneywood Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Bridge collapse at Dyce Drive (Walton Road) Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Path link between Newhills and Sheddocksley Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Demand for an orbital route linking the March Stones around the City Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Demand for better access around Beach & Balgownie Links Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Need improvements to River Don paths e.g. around Bannatynes Sports Centre, Persley Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Key strategic route: Bucksburn to Brimmond Hill Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Key strategic route: Carrot Belt west to Dyce and East to Beach Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Key strategic route: Bucksburn to Kingswells to Hazlehead to Deeside Way Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Key strategic route: Extension of Deeside Way to Aberdeenshire Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Key issues related to providing paths for all include: • Issues of convenient and easy access to the fringe of the city for countryside recreation; • Safety in negotiating busy, often fast main vehicular routes traversing the City; • Provision of access for the needs of all communities – in particular less advantaged communities; and • Provision of “functional” and city linking routes to places of informal recreation within built up areas e.g. parklands and open spaces. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study The following selected attractions were identified as important attractions that could link into a path network: For City Centre Routes: • Provost Skenes House; Aberdeen Maritime Museum; Peacock Contemporary Art Gallery; The Harbour itself; and the Beach Front. For routes in the North of the City: • Beach, River Don, Scotstown Moor Nature Reserve; • Old Aberdeen, Seaton Park, Wallace Tower; • Kings College, Botanic Gardens. For routes in the West of the City: • Hazlehead Park, Newton Dee Village (Sustainable Community), Den of Maidencraig. For routes in the South of the City: • Deeside Station, Doonies Farm at Cove, River Dee. • Kincorth Local Nature Reserve. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Scottish Wildlife Trust would like to see the maintenance of paths free from dog foul and litter and that resources should not be spent on “shaving grass”, rather naturally clearing back vegetation. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Opportunities exist to work with the RSPB to identify local bird sighting opportunities and feasible bird hides within the paths network. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Aberdeen Countryside Project (ACP) considers that Aberdeen has great potential for an improved access network and priority areas for action should include: • Wider links to the countryside from urban fringe communities and building on existing “linear” strategic routes such as Deeside Way or the River Don corridor; • Appropriate and standard approaches to signage, information and interpretative materials; and • The need to raise awareness and to involve private landowners in the promotion of access. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study The town-country boundary was said to be particularly vulnerable to burglary, vandalism and fly- tipping. The opening of new paths and the advertising and signposting of existing paths may exacerbate this problem. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Key concerns raised by landowner focus group consultations included: • Liability – increased access could lead to increased insurance premiums to farmers. • Disruption – any new paths should not disrupt agricultural land in any way, and not influence what activities can be undertaken in a given field e.g. fields where there are certain types of livestock, such as bulls, should not be in close proximity to the Core Paths Network due to liability fears in the event of injury to a member of the public. • Responsible use – increased access could only mean that the number of irresponsible users also increased. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Focus group consultation revealed the following points regarding conflict resolution: • Maintenance – it was felt appropriate that those new paths or paths to be reopened for the Core Paths Network should be maintained and funded by the Council. • Conflict between users – concerns were raised about conflict between the use of paths by different users e.g. cyclists, walkers and riders. Where paths overlapped, there was also said to be potential for damage to the paths network. • Education – was seen as a key activity to addressing some of the problems caused by irresponsible path users. Farmers were said to be keen to invite school aged children onto farms to help promote agriculture and assist in the education process. There was therefore a willingness to support and co-operate with the Core Paths Network in this regard. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Focus group consultation revealed that as an issue for the future, it was important to constantly inform farmers of the status of access legislation. Communication of progress made in relation to the development of the Core Path Network to farmers was said to be important. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study There will be a need for clear and obvious signposting throughout the Core Path Network. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Forest Enterprise believes that most visitors currently drive to locations under their management for recreation. The most popular cycling is in Kirkhill (Trail Quest). Halcrow Path Feasibility Study People counters installed by FE revealed that Countesswells Forest is arguably the busiest and most popular woodland. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Consultation with local housebuilders revealed that they generally had no objections to the Planning Authority seeking paths as part of developments, as long as the scale of request relates to the development in question and discussions are initiated as early as possible in the development process to scope out and agree ‘physical desire lines’ etc. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study With regards to the AWPR, it is vital to ensure that that key paths proposed by this study would be preserved or re-aligned / diverted by means of under / over-passes or equivalent measures as and when the AWPR is built. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study The AWPR should provide a good opportunity to ensure safer use of minor roads as a means of access, by virtue of reducing the level of north-south moving traffic entering the city centre and the heavy use of minor roads around the western fringe of the city. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Consultation was undertaken with Aberdeenshire Council on the “strategic linkages” which could be formed on paths which cross into the Council area. This revealed the following linkages:

South of the City • The South Aberdeenshire section of the Sustrans National Cycle Route joins the City at Rigifa Farm from Blackhills of Cairnrobin. It is a quiet road and there was said to be no work required on this link. • The coastal path to Nigg on the City Council boundary is considered problematic. AC considers the continuation of the route south into Aberdeenshire would be difficult. • A possible future link into the City may be feasible along the edge of the A90 joining Welllington Road. There would need to be work to create a path along the edge of the A90 via Mains of Charlestown and Hillhead farms eventually joining the cycle route at Wellington Road. • The Causey Mounth route is one which AC are keen to formalise as a link into the City. It was considered that there would be little problem in using this quiet road except for safety issues on joining the Deeside Road at Bridge of Dee. • It was suggested that a commuting route from Cove to Portlethen be considered as this could provide a good opportunity to commute to the City via the Charleston interchange.

Deeside • An old track via Easter Anguston and Mid Anguston is feasible. It runs north west of Peterculter and provides a good link into Aberdeenshire. West of the City • Westhill should enjoy convenient access to the Four Hills via existing access opportunities (Sclattiebrae, South Craigston, Northside farms east to the Brimmond Hill car park). • There is safe underpass access from the Tyrebagger over the A96 to Kirkhill. • Aberdeenshire Council indicate that with the growth of Blackburn, there is a feasible and an obvious need to introduce formal access perhaps through the old City Council tip at Caskiebrae. It was said that Aberdeenshire have a long term proposal to extend the long distance Gordon Way thus bringing users into the City. There could be two different routes provided – a safe commuting route using old sections of the now redundant A96 and a leisure route through Kirkhill via Caskieben, continuing east onto Dyce Drive. North of the City • It was said that there may be feasible opportunities to develop commuting and cycle routes into the City from villages such as Balmedie and Blackdog. It would be feasible to install a cycle path along the southbound wide grassy verge of the A90 towards the Exhibition and Conference Centre. The route could then join the built cycleway along the A90 southbound from the Barracks. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Consultation undertaken at Culter Library:

Popular routes • Popular routes identified included the Deeside Line, “Up the Hill” behind Peterculter, and the Dee River Valley.

Problems and Issues • Users are interested in routes moving out from within the City and not specifically around the Green Belt to the west (e.g. access to B&Q from Garthdee and North Deeside Road). Individual Comments • There may be feasible horse-riding routes at Old Fold Farm. • Access around Beans Hill and South Lasts farms (just north and west of Miltimber) should be investigated. There are no known routes, but individuals have taken access through lands here. • There may be a feasible new route following an alignment under power lines from Hazlehead to Kingswells (within “Strategic Reserve Land” which could be implemented through agreement with future developers. • Routes could be promoted on themes, such as connecting historic sites Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Consultation undertaken at Bucksburn Library:

Popular routes • The back of Bucksburn to Newhills. • Brimmond Hill • Craibstone Woods and • The Formartine and Buchan Way at Dyce.

Problems and Issues • Quiet minor roads around Bucksburn are popular short cut routes and since there is no grassy verge, walking on the roads is very dangerous. • Routes around Brimmond Hill are popular with members of Beacon Sports for the Disabled, however the cobbled nature of the surface is uncomfortable. Access to the summit from the north is feasible, but a return via the south is restricted for disabled users. • There were said to be disabled access constraints at Bridge of Dee on access to the Deeside Walkway. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Consultation undertaken at Bridge of Don Library:

Popular routes • River Don. • Cycle route through Dyce that joins the Formartine and Buchan Way. • Seaton Park • Don Estuary / Murcar • North to south route at Middleton Park.

Problems and Issues • Good bird watching at Brimmond Hill. • Drainage problems on the River Don path makes the route less attractive. • The River Don is a popular route, but the path is very narrow and gets impassable in wet winter conditions. • It is feasible to join the River Don at Dyce Cemetery. It follows a field edge and can be undefined and very wet. • Parts of the Middleton Park/Balgownie Path are in poor condition. • There is a poor linkage in this path at Braehead Way near the shops, with vehicle/pedestrian conflicts. • Royal Aberdeen Golf Club (Balgownie Links area) are tolerant of access and wish to manage access better, perhaps by promotion of a route taking walkers across the course to the seafront and along the Beach. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Consultation undertaken at Kincorth Library:

Popular routes • Kincorth Hill • Deeside Line • Hazlehead Park • North bank of River Dee • Westburn and Victoria Park • Johnston Gardens

Problems and Issues • Perceived lack of walks for older generations with car paring and short circular routes.

Individual Comments • The feasibility of linear routes with concessionary bus return service should be investigated • Poor management of the coastal path at Doonies Farm Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Questionnaires completed by communities:

Peterculter and Deeside Area Responses • Farmland should not be divided for the benefit of a path; • Some circuits are incomplete (e.g. not fully pedestrian or cycle friendly); • Perceived lack of commitment from landowners and Council to improve access; • Cyclists are undeserved, especially on main routes into the city, and walkers routes are often so poor that many are lost or undefined; • Issues with dog fouling on paths were noted; • In terms of new access provision, popular suggestions included a path from Peterculter to Milltimber via Guthrie Hill.

Hazlehead and West of City Responses • More cleaning and lighting on the Denburn route would improve the attractiveness of this route; • The route from North Anderson Drive to Angusfield Avenue (a wooded walkway) is very attractive; • There are damaged and poorly drained sections of Hazlehead Park (this is not conducive to horse-riding, which is a popular activity in the area).

Bucksburn and North West Area Responses • Poorly maintained surfaces, and a lack of signage, is not conducive to promoting access; • Ideal strategic route links Bucksburn to Brimmond Hill at Chapel of Stoneywood. • In terms of new routes, a path link from Newhills to Sheddocksley (following a woodland strip via Redmyres and Greenferns Farm) and an orbital route linking the “March Stones” around the City were suggested. • There needs to be tapping rails and grassy surfaces elsewhere in the City.

Bridge of Don and City Centre North Responses • There should be greater promotion of access within and around the Beach and Balgownie Links; • Strong support for Perwinnes Moss – an excellent attraction;

• Suggested that the River Don should attract the same attention from users and developers as Deeside. • An alleged right of way in the City Centre at the Harbour should be considered. It would be an asset to the tourist economy passing the Adelphi. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Consultation with Hayfield International Riding Centre: • Aberdeen has the highest horse ownership in Scotland. • Access in the west of the city where the majority of stables exist is being increasingly constrained by busy roads (used as short cuts by commuters) and key short links to open spaces and off-road routes are required. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Torry Community Council is keen to more formally develop the Torry Walk. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Key constraints arising from the Baseline Review, Community Consultations and Access Audit undertaken during the Halcrow study are noted below: • Rat run roads around the Hazlehead and Kingswells area; • There are few alternative routes (other than the network around Hazlehead policies) for equestrian interests in the City; • Very few existing routes are signposted. • Many routes are poorly maintained. • There is a lack of existing and nearby opportunities for local people living in the Milltimber, Seaton, Danestone and Middlefield areas. • Re-alignment of A944 has no provision for safe pedestrian/cycle/horse use along roadsides. • Council led services are inadequately resourced to carry out routine maintenance and often respond to specific issues on a demand basis. • Routes on the Rivers Dee and Don are strategically important and form a key component of a path network for the city. However, it was said that they require intensive improvements and maintenance and are likely to be susceptible to bank erosion. • The physical size and nature of the City and the obvious constraints that places on accessible open space close to everyone who lives in it are an obvious constraint. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Key opportunities arising from the Baseline Review, Community Consultations and Access Audit undertaken during the Halcrow study: • The AWPR is designed to reduce levels of north-south moving traffic entering the city centre, which therefore could lead to improved access opportunities on minor roads around the western fringe of the city by virtue of reducing the use of these roads. • There is an opportunity to make better use of key strategic routes, such as from Bucksburn to Brimmond Hill. • There is a need to provide improved access opportunities to socially excluded areas of the City, enabling access out to the countryside and into the City Centre, e.g. Northfield to Kingswells or Northfield to Bucksburn. • A key aim should be to enable non-motorised transport to services in local neighbourhoods. • There is great potential for existing woodlands such as around Peterculter or Bucksburn to become more accessible to those living close to them. • The ambitious program of cycle route development and improvement across the city should be harnessed to link in off-road opportunities where possible. • Create links to LDRs. • There is an adequate spread of landmarks and local attractions which could form interpretative components of a network. • Continued development of Walk to Health initiative in Aberdeen. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Issues raised at Workshops on a Draft Path Network developed by Halcrow Fox. • In the Donside Area, particularly across open playing fields between Scotstown School and Bridge of Don, it was noted that this is a popular informal link route used mainly by school pupils. It’s in a very poor condition and would benefit from improvement. • The importance of signage and promotion of paths was stressed. Halcrow Path Feasibility Study Specific comments on access around Aberdeen from the Workshops are outlined below.

Bridge of Don / Seaton / Hayton • Access on land to the south of Bridge of Don Academy (Balgownie) should be formalised through the open area for school children daily attending the Academy from Donmouth via Scotstoun School. It was also said that a linked footpath through Central Park (a former landfill site) would be a great asset. Bucksburn / Sheddocksley / Hayton: • It may be feasible to develop a route along the entire length of the Bucksburn from Kingswells. • At peak commuter times, paths shown on quiet roads leading into Newhills may be very dangerous, and there is no wide verge that could feasibly accommodate a path.

Hazlehead / Countesswells • Whilst the horse riding population in the area is the greatest in the country, opportunities are dwindling. • There is said to be a need to provide dedicated horse riding (off-road) routes linking Hazlehead to other areas such as Countesswells Forest. • Forest walks within Hazlehead are not well signposted. • It was considered that a new path on the roadside verge, past new road junction of A944 (Lang Stracht) is very important to implement. • Countesswells Forest is an attractive area for access.

Deeside • The proposal to re-open the old bridge crossing from Cults Den over the Dee may not be feasible due to likely funding constraints. • Newton Dee Village may not be feasible to promote routes to the public and access would be particularly sensitive. • Murtle Den itself is sensitive to access. • The River Don is often overgrown and should be a priority path for maintenance. • A key route that should be implemented is from the north east edge of Milltimber in a north east direction towards Blacktop and Countesswells Wood.

Peterculter • Linn Moor School is a sensitve area which should not be considered for access.

City Wide • There are number of interurban paths which should be considered in developing a path network for Aberdeen, particularly around Rubislaw and paths in Johnson Gardens which link to Hazlehead and Countesswells. • There is a clear need for strategic routes into Aberdeenshire. These include the extension of the Gordon Way through Blackburn and North Kirkhill Forest and routes from the Four Hills to Westhill. • Issues raised over the condition of some cycle paths e.g. Dyce/Asda Road. • Consider the alignment of the AWPR. Where it intersects with paths, there should be underpasses or bridges provided by the developer to increase safety of users. • There is a need for a well-lit route linking The Rowett Institute to Craibstone Estate (SAC). • Dyce Drive requires the reinstatement of a collapsed bridge crossing. • A short path running along the burnside adjacent to the railway opposite the east side of Dyce Airport needs improved. • The significance of a Coastal Path from Dee Estuary, via Girdleness and Nigg, following the headland to Cove should be identified as a key component of the City-wide network. Annex D CPP Vision, Aims and Objectives

Annex D – Vision, Aims and Objectives The Vision, Aims and Objectives have been developed by Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Outdoor Access Forum. The process of developing them has been very important as not only have they helped to provide a strategic focus for the Plan, but they have also informed the development of the selection criteria which has been used to assess the candidate core paths included in the Plan.

D.2 Vision Aberdeen’s core paths system will form a complete paths network throughout the City, encouraging healthy and sustainable access opportunities for all.

D.3 Aims The Core Paths system will: 1. Connect residential areas, greenspaces, amenities, other attractions and the wider countryside into Aberdeenshire. 2. Form a basic, safe framework for outdoor recreation and sustainable and active travel. 3. Improve the quality of life of Aberdeen’s residents and visitors. 4. Assist Aberdeen's people to lead healthier lifestyles. 5. Promote environmental protection and foster the development of a more sustainable city. 6. Be well integrated in policy and usage terms, encouraging access opportunities for all.

D.4 Objectives Using these aims, a number of objectives have been developed. These objectives are presented below.

Aim 1: Connect residential areas, greenspaces, amenities, other attractions and the wider countryside into Aberdeenshire. Objective 1: To promote and improve links between settlements, facilities (e.g. shops, health facilities and in particular schools), transport links and attractions. Objective 2: To promote and improve links to greenspaces in Aberdeen (e.g. parks, forests, rivers, beaches and other open spaces). Objective 3: To promote and improve access to places of interest in Aberdeen (e.g. built attractions, natural features and heritage sites). Objective 4: To link and support the wider path network in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Aim 2: Form a basic, safe framework for outdoor recreation and sustainable and active travel. Objective 1: To ensure the effective and efficient maintenance and development of Aberdeen's core path network. Objective 2: To work with partners to continue to reduce accidents involving non- motorised users. Objective 3: To work in partnership with Grampian Police in order to enhance the safety of the paths network.

Aim 3: Improve the quality of life of Aberdeen’s residents and visitors. Objective 1: To promote the Core Paths Plan for the purposes of recreation and tourism opportunities. Objective 2: To provide an attractive environment that contributes to an improved quality of life for local residents and visitors.

Aim 4: Assist Aberdeen's residents to lead healthier lifestyles. Objective 1: To promote and increase the use of sustainable, active forms of travel. Objective 2: To promote and increase participation in informal outdoor recreation.

Aim 5: Promote environmental protection and foster the development of a more sustainable city. Objective 1: To protect and promote the area’s environmental quality, biodiversity, local heritage and cultural identity. Objective 2: To support and promote initiatives that educate and raise awareness on the importance of environmental sustainability. Objective 3: To foster the development of a future generation of sustainable transport users.

Aim 6: Be well integrated in policy and usage terms, encouraging access opportunities for all. Objective 1: To improve and promote accessibility for all to the core paths network. Objective 2: Ensure that the Core Paths Plan influences the future development and implementation of local, regional and national land use planning, economic development, and community development strategies. Objective 3: To assist and promote responsible land management and deliver mutual benefits for path users and land managers. Objective 4: To enable and promote responsible multi-use of the Core Paths Network. Objective 5: To promote and encourage understanding of, and compliance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Objective 6: To improve ease of use and understanding of the Core Paths Network by developing a consistent approach to signposting, information provision and branding. Objective 7: To involve appropriate stakeholders in planning and development of the Core Paths Network. This matrix was developed as a check that the challenges posed for the Core Paths Plan, such as the legal requirement and the various policies of the Outdoor Access Strategy and other relevant documents analysed during Stage 1, are being addressed by a number of the Core Paths Plan’s objectives.

CORE PATHS PLAN 2008 OBJECTIVES VS. CHALLENGES

Problems / Issues

Legal Requirement Health Land Use and the Environment Transport Integration Economic Development Accessibility

To "provide the basic Promote Active Deliver health Raise awareness Improve safety of Maintain and Provide a Enhance access Raise awareness Link and Raise awareness of Promote and facilitate Support the Ensure that the Encourage avoidance of Encourage integration Seek integration Adopt a consistent Increase tourist Encourage the use Provide an attractive To improve outdoor Improve access framework of routes Travel benefits e.g. on the links non-motorised enhance clean and opportunities to on environmental create wildlife and promote the increased levels of development of objectives of the core conflict between access in the form of mixed with approach to promotion numbers through of Aberdeen's environment that access and increase opportunities between sufficient for the purpose of combat obesity. between health users (e.g. walkers Aberdeen's valued education, sustainability. habitats. use of sustainable walking and cycling an integrated and paths plan are integrated and land management use of paths, enabling Aberdeenshire's and information, promotion of an outdoors for contributes to an active travel people’s homes, giving the public and sustainable and cyclists, environmental environment. information and and active forms of both for recreation and accessible with the policies and (finding positive access for all abilities core path supporting the attractive path recreational and improved quality of life amongst Aberdeen's employment, reasonable access travel. especially qualities. understanding of travel. travel to work, and transport network. strategies of our outcomes for both where and user types, where network. development of an easily network. lesiure purposes. and encourages socially excluded shopping, educational throughout their area." children). the environment. reduce car use. Partners. appropriate). appropriate. identifiable brand, population retention and groups. and other facilities. complimentary to wider growth in Aberdeen. Vision Aims Objectives branding of the City. To promote and improve links between settlements, facilities (e.g. shops, health facilities and

x x x x x x x x x x x x x in particular schools), transport links and attractions.

To promote and improve links Connect residential areas, to greenspaces in Aberdeen

greenspaces, amenities, other (e.g. parks, forests, rivers, x x x x x x x x x x x x x x attractions and the wider beaches and other open countryside into spaces). Aberdeenshire. To promote and improve access to places of interest in

Aberdeen (e.g. built attractions, x x x x x x x x x x x x x x natural features and heritage sites). To link and support the wider

path network in Aberdeen and x x x x x x x x x x x x x Aberdeenshire. To ensure the effective and efficient maintainenance and x development of Aberdeen's x x core path network. Form a basic, safe framework To work with partners to

for outdoor recreation and continue to reduce accidents x sustainable and active travel. involving non motorised users. To work in partnership with Grampian Police in order to enhance the safety of the paths x network. To promote the Core Paths Plan for the purposes of recreation and tourism x x x x x x Improve the quality of life of opportunities. To provide an attractive Aberdeen’s residents and environment that contributes to visitors. an improved quality of life for local residents and assists with x x x x x x attracting and retaining population. Aberdeen’s core To promote and increase the paths system will use of sustainable, active forms x x x x x x x x x x form a complete Assist Aberdeen's residents to of travel. paths network lead healthier lifestyles. To promote and increase

throughout the city, participation in informal outdoor x x x x x x x x x x encouraging recreation. healthy and To protect and promote the sustainable access area’s environmental quality, x x x x x x x opportunities for biodiversity, local heritage and all. cultural identity. Promote environmental To support and promote protection and foster the initiatives that educate and development of a more raise awareness on the x x x x x sustainable city. importance of environmental sustainability. To foster the development of a future generation of sustainable x x x x x x x x transport users. To improve and promote accessibility for all to the core x x x x x x x x x x x x paths network. Ensure that the Core Paths Plan influences the future development and implementation of local, x x regional and national land use planning, economic development, and community development strategies.

To assist and promote responsible land management x x x and deliver mutual benefits for Be well integrated in policy path users and land managers. and usage terms, encouraging To enable and promote access opportunities for all. responsible multi-use of the x x x x x x x Core Paths Network. To promote and encourage understanding of, and x x x x x x x x x compliance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. To improve ease of use and understanding of the Core Paths Network by developing a consistent approach to x x x x x x x x x x x x x signposting, information provision and branding. To involve appropriate stakeholders in planning and development of the Core Paths x x x x Network. Annex E Candidate Core Path Appraisal Sheets

Annex E – Candidate Core Path Appraisal Sheets

This annex presents the results from the appraisals undertaken on a sample of the core paths proposed in the Final Draft Core Paths Plan. In assessing the suitability of proposed routes as core paths, each individual path has been subject to appraisal against a Selection Criteria Checklist. The criteria included in the Selection Criteria Checklist are closely linked to the objectives of the Core Paths Plan, which should help to ensure that the final network of core paths will help to deliver the overall vision, aims and objectives. For each of the criterion, paths were scored using a scale of minus two to plus two - where minus two means a major negative impact, minus one means a minor negative impact, zero means no impact, one means a minor positive impact, and two means a major positive impact. Appraisal was undertaken both as a desk-based task using GIS mapping analysis, and on the ground route surveying and checking. It is to be emphasised that the appraisal scoring system has simply been one tool in the process of identifying our network of candidate core paths. Nevertheless, this appraisal system has played an important part in informing decisions on the content of the Core Paths Plan. In general terms, those paths proposed as candidate core paths have performed well against the majority of the selection criteria. Name of Path/Route: Route No 66a: Deeside Way – Polmuir Place (Duthie Park) to Cults (Note this route has been broken into three sections due to its length. This appraisal sheet covers the above section). Date surveyed: 17 July 07

Route description (mention start and finish points and key points along route): Path follows the route of the old Deeside Railway Line out of Aberdeen from Duthie Park through Garthdee and on to Cults. The rest of Route No. 66 continues out into Aberdeenshire, being developed in order to link continuously to Ballater. Comments on topography (e.g. gentle or steep slopes?), surface (tarmac or dirt track?) and quality (e.g. uneven, drainage issues etc?): Flat, very good quality surface – most sections tarmac, some parts at western end good quality granite dust. Former railway line, therefore good sub-base and generally good drainage. Incorporates use of new bridges over Holburn Street and Hardgate, installed 3-4 years ago, which avoid the need to cross busy roads. Many access points have been recently upgraded to multi-use and all abilities where practicable. Suitable for use by? (able-bodied walkers only? Mountain bikes? Horses? Wheelchairs? Provides access for watersports?) All Could/should it be upgraded to multi-use, all abilities? What would that take? Already multi-use and all abilities standard, although some access points could still be improved.

Is it fit for purpose? Is it safe? What improvements are needed? Yes, fit for purpose, extremely well used.

Criterion: Providing linkages Links neighbourhoods / settlements Score: 2 Example: Route runs directly through several communities. There are many access points allowing access to Links between, in and around neighbourhoods these communities. The path also provides a link and settlements. from the City Centre to Cults (and on to Aberdeenshire). Links and incorporates greenspaces Score: 2 Example: Entire route travels through green space network. Provides access to large areas of green space at Links into and/or between open, green space Duthie Park and Lower Deeside / Pitfodels. including parks, public gardens, and playing fields. Links facilities / services with residential Score: 2 areas Example: Route provides access to Duthie Park and the range of facilities on offer including the Winter Gardens, Links people’s homes to key facilities and café, play parks and open playing fields. Well used services, such as schools, community or health by people travelling to work or facilities as well as for centres, and sites of leisure and recreation. leisure. Various local facilities along the route. Links between the facilities themselves. Access to places of interest Score: 2 Example: Route itself is considered a place of interest. Duthie Park Winter Gardens is Grampian’s top visitor Improves access to built attractions, natural attraction. Deeside Way in Aberdeenshire passes by features, historic heritage sites, visitor centres, viewpoints, forest trails, beaches, archaeological several other visitor attractions. trails, castles... Provides safe routes to school Score: 1 Example: The route passes by many schools (about 400m) but it also demarcates the catchment zone boundaries of Traffic free route to a school. most of these. Therefore its use as a safe route to school may be limited.

Provides access to public transport Score: 2 Example: Public transport located in close proximity to the start point on Deemount Place also at various locations Links to transport interchanges including bus just off the path including Holburn Street and Great stops and railway stations. Southern Road. Opportunity for circular routes via public transport on North Deeside Road. Links and supports wider path networks Score: 1 Example: Links directly into communities, often through roadside pavements rather than paths. Opportunities Links into the wider path network forr linkages to nearby paths, e.g. River Dee Path. Opportunities to form popular recreational or sustainable and active travel routes. Circular routes Score: 1 Example: Route itself is linear but offers many opportunities for circular routes via other paths or public transport. Leads users back to the same starting point or links with other paths to create a circuit Criterion: Safety Safe and fit for purpose Score: 2 Example: Route travels off road, therefore no safety problems with motorised traffic. Some reports of accidents Paths that provide safety improvements or where between cyclists and walkers due to level of use this potential hazards on a route can be easily route incurs. mitigated (e.g. traffic). Paths that are ‘fit for purpose’ currently. (Please note any work that could be done to make it ‘fit for purpose’, including as much detail as possible) Criterion: Quality of Life Potential for supporting economic Score: 2 development / business opportunities Example: Route provides access to leisure and other recreational attractions that would benefit from its Offers the potential for existing businesses to be designation as a core path. supported by users. There is potential for further business development Offer the opportunity for new businesses to opportunities along the route due to its potential as a emerge in relation to the route e.g. tea-rooms/ regional long distance route. Route is very well used newsagents benefit from people stopping off. for accessing Duthie Park for events held there. Attractive Surroundings Score: 2 Example: Route travels through various green spaces in a quiet environment. Routes that have particularly attractive surroundings or views. Criterion: Health Offers health improvement opportunities Score: 2 through recreation and/or active travel. Example: Route is well used for exercise purposes (e.g. by joggers and dog walkers etc). Entirety of route makes Offers the opportunity to improve health and up an important part of the city’s cycle network. lifestyles. Offers a flat but interesting walk in a location that can be accessed by foot or public transport. Provides opportunities for active travel, linking possible destinations, starting points etc. Criterion: Environmental Protection and Sustainability Environmental Protection Score: 0 Example: Route travels through the Lower Deeside / Pitfodels conservation area and is designated a District Wildlife Avoids adverse impact on landscape, flora and Site although impact is limited due to path already fauna. being in existence. (Please note any opportunities to limit or avoid impacts on the environment through e.g. erosion, disturbance of sensitive wildlife. Access to Nature / Education Score: 2 Example: Route provides access to open green space in an otherwise densely populated area of the City and Provides access to an area of natural interest e.g. leads out to open countryside. Its proximity to countryside wildlife or the beach / parks. schools may provide opportunities for education. Provides access to nature for school groups, Ranger / self-led walks (i.e. availability of car parks, proximity to schools). Criterion: Integration Community Regeneration Areas Score: 0 Example: Route does not travel in close proximity to any regeneration areas. Provides access opportunities to / from / within Community Regeneration Areas. Considerate of other land uses Score: 2 Example: Route has been developed since it ceased to be a railway with the intention of public enjoyment for a Provides an opportunity for avoiding or reducing range of users. conflict with other land uses that might be sensitive to the public exercising their access rights e.g. agriculture, as well as sport pitches, golf courses etc. Multi-use Paths Score: 2 Example: A wide range of users including dog-walkers, joggers, cyclists, and skaters currently uses the route. It also Provides opportunities for all user types e.g. provides access to large open space in Duthie Park walkers, cyclists, horseriders, watersports (not all that can be used for various recreational activities. paths must cater for all but the Plan on the whole must do so, therefore some routes must cater for each type of use) All Abilities Paths Score: 2 Example: Route is suitable for all user abilities as it is flat and of good surface quality. Most access points on this Suitable for all abilities e.g. wheelchair users, section are also suitable for all, though some are other disabilities, the elderly, people pushing being upgraded currently. prams. (Here it will be important to consider boundary crossings, surface quality and topography / gradients etc). Criterion: Community Support Landowner support Score: 2 Example: Owned and managed by Aberdeen City Council for access purposes. Any evidence that the land owner is in favour or against the CPP and signage provision, multi- user boundary crossings, this should be noted. Community Demand / Support Score: 2 Example: Route is extremely well used. Popular and well used. Community support or demand for improvement or creation (in the case of a route that does not currently exist). Avoids adverse impact on local residents / Score: 0 neighbours Example: Although route passes close by the rear of many residential properties, there is no known conflict. Avoids conflict with adjoining property / residents. Criterion: Implementability Value for Money Score: 2 Example: Route is already in existence and of a high standard. On the section of Route No.66 being addressed in Likely cost versus benefit. this appraisal, there will be little need for further major A path that would be expensive to create on a investment due to the significant work over the last steep sloping hillside in a remote location would year or two in upgrading it. be unlikely to offer value for money and would therefore score poorly. Minor upgrading of an existing path that will be used for functional and recreational purposes by a large number of users of all types and abilities will offer good value for money and should therefore score highly. This criteria also covers existing paths. Those paths that would be particularly expensive to maintain would score poorly. Any Other Comments:

Name of surveyor: Richie Fraser Name of Path/Route: CP 19: Aberdeen Beach (Bridge of Don - Footdee)

Date surveyed: 28 May 07

Route description (mention start and finish points and key points along route): Starting at the Bridge of Don (at the south side of the River Don) travel south along the Beach Esplanade to Footdee.

Comments on topography (e.g. gentle or steep slopes?), surface (tarmac or dirt track?) and quality (e.g. uneven, drainage issues etc?): Flat route. Tarmaced surface.

Suitable for use by? (able-bodied walkers only? Mountain bikes? Horses? Wheelchairs? Provides access for watersports?) All abilities.

Could/should it be upgraded to multi-use, all abilities? What would that take? Already multi-use and all abilities standard.

Is it fit for purpose? Is it safe? What improvements are needed? Safe for current purposes.

Criterion: Providing linkages Links neighbourhoods / settlements Score: 1 Example: Links Seaton and Bridge of Don with Footdee and towards City Centre. This is not the most direct Links between, in and around neighbourhoods connection between these settlements but provides and settlements. an attractive route.

Links and incorporates greenspaces Score: 2 Example: Path travels through open greenspace network providing access to Aberdeen beach. Links into and/or between open, green space including parks, public gardens, and playing fields. Links facilities / services with residential Score: 2 areas Example: Route provides access to the beach esplanade and the range of facilities on offer including the leisure Links people’s homes to key facilities and centre, amusement arcade, cinema and restaurants. services, such as schools, community or health Part of the route will also be used by those travelling centres, and sites of leisure and recreation. to Pittodrie Stadium. Links between the facilities themselves. Access to places of interest Score: 2 Example: Route provides access to the beachfront and The Boardwalk, which is the 2nd most popular visitor Improves access to built attractions, natural attraction in the region according to 2005 features, historic heritage sites, visitor centres, VisitScotland statistics. Also provides access to viewpoints, forest trails, beaches, archaeological historic village of Footdee. trails, castles... Provides safe routes to school Score: 0 Example: No impact. Traffic free route to a school. Provides access to public transport Score: 2 Example: Public transport located in close proximity to both the start and end points of the route on Ellon Road and Links to transport interchanges including bus Footdee. stops and railway stations. Links and supports wider path networks Score: 2 Example: Linear route but opportunities to link to other paths (e.g. the North Sea Trail north, or through parts of Links into the wider path network Footdee and into the City Centre etc). Opportunities to form popular recreational or sustainable and active travel routes. Circular routes Score: 1 Example: Route can be used in conjunction with other paths to provide a circular route. Leads users back to the same starting point or links with other paths to create a circuit. Criterion: Safety Safe and fit for purpose Score: 2 Example: Route is off road. Paths that provide safety improvements or where potential hazards on a route can be easily mitigated (e.g. traffic) Paths that are ‘fit for purpose’ currently (Please note any work that could be done to make it ‘fit for purpose’, including as much detail as possible) Criterion: Quality of Life Potential for supporting economic Score: 2 development / business opportunities Example: Route provides access to leisure and other recreational attractions that would benefit from its Offers the potential for existing businesses to be designation as a core path. Part of the European supported by users InterReg project, North Sea Trail, which aims to Offer the opportunity for new businesses to enhance business opportunities from the Trail. emerge in relation to the route e.g. tea-rooms/ newsagents benefit from people stopping off. Attractive Surroundings Score: 2 Example: Route travels along Aberdeen beachfront. Routes that have particularly attractive surroundings or views. Criterion: Health Offers health improvement opportunities Score: 2 through recreation and/or active travel. Example: Route is well used for exercise purposes (e.g. by Offers the opportunity to improve health and joggers, in-line skaters, people of all ages and lifestyles abilities). Offers a flat but interesting walk in a location that can be accessed by foot or public transport. Provides opportunities for active travel, linking possible destinations, starting points etc. Criterion: Environmental Protection and Sustainability Environmental Protection Score: 0 Example: Route travels through the Don Estuary District Wildlife Site although impact is thought to be negligible due to Avoids adverse impact on landscape, flora and use of existing paths. Route terminates at Bridge of fauna. Don, a Listed Building, however damage should be (Please note any opportunities to limit or avoid minimised due to the presence of existing paths and impacts on the environment through e.g. erosion, road which are already heavily used. disturbance of sensitive wildlife. Route also travels past Omega March Stone however increased risk of damage is unlikely due to existence of path already. Access to Nature / Education Score: 2 Example: Route provides access to the beach and the Don Estuary District Wildlife Site. Car parking located Provides access to an area of natural interest e.g. along the beach esplanade. countryside wildlife or the beach / parks. Provides access to nature for school groups, Ranger / self-led walks (i.e. availability of car parks, proximity to schools). Criterion: Integration Community Regeneration Areas Score: 2 Example: Route travels in close proximity to Seaton/Linksfield an area (datazone) ranked within the worst 10% of Provides access opportunities to / from / within Aberdeen City based on health deprivation levels. Community Regeneration Areas. Considerate of other land uses Score: 2 Example: Route travels along beach which is intended for public enjoyment. Provides an opportunity for avoiding or reducing conflict with other land uses that might be sensitive to the public exercising their access rights e.g. agriculture, as well as sport pitches, golf courses etc. Multi-use Paths Score: 2 Example: Route is currently used by a wide range of users including dog-walkers, joggers, cyclists, skaters and it Provides opportunities for all user types e.g. also provides access to the sea for those wishing to walkers, cyclists, horseriders, watersports (not all participate in water sports. paths must cater for all but the Plan on the whole must do so, therefore some routes must cater for each type of use) All Abilities Paths Score: 2 Example: Route is suitable for all user abilities as it flat and of good surface quality. Suitable for all abilities e.g. wheelchair users, other disabilities, the elderly, people pushing prams. (Here it will be important to consider boundary crossings, surface quality and topography / gradients etc). Criterion: Community Support Landowner support Score: 2 Example: Owned and managed by Aberdeen City Council for access purposes. Any evidence that the land owner is in favour or against the CPP and signage provision, multi- user boundary crossings, this should be noted. Community Demand / Support Score: 2 Example: Route is extremely well used. Popular and well used. Community support or demand for improvement or creation (in the case of a route that does not currently exist). Avoids adverse impact on local residents / Score: 0 neighbours Example: Route avoids conflict with residential properties. Avoids conflict with adjoining property / residents. Criterion: Implementability Value for Money Score: 2 Example: Route is extremely popular and well-used, provides access to a range of facilities and services, and is Likely cost versus benefit. currently safe and fit for purpose. Little investment A path that would be expensive to create on a required. steep sloping hillside in a remote location would be unlikely to offer value for money and would therefore score poorly. Minor upgrading of an existing path that will be used for functional and recreational purposes by a large number of users of all types and abilities will offer good value for money and should therefore score highly. This criteria also covers existing paths. Those paths that would be particularly expensive to maintain would score poorly. Any Other Comments:

Name of surveyor: Richie Fraser/Kathryn Hossack Name of Path/Route: CP 96: Castlegate to Anderson Drive via Union Street, Albyn Place and Queen’s Road. Date surveyed: 06 May 08

Route description (mention start and finish points and key points along route): Starting at the Castlegate walk up Union Street and continue onto Albyn Place. Walk along Albyn Place (including through Rubislaw & Queen’s Terrace Gardens), leading on to Queen’s Road until reaching the roundabout at Anderson Drive. Comments on topography (e.g. gentle or steep slopes?), surface (tarmac or dirt track?) and quality (e.g. uneven, drainage issues etc?): Flat route. Tarmaced surface.

Suitable for use by? (able-bodied walkers only? Mountain bikes? Horses? Wheelchairs? Provides access for watersports?) Suitable for use by all abilities.

Could/should it be upgraded to multi-use, all abilities? What would that take? Already multi-use and all abilities standard.

Is it fit for purpose? Is it safe? What improvements are needed? Route is safe and fit for purpose. Pedestrian crossings located along this route.

Criterion: Providing linkages Links neighbourhoods / settlements Score: 1 Example: Route links neighbourhoods in the west end of the City. Links between, in and around neighbourhoods and settlements. Links and incorporates greenspaces Score: 1 Example: Path provides access to area of open greenspace network at Rubislaw & Queen’s Terrace Gardens. Links into and/or between open, green space including parks, public gardens and playing fields. Links facilities / services with residential Score: 2 areas Example: Route provides access to the city centre for residents in the west end of the City. Various schools and Links people’s homes to key facilities and health services located along the Queen’s Road and services, such as schools, community or health Albyn Place. centres, and sites of leisure and recreation. Links between the facilities themselves. Access to places of interest Score: 2 Example: Route provides access to various sites of historical importance in the city centre, including sites on Improves access to built attractions, natural Aberdeen’s Granite and Sculpture Trails. features, historic heritage sites, visitor centres, viewpoints, forest trails, beaches, archaeological trails, castles... Provides safe routes to school Score: 2 Example: Route provides access to various schools located on Queen’s Terrace and Albyn Place, including Harlaw Traffic free route to a school. Academy, St Margarets School for Girls, the Ablyn School, the Hamilton School, and St Josephs Primary.

Provides access to public transport Score: 2 Example: Public transport located along the route on Union Street, Albyn Place and Queen’s Road. Links to transport interchanges including bus stops and railway stations. Links and supports wider path networks Score: 2 Example: Linear route but opportunities to link to other paths heading north and south of the city centre. Links into the wider path network Opportunities to form popular recreational or sustainable and active travel routes. Circular routes Score: 1 Example: Route can be used in conjunction with other paths to provide a circular route. Leads users back to the same starting point or links with other paths to create a circuit Criterion: Safety Safe and fit for purpose Score: 1 Example: Route runs along existing footpaths, and pedestrian crossings located along the length of route. Paths that provide safety improvements or where potential hazards on a route can be easily mitigated (e.g. traffic). Paths that are ‘fit for purpose’ currently. (Please note any work that could be done to make it ‘fit for purpose’, including as much detail as possible) Criterion: Quality of Life Potential for supporting economic Score: 2 development / business opportunities Example: Route provides access to a range of services, including businesses, shops, restaurants etc. located Offers the potential for existing businesses to be along the entirety of this route. supported by users Offer the opportunity for new businesses to emerge in relation to the route e.g. tea-rooms /newsagents benefit from people stopping off. Attractive Surroundings Score: 2 Example: Route largely travels through a built up area of the City, alongside traffic, although there are many sites Routes that have particularly attractive of historical importance along this route, which would surroundings or views. make this core path attractive.

Criterion: Health Offers health improvement opportunities Score: 1 through recreation and/or active travel. Example: Route provides active travel opportunities for Offers the opportunity to improve health and commuters travelling to businesses located along lifestyles Queen’s Road/Albyn Place. Offers a flat but interesting walk in a location that can be accessed by foot or public transport. Provides opportunities for active travel, linking possible destinations, starting points etc. Criterion: Environmental Protection and Sustainability Environmental Protection Score: 0 Example: Route travels through built up area thus no environmental impact anticipated. Avoids adverse impact on landscape, flora and fauna. (Please note any opportunities to limit or avoid impacts on the environment through e.g. erosion, disturbance of sensitive wildlife. Access to Nature / Education Score: 0 Example: Limited impact. Provides access to an area of natural interest e.g. countryside wildlife or the beach / parks. Provides access to nature for school groups, Ranger / self-led walks (i.e. availability of car parks, proximity to schools). Criterion: Integration Community Regeneration Areas Score: 0 Example: No impact. Provides access opportunities to / from / within Community Regeneration Areas. Considerate of other land uses Score: 2 Example: Route travels along existing paths, thus no impacts anticipated. Provides an opportunity for avoiding or reducing conflict with other land uses that might be sensitive to the public exercising their access rights e.g. agriculture, as well as sport pitches, golf courses etc. Multi-use Paths Score: 2 Example: Route is currently used by a wide range of users including dog-walkers, pedestrians, joggers, cyclists Provides opportunities for all user types e.g. for a range of purposes (i.e. visitors, commuters etc.) walkers, cyclists, horseriders, watersports (not all paths must cater for all but the Plan on the whole must do so, therefore some routes must cater for each type of use) All Abilities Paths Score: 1 Example: Route is generally suitable for all user abilities as it is flat and of good surface quality. Suitable for all abilities e.g. wheelchair users, other disabilities, the elderly, people pushing prams. (Here it will be important to consider boundary crossings, surface quality and topography / gradients etc). Criterion: Community Support Landowner support Score: 0 Example: No issues known. Any evidence that the land owner is in favour or against the CPP and signage provision, multi- user boundary crossings, this should be noted. Community Demand / Support Score: 2 Example: Route is very well used. Consultation revealed support for the designation of more routes linking into Popular and well used. the city centre. Community support or demand for improvement or creation (in the case of a route that does not currently exist). Avoids adverse impact on local residents / Score: 0 neighbours Example: Route avoids conflict with residential properties. Avoids conflict with adjoining property / residents. Criterion: Implementability Value for Money Score: 2 Example: Route provides access to a vast range of services in the city centre including businesses, offices and Likely cost versus benefit. shops, and is heavily used. Route would be A path that would be expensive to create on a designated along existing routes, thus it is not steep sloping hillside in a remote location would anticipated that significant improvements/investment be unlikely to offer value for money and would would be required in order to designate this route as therefore score poorly. Minor upgrading of an a core path. existing path that will be used for functional and recreational purposes by a large number of users of all types and abilities will offer good value for money and should therefore score highly. This criteria also covers existing paths. Those paths that would be particularly expensive to maintain would score poorly. Any Other Comments: The planned future pedestrianisation of the section of Union Street from Bridge Street to Market Street could support the core paths plan by contributing to improvements of the visual and physical quality of the streetscape of the City Centre, and substantially increasing the available road space dedicated to pedestrians. In addition, the removal of all vehicular traffic from this central area, which experiences the largest concentration of pedestrian activity in the City, will contribute to air quality improvements, reduce pedestrian related accidents, and support the economic vibrancy of the City Centre.

Name of surveyor: Richie Fraser Annex F Stage 2 Consultation Diary

Annex F – Stage 2 Consultation Diary All consultation activities between the period spring 2007 and spring 2008 have been logged within the Consultation Diary presented below.

April 2007 – Website In April 2007, the Core Paths Plan pages on the Council’s webpage (www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/corepathsplan) were re-written to provide an up-to-date account of the Core Paths Plan purpose and process to be followed.

11 June 2007 – AbOAF Interim meeting on Core Paths Plan An interim meeting was arranged with the Aberdeen Outdoor Access Forum (AbOAF). Key issues discussed with the Forum included methods for carrying out the Stage 2 Consultation, and the merits of specific paths as core paths. Suggestions were also taken on events over the summer that officers should try to attend (with support from Forum members) to consult on the Consultative Draft Plan.

17 July 2007 – Land Manager contact Land managers in the City and or in the surrounding areas in Aberdeenshire were identified through a combination of existing database information and through identifying possible farm holdings and potentially affected properties on OS maps and using GIS to identify addresses. Letters were sent to over 400 possible land managers, highlighting the background to the Core Paths Plan, the process involved in developing it, and when to expect further information. Reply slips were provided and recipients were encouraged to return the slip if they would like to be contacted again in future about the Core Paths Plan, and receive a copy of the Consultative Draft.

25 August 2007 – Aberdeen Blooms 2007 A CPP exhibition stand was on display at the Aberdeen Blooms 2007 event, which is Aberdeen’s annual flower festival. The Festival, which is promoted by Visit Scotland attracted many visitors on the Saturday, including holiday-makers, local residents as well as Aberdeenshire residents. The festival was open from 10am until 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday (25 & 26 August). It celebrated Aberdeen’s outstanding success as a city in bloom with a mix of stalls, workshops, activities and other attractions. Consultation on the Core Paths Plan was carried out on the Saturday, which was expected to be the busier day. At the exhibition, paper copies of the Plan’s maps were available to view, an information flyer was available to take away, along with comment forms with which to submit comments. Although the Stage 2 Consultation had not been officially launched (as published maps were still being developed), it was decided that it would be important to attend this event due to the large numbers expected, particularly the visiting population likely to be there. For example, after the summer holiday period, there would be fewer visitors in the area, which would make it more difficult to involve them in the consultation. Only four comment forms were completed and submitted on the day as many people wanted more time to look at and think about the issues. Interested people were also informed that maps would be available online and in community facilities soon. The vast majority of people said they were supportive of the principles of the Core Paths Plan (e.g. network of core routes for recreation and travel purposes etc) and pleased to see this work happening but that they had no desire (or insufficient local knowledge) to submit a comments form. Many local residents preferred to take away a comments form, taking a note of the paths’ route codes they wished to comment on, in order to spend more time filling in the details and then send it back. General observations from the consultation event included that people (residents as well as visitors) did not seem too concerned with specific routes and whether or not they are core paths. They were very interested to see maps showing routes and keen to comment on the quality / maintenance issues on the routes they use. This corresponds with general observations during Stage 1 / Outdoor Access Strategy consultation, that people want more promotion improved routes i.e. local people are happy for the Council to get on with implementing paths and addressing these issues and are not very concerned about being consulted. The consultation also proved extremely useful in raising awareness of the concept of core paths and of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code – SNH’s SOAC display panels were used as a backdrop to the exhibition stand and leaflets and copies of the SOAC were available to members of the public.

8 September 2007 – Door’s Open Day, The Beach Ballroom Aberdeen’s annual Door’s Open Day is a well promoted event that allows residents and visitors open access to a range of public buildings. The Beach Ballroom was one of the participating buildings. The ballroom was served by an open-top double decker bus, which transported the public around the various venues on an hourly basis. A display stand, similar to that used at the Aberdeen Blooms event was set up, using the Scottish Outdoor Access Code display panels as an eye-catching back drop. Maps containing the candidate core path proposals were also displayed on the table. A variety of the City’s popular Trails leaflets as well as copies of the SOAC and summary leaflet were available for people to take away. In total, 165 people visited the Beach Ballroom on the day, many of whom stopped to look at the CPP stand and talk to officers about the process. While very few comments forms were filled in and submitted on the day, many visitors took away the information flyers including comments forms. As with the Aberdeen Blooms 2007 event, the majority of those spoken to were very keen and supportive of the concept of improving access, particularly through better signage, but not willing to comment on specific route issues. Also, many visitors to the City were again present, but were unable to comment on specifics due to a lack of local knowledge.

9 September 2007 – Walkathon The tenth annual charity Walkathon took place at Aberdeen Beach (Queen’s Links), with around numbers taking part in the thousands. The majority of participants appeared to be families with young children as well as a significant number of people with disabilities. Given the strong health related focus at the event, which included a marquee housing ‘Fitnut’ (Fitness and Nutrition in a nutshell) displays and health check facilities, it was considered that this event provided a good opportunity to consult on the CPP. A Core Paths Plan exhibition stand was set up, just as at the Beach Ballroom the day before, providing information on the consultation, including maps and leaflets. While interest in the stand (and surrounding stands) was disappointing as a whole, officers did speak to some people (around twenty) but only one comment form was filled in on the day. 17 September 2007 – Officer Working Group Further to the initial meeting with the Internal Officer Working Group formed during the Stage 1 process, email correspondence was used during the Stage 2 process to provide the group with updates on the progress of the development of the Core Paths Plan. Specific officers were contacted as and when necessary to discuss issues relevant to their area of work. The Group were issued with papers including the Vision, Aims & Objectives Paper; Base Appraisal Tables (i.e. Selection Criteria Sheets), and Monitoring and Indicators Paper and asked for comments.

September 2007 – Consultees database A consultation tree was produced to help identify the full range of stakeholder groups that should be consulted as part of the Stage 2 consultation process e.g. young people, older people, different types of paths users, community groups etc. In total, the database contained over 1000 possible consultees, including those who noted an interest in being kept informed in the process at the earlier Stage 1 and Stage 2 consultation events, and the land manager consultation. This database was subsequently used as the basis for distributing the Consultative Draft CPP.

18 September 2007 – Ruth Jones, ACC Ruth Jones co-ordinates groups of adults with learning difficulties in Donside / Tillydrone (regeneration areas) and was interested in using the CPP as a project for her groups as they are keen to enhance their physical activity but also have a focus on literacy. The idea would be for the group to become more active by walking routes but also to comment on the CPP as a means of improving their literacy. RJ felt that the selection criteria forms were clearly and logically laid out and her groups could use these and the comments form to provide comments on the routes.

11 October 2007 – LTS Member Officer Working Group A presentation on the Core Paths Plan was given to Councillors in attendance at the Local Transport Strategy Member Officer Working Group. Feedback highlighted a general acceptance of the process and the work done so far.

30 October 2007 – Drop-in Workshop for Councillors A drop-in workshop for Councillors was organised coinciding with the Policy and Strategy Committee day, which allowed Councillors to drop-in before or after the Committee and discuss the Core Paths Plan. At the workshop, copies of maps outlining the proposed core paths network were available, along with other key documents that explained how the Plan was being developed (e.g. the Vision, Aims and Objectives Paper, Selection Criteria Checklist, Information Flyer and Comments Forms). Officers were also available to answer any questions or issues raised by Councillors, while a presentation was left running on loop, summarising the context of the CPP and how it was being developed. In general, all comments received were positive, with discussion focussing mainly on the Plan as a whole rather than specific routes. 12 November 2007 – Meeting with Aberdeenshire Council and Forestry Commission Scotland A meeting was held with Aberdeenshire Council and Forestry Commission Scotland to briefly outline the process that had been adopted to date in developing the Core Paths Plan. It should also be noted that Forestry Commission officers were also very helpful in completing Assessment Criteria Checklists for those paths within land owned by the Forestry Commission. Potential cross-boundary core paths were also discussed.

November 2007 – Website In preparation for the launch of the consultation on the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan, an interactive comments form, maps, and guidance on how to get involved in the consultation was provided on the Council’s website.

December 2007 – Our Green Times Article published in Winter edition of Our Green Times, which is a quarterly supplement to the Aberdeen Independent free newspaper, distributed to all homes in the City. The article drew attention to the consultation underway.

December 2007 – Consultation packs (maps, text, guidance) Consultation packs (including A3 document containing maps, text and guidance) were distributed to 23 community councils, 20 libraries and 3 council offices. CD copies of the document were also distributed to stakeholders included in the aforementioned database, while press releases were prepared to raise awareness of the consultation.

10th December 2007 – 4th February 2008 Consultation on the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan

7 January 2008 – Consultation Event held in Trinity Shopping Centre Aberdeen An exhibition stand was on display at the Trinity Centre in Aberdeen in order to engage with members of the public and to find out their views on the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan. A few comments were received however the centre was unusually quiet given the time of year, and most people passing by did not seem interested in stopping to view the information.

23 January 2008 – Route Condition Survey Training In January 2008, a small team of officers from the Planning and Infrastructure Service undertook informal training run by David Grant (Grounds Maintenance Officer) on how to carry out path condition surveys. The purpose of this training was to enable condition surveys to be carried out on all candidate core paths in order to identify the cost of, and implement, improvements which will allow the Plan to be 'sufficient' and fit for purpose.

30 January 2008 – Meeting with PAMIS Access officers met Marie King from the charity PAMIS, which works in partnership with people with profound learning disabilities and their carers. Ms King wanted to see the provision of more all abilities paths for those with severe disabilities, particularly paths located close to special toilet facilities which are suitable for use by this group of people (currently one located at Kincorth and another to be installed at the leisure centre at the beach). Ms King hoped that the Core Paths Plan could help to address the issue of provision of all ability paths. The meeting helped to identify the needs of the group, the kind of paths they would like to see and the areas they would like to see them in.

31 January 2008 – SEA Meeting with Scottish Natural Heritage Access officers attended a meeting with Kelly Miller and Caroline Fyfe of Scottish Natural Heritage in order to discuss Aberdeen City Council’s Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Core Paths Plan.

19 February 2008 – Email from Craig Douglas (watersports rep on AbOAF) highlighting distribution of Core Paths Plan consultation In February 2008, the water sports representative on AbOAF, Craig Douglas, circulated information on the consultation through GASPA (Grampian And Speyside Paddlesports Assoc.), an umbrella forum for canoeing and rafting interests in the North East. This included direct contact with the following Clubs: Aberdeen Kayak Club; Cults Community Canoe Club; Integrate Paddling (based in Aberdeen); Robert Gordon College Canoe Club; Aberdeen University Canoe Club; North East Sea Kayakers - all with strong bases within the City; Stonehaven Canoe Club; Peterhead Canoe Club; Moray Canoe & Kayak Club; Aboyne Canoe Club; Alford Canoe Club; Speyside Canoe Club; Keith GS Canoe Club & Banff Canoe Club - all based within the North East, many include activities within the City. The GASPA listing also includes many of the local outdoor centres and providers including Aberdeen OEC and Glenmore Lodge. Postings were also placed on several canoeing forums with the following hit rates: UK Riversguidebook.co.uk – 408; canoeslalom.co.uk – 256; AUCC – 167; Scottish Canoe Association – 82; AKC - 76 In summary, in excess of 1000 paddlers have been advised of the process and invited to participate in the consultation.

4 March 2008 – National Farmers Union Scotland, Aberdeen Branch meeting Access officers attended a meeting of the Aberdeen Branch of the National Farmers Union in the Leys Hotel, Blackburn. A presentation was given on the Core Paths Plan and questions answered (along with Linda Mathieson, Aberdeenshire Council). Around 12 members attended, though none of them were thought to be directly affected by candidate core paths. Questions were mainly related to general access issues and irresponsible behaviour. Many of the issues raised in the NFUS’ response to the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan were discussed at the meeting.

13 March 2008 – Core Paths Plan Meeting between ACC, SNH and Paths for All Partnership A meeting was held with SNH and PfAP to provide an opportunity to discuss comments submitted on the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan by the two organisations.

15 March 2008 – Rosemount Community Centre Open Day One access officer attended a community open day at Rosemount Community Centre. Although the informal consultation period had finished, it was felt that it would still be useful to attend in order to give people the opportunity to view the plan and to get more feedback. Rosemount was one of the city centre areas which had not provided a response to the earlier stages of the Core Paths Plan consultation, so it was felt that this event may be an opportunity to involve residents in this area. The event had a very good turn out and a lot of people showed an interest in the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan. No comments forms were filled out on the day although many were taken home to be completed later.

22 April 2008 – Aberdeen Outdoor Access Forum (AbOAF) interim meeting on Core Paths Plan A specially convened meeting was also organised with AbOAF to discuss the main consultation responses and highlight outstanding issues on which the Forum’s views were sought. At the meeting, the Forum members were encouraged to provide guidance on changes that could be made to the Plan in order to reflect the issues raised, for example the lack of urban core paths. There was also discussion and advice given on the presentation of the Finalised Plan.

January – April 2008 – Various meetings and phone discussions Various communication took place with respondents to the consultation throughout this period. Most of these were with land managers, in order to discuss any issues raised and often these resulted in the identification of an alternative route to that proposed in the Consultative Draft.

Annex G Stage 2 Consultation Tree

Annex H Stage 2 Consultation Results

Annex H – Stage 2 Consultation Results The annex presents the results from the various consultation activities described in Annex F as part of the Stage 2 consultation exercises.

ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 1 No comment Oldtown Unverified Objection to people taking access along this route due Route travels very closely past houses Farm Route to privacy and security concerns. and through farmyard. Therefore access rights are not applicable. Not thought to be a Right of Way as it does not link two public places. Therefore, no grounds for requiring access. Unverified route has been removed from Plan. 4 No comment 70c River Dee Path Path almost unusable along river. Maintenance work/ safety issues will have been taken into consideration through path condition surveys which were carried out on all candidate core paths. 5 No comment 6c River Don A safe cycle route between Bridge of Don and Bridge of Don, Danestone and Dyce will Danestone to Dyce is vital. Worries about cyclist safety be linked by new National Cycle using Parkhill back road or Mugiemoss; a safer route Network route which will follow the River would encourage more cycling / walking to work. Linking Don. This will be an off-road route 6c with 6b and 4b whilst avoiding Muggiemoss should therefore addressing the issue of cyclist be recommended. safety. A link between candidate core path 6c and candidate core paths 6b and 4b has been investigated. 6 No comment 63 Den of Cults All such core paths should be promoted more Noted thoroughly. 6 55 Foggieton Maintenance and promotion required. Noted 6 66 Deeside Way Upgrading has been excellent. Noted ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 7 No comment Unverifie Pittengullies Path crosses a road which goes nowhere. Gates and Noted d Route Brae barriers are badly designed and many cyclists will need to walk. 7 No comment 66c Deeside Way Kennerty Road not suitable - too fast. Path should be on Noted original route. Poor path quality as far east as Station Road West. 7 No comment Unverifie Milltimber Farm Access requires permanent improvement. Noted d Route 7 No comment 66b East of Dropped kerb not alligned with access. Difficult for Noted Milltimber Brae cyclists and older people. Access through the car park is very rough. Will lighting be considered? 7 No comment 70d River Dee Route towards Peterculter is very variable at present. Noted Path gets flooded and access through the field is difficult. A bridge is required over the burn to the east of the B979. 7 No comment Unverifie East of Old Path is falling away in places. Vegetation needs to be Noted d Route Ferry Road cut in summer. Path to Allan Park needs to be upgraded. Morrisons Bridge to Banchory - Devenick should be re-instated 11 No comment 66b Deeside Way This route is badly in need of repair east of Station Road Noted in Milltimber. It should not be tarmac but low points which flood should be filled in. 12 Although answering 70 River Dee Path River Dee (south bank) around King George VI Bridge - Noted yes to sufficiency and wonderful paths but need work done coverage questions, a lot of paths need a lot of work done to them. 12 70 River Dee Path Needs work done (70a and 70b) Noted 12 66 Deeside Way Some of the path has rubble on it, needs work done Noted ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 13 No comment 6e River Don - Flooding risks, particularly around Kettock's Mill. Current Noted Seaton - paths on river bank are badly flooded meaning that it is Hayton unsafe to promote access here. 13 6e River Don - Concerned about disturbance to wildlife by encouraging Path 6e is on the south bank of the Kettock's Mill more access here. River Don, therefore will not pass through the Kettock's Mill area.

14 No comment 33, 34, Brimmond - Please cut back vegetation Noted 32, 42 Kingswells 15 No comment. 79, 81, Kincorth Hill 79, 81, 82a, b & c should be connected. Important to 79, 82a and 82c have been linked. 82, safeguard area as green space. 16 No comment. 70e River Dee Path Wonderful path but needs upgrading, especially section Noted west of Maryculter Bridge. 17 Consider safe ways Path condition surveys carried out on all to cross roads. candidate core paths have taken safe ways to cross the road into consideration. Where necessary, new crossings may be installed on core paths. 18 Support in principle 72 Mains of Murtle No objection to the principle of route 72 but as currently The line of the unverified path shown on but cannot comment shown, the route reflects out of date OS maps, not the the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan objectively. line agreed in an Access Agreement between Mains of is a mapping error. The maps have been Murtle Steading and Aberdeen City Council. amended to show the correct route, the one which is subject to the Access Agreement. 19 The Plan is very Noted. comprehensive and makes good provision for access. All major Rights of Way are included and there are far more paths on the plan ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives than Rights of Way.

20 Should link with 84 Den of Leggart Should include proposed Dee bridge and crossing A90 Additional circular routes have been Aberdeenshire. as desired link investigated. A crossing point on the Circular routes A90 has also been looked into. should be All candidate core paths which will be formed/extended. affected by the Aberdeen Western Bridging physical Peripheral Route have been identified barriers (eg A90) and details of the impact will be included should be in the Final Draft Core Paths Plan. investigated. AWPR The proposed bridge crossing the River crossings needed. Dee will be mentioned as an aspirational route in the Final Draft Core Paths Plan. 21 How far will AWPR 82 Loirston Loirston Loch could be developed further. 82- There are currently candidate core encroach? Generally paths beside and in the vicinity of supportive of Loriston Loch. Consultative Draft. 21 70 River Dee Path Concern over impact of AWPR on 70, 51, 52 The impact of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route on candidate core paths has been identified and details of the impact will be included in the Final Draft. 21 78 Cove Care is needed on the rocks. 78- Path condition surveys, carried out on all candidate core paths, will have take safety issues into consideration and appropriate action will be taken where necessary. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 64 Lack of paths in City 70 River Dee Path 70b should link with 66a, 69 and 75. Additional routes have been added in Centre. Park areas the City Centre. are isolated and should be linked. 64 20 Park Road to Should link with 21. Additional routes have been added. Beach Blvd 64 25 Union Terrace Should link with 21 via Schoolhill, Harriet Street, Loch Additional routes have been added in Gardens Street, George Street, Gerrard Street and Mounthooly the City Centre. Way. Should link to 75, via Bridge Street/College Street, Marywell Street, Dee Place and Oldmill Road to Bon- Accord Crescent Gardens. 64 66, 69, Deeside Way 66a, 75, 69 and 70b should be linked Additional routes have been added in 75 the City Centre. 64 21 Mounthooly to No linkages to other paths. Should be linked to 20 in the Additional routes have been added in Seaton Park south. Use Mounthooly Way, Seaford Road and Park the City Centre. Road Court as a linkage. Should be linked to 25 via Mounthooly Way, Gerrard Street, George Street, Loch Street, Harriet Street, Schoolhill to Union Terrace Gardens. 69 No comment. 27 Seafield to This route leads to Rubislaw Den, which is enclosed There is no core path proposed passing Hazlehead private land. It implies that the Den will be opened up to through Rubislaw Den. the public in the future. This has not been established in law and will be strongly resisted by residents. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 70 No comment. 5 Dyce Station to The path appears to run through/encourage use of Dyce Candidate core path number 5 is part of Formartine and Station. This is operational land in our ownership and the Fortmartine and Buchan Way which Buchan Way we cannot agree to core paths crossing it. Although terminates at Dyce station. The areas of the Station are of course used by the public, at Consultative Draft map shows the path present the designation of a core path over the land may as being slightly to the west of this which inhibit our ability to carry out our statutory function in the is a mapping error. Maps have been future. In addition, although open to the public, the amended to show the correct route, railway, including stations, is a dangerous environment. which follows the already established Increased use of and/or inhibitions on our future control path. of it cannot be accepted and therefore we must object.

70 78 Torry Coast 78b/c. The path appears to cross the line at the head of The illustration of candidate core path Long Slough, continue on the west side of the line and 78c crossing the railway at Long Slough return to the east through UB 133/385 Redhouse. This is also a mapping error. The path should involves the path crossing the line where there is no continue on the eastern side of the level crossing or bridge and involves encroachment onto railway at Long Slough. Again, maps Network Rail land on the east side of the railway. have been amended to show the correct Encroachment onto operational land is unacceptable as path route. already stated. Crossing of the line unless by a bridge with existing access rights or by a public level crossing is inherently dangerous and we must object to this.

70 6 River Don 6c Bucksburn - This path appears to cross the line to the Candidate core path 6c should not cross east of Crossgates/Bankhead at a point where there is the railway line east of no bridge or public level crossing. For the reasons Crossgates/Bankhead. The path should stated above we must object to this. cross the railway at the subway to the north at Millhill Brae. 71 No comment. 6d River Don Again, this is one of our great Rivers. Surely, section 6d Path 6d follows the inland route through should go by the river from Grandholm Bridge to Persley Persley Den rather along the riverside. Bridge rather than inland. However, I agree that the This is because this route is suitable for route through Persley Den is of sufficient importance to more user types and fits the criteria be a core route in its own right. better. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 71 66 Deeside Way This could be promoted as a great recreational route for The Deeside Way is being developed as visitors - it is already popular with locals. However, it a regional route, in partnership with needs to be extended beyond Peterculter, at least as far Aberdeenshire Council and Cairngorms as Banchory, to make it of major national importance. National Park. 71 70 River Dee Path The Dee is one of the two great rivers in Aberdeen and Suggestions noted, some additional a route along it is important, not only for locals but also routes have been added, which reflect for visitors. However, there are one or two problems with these suggestions. it at present. First of all, there needs to be a crossing from 70a to 70b, either by a pedestrian crossing on King George VI bridge or a crossing from the river to the cemetery. Secondly, access from 70b to 70c under the Old Bridge of Dee is often under water, so an alternative needs to be provided. Thirdly, there needs to be a core path for access to 70c between the Old Bridge and Cults. The map shows a gap between 65a and 75c - should this be a core path? Alternatively, the map shows a path at 915030 leading to Garthdee road; this could be a core path.

72 Supportive of the 6 River Don 6a River Don back of Burnside Road. Currently there is Noted. Core Paths Plan. a path that ends at the Riverside flats, a bridge is required to join both sides of the path. I would be willing to see the build completed. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 73 No comment. 70 River Dee Path This should be a core path as the existing path along the Noted River Dee has always been well utilised as an access and leisure route. However, with increased traffic over the years directly attributed to RGU, Sainsburys, B&Q, Asda etc. it is now only readily accessible to those wearing wellington boots or other suitable footwear. This route also links well with the Deeside Way and would give a diverse family circular route or individual cycle / running route leaving from Duthie Park. To sum up - it is used by locals accessing the local amenities; by dog walkers; by students; by families; by those on leisure pursuits - but its condition and lack of signage etc, means that it is not utilised or celebrated to nearly its full potential and its upgrading to a core path is a must!

74 Objectives are not Aberdeen City Council has removed the SMART. Maps are word SMART from the text as it is not planners maps and appropriate or possible for all of the are too complicated objectives to be SMART. to understand, should The maps used are Ordnance Survey provide more maps at a scale of 1:10000. Officers information on offered to arrange a meeting in order to landmarks explain the maps. Some details of landmarks or points of interest will be included in the Final Draft Core Paths Plan. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 75 Paths must be 43 Bucksburn to This should NOT be considered as a core path for the All candidate core paths have had route maintained and Kingswells following reasons. (1)The route is at odds with Aim 5 condition surveys carried out on them in motorcyclists must be and the criterion relating to Environmental Protection order to identify issues regarding path prevented. and Sustainability.(2) The route would cut directly across quality. Candidate core path 43 will not Disturbance to Burnbrae Moss which is designated as a District Wildlife be a straight line, as illustrated on the wildlife and livestock Site. (3) There is no existing crossing of the Moss, so Consultative Draft maps. At the time of must be minimised. the site would be damaged by constructing a path/track. writing the exact line that this route will Existing routes (4) The extensive gorse and heather could easily be take was not known and was therefore should be impoved exposed to malicious fire-raising.(5) There is threatened illustrated as a straight line merely to e.g. paths/tracks wildlife on the Moss which can already be viewed from a illustrate the desire for a link between around Kingswells safe distance from existing paths. Curlews, linnets and the two areas. A route for the path will become muddy and yellowhammers breed there. The latter two birds are be decided in consultation with the local impassable in winter red listed. Curlews are amber listed. There is also at community. due to poor drainage least one badger sett on the Moss. and frequent use. 77 Cycle paths can be 70 River Dee Path I suggest that the path be improved from Garthdee Candidate core paths 70c and 70d intermittent and section westwards, to accommodate cyclists. (Garthdee area) will be enhanced, but unreliable - for will remain an informal rural-style path. example travelling west on Lang Stracht. 77 Unverifie Westhill to I suggest improving the cycle path along Lang Stracht On-road cycle paths will be addressed d Route Lang Stracht so that it is consistently separate from the bus lane. That primarily through the Local Transport road is has heavy traffic with lots of HGVs. From Lang Strategy, although there will be some Stracht out to Westhill the cycle path, where provided, is overlap with the Core Paths Plan. brilliant but it would be great if it could be joined up There is a cycle path currently being instead of having to take the bus-only country lane to the installed on A944 (cp91) north of the A944 at the Kingswells area. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 80 No comment. 43 Bucksburn to This route is supposedly being investigated in a Candidate core path 43 was illustrated Kingswells separate consultation for a cycle track between on the maps as a straight line merely to Kingswells and Bucksburn. This route has not been illustrate a desire for a link between the decided. The route should not be a straight line. It two communities. The route will not be a should be routed and designed to minimise the straight line and the best line of the disruption to the countryside. The route should be for route will be decided in consultation with cyclists only so the length of the route should not be the the local community. Neither the new primary design consideration. route, nor 42 will be exclusively for one user type, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

80 42 Kingswells - With the provision of 43 for cyclists only the existing See above response. Bucksburn routes like 42a should be for pedestrians. There is a general requirement to upgrade the surface where it consists mainly of mud. 81 Very worthwhile, will 87 Denwood Very important link path. Noted. encourage Shooting sustainable travel, Centre - Cults healthier lifestyles Quarry DWS and will be an improvement of the City. A major step forward for the future. 81 51 Gairnhill Wood Very important link path. Noted. to Guttrie Hill 81 57 Skene Road to Very important link path to avoid the use of narrow roads Noted. Gairnhill Wood with no pavements. 82 No comment. Danestone There is no footway to this path from Laurel Drive or the Noted. Persley Bridge. The road it is off is an rat-run and unlit. 82 72 Mains of Murtle Ewe Haugh, in field - tricky Route 72, as shown on Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan maps, is an error and the route is amended in the Final ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives Draft.

82 66 Deeside Way More tarmac please Noted 82 70d River Dee Path Riverside route is not continuous, Walkers need to go The Consultative Draft Core paths Plan into fields with animals (e.g. Ewe Haugh, Camphill) is proposing a continuous route along the Dee as far west as Peterculter (path 70).

82 Danestone This is the driveway and garden of Easter Persley, a Noted. private house off the Parkway. 82 Garthdee No link between Old Deeside Line & River Dee through Additional core paths are proposed in Garthdee. Kaimhill Road, Pitmedden Terrace, Final Draft. Pitmedden Crescent, Montrose Drive across Garthdee Road down to river. View from Pitmedden Cres. over south of city a bonus. 82 Danestone The Parkway footpath/cycle path from the Tesco Noted. roundabout (Laurel Drive) up to the roundabout at Whitestripes Ave./Fairview Street is not down as an Existing Route (unverified). 82 Danestone The north most 30 metres is overgrown, rubbish filled Noted. and leads into a private garden of a house called Easter Persley, off the Parkway. 82 Danestone Goes through Kirkhill School grounds. Is this allowed to Noted. be a path ? 82 14 Parkway to Should join with 13c. Noted. Corse Hill 82 15 - 16 Scotstown Should the path north-east from the car park not be a Additional core paths in this area are Road, BOD core path to join 15 ? proposed in Final Draft. 82 Danestone Could unverified existing route be joined with the Additional core paths are proposed in Community Centre, Surgery, Nursery, Church and this area in Final Draft. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives Police Station at Fairview Street, Danestone?

82 Danestone This is marked as a track however it is more just a flat Noted. piece of land which leads to the laurel View underpass. There are fallen trees blocking it. The underpass has been vandalised and is rubbish-strewn, as is the underpass at Tesco's which also has broken lights. 82 13 Perwinnes 13c should join with 14. There is a pedestrian crossing Noted. at the roundabout at the Parkway. 82 Fairview Path round Fairview House Nursing Home isn't a path, Noted. Crescent it's the homes access road. 82 Fairview Unverified existing route doesn't appear to join any other Noted. Crescent path or facility. 82 West This path passes through farm steadings that are not in Noted. Danestone the best of conditions therefore this route may be considered unsafe. The route drawn doesn't follow what is on the ground. 82 18 Blackdog to Why is the Bridge of Don not a core path joining 18 & Additional core path has been proposed Bridge of Don 19? It is a busy road, but you do get good views east in the Final Draft linking these two and west. routes. 82 Danestone The Laurel View underpass is linked to the path at Noted. Fairview Manor, Consultative Draft doesn't show them linked. 86 No comment. Gairn Wood Existing right of way (385200E/805600N to Additional links and circular routes have 383800E/805300N) should be added to CPs as a circuit been investigated and added to the (linking CPs 48, 49 and 51) via public access to Final Draft. 383600E/80400N to 385100E/804500N (Gairn Wood This route was not added as there were car park). This route skirts the District Wildlife Sites at other routes in this vicinity which scored Moss of Auchleas and Rotten of Gairn and Beechgrove more highly against the criteria. Garden at Brotherfield. This route offers superb distant views to the Cairngorm National Park. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 87 No comment 6c River Don Path A safe cycle route between the residential areas of Noted. Bridge of Don and Danestone to the Dyce industrial estates is vital. I am sure I am not alone is worrying about cyclist safety using the Parkhill back road or Mugiemoss; a safe route would only encourage more to cycle to/from work which must be a main driver of the plan. The vision of route 6c linking with 6b and 4b whilst avoiding Mugiemoss should be commended and I fully support its inclusion. 87 No comment 66c Deeside Way Should be a core path. Current signage (Sustrans Blue Noted and White) is not adequate. 88 No links 27 Seafield to It anticipates going through the Denburn, which is not Additional City Centre routes have been through/across City. Hazlehead open to the public. It could take an alternative route proposed Existing parks and around the quarry and then link into Rubislaw playing It is not possible to take a route through open spaces are not fields and/or Johnston Gardens the quarry but signage could be linked. Paths tend to provided on Anderson Drive in order to end in suburbs. direct people from path 27 to path 60.

89 No comment 27 Seafield to This route leads to Rubilslaw Den, which is enclosed No core paths are proposed in Rubislaw Hazlehead private land. It implies that the Den will be opened up to Den. the public in the future. This has not been established in law and will be strongly resisted by residents.

90 Too few core paths in 81 Cove Rd - This could connect with 79 Officers have investigated further links urban area. Some Wellington Rd between core paths and the possibility paths go along roads of adding additional City Centre and - thought these are urban routes. pavements! Need policy for new developments to incorporate / link up to core paths & protect urban streams. All paths should be 'greened up' and provide ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives wildlife corridors.

90 Nigg Waste The map looks a bit confused around here with an Indicative desired paths were illustrated Water indicative path shown going through the site rather than as straight lines merely to illustrate the Treatment around it. desire for a link between the two areas. Plant area The exact line of the path at Nigg is not yet known. As this route is not a candidate core path, it is a long-term aspiration and will not be installed in the near future. 90 82 Loirston This is a good idea. Noted 90 80 Cove to A route from Cove going west to Lochinch is a good Noted Lochinch idea. 90 79 Kincorth Hill This could connect with 81. Additional links between core paths have been investigated. 90 Cove going There is a great need to provide a path for Cove Officers have investigated further links northwards residents wishing to walk to Torry. There is a need for a between core paths and the possibility path on the east side of Cove to connect to Loirston of adding additional City Centre and Country Park. The map indicates one should walk along urban routes. the coastal road, which is dangerous and hostile to pedestrians. 90 6 River Don Path A path along River Don is an excellent idea Noted ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 91 Paths should be flat, Noted clear, robust, 1.2m wide (min), graded, with resting places and of a contrasting colour to surroundings. Signs should be colour contrasting and tactile where appropriate. Paths forbidden to cyclists should be identified. 92 No comment 47 Auchmill Road The path is owned by the Aberdeen Allotments Society Noted to Manor who are unwilling to pay for any maintenance. Avenue 93 Beneficial to mark 47, 45 Auchmill Road Potential to link to 45b to Cummings park and to 44b Officers have investigated further links Aberdeenshire paths to Manor across Auchmill Golf Course. to amenities and between core paths on the map. Good Avenue, and such a link has been added. connections in and Sheddocksley out of the City. Few, fragmentary paths within the urban core. Few links between schools and other facilities and to green spaces in urban core of the city. 93 44 Northfield to Potential to link 44b with 45b. Officers have investigated further links Bucksburn to amenities and between core paths. Additional routes have been proposed. 93 3 Kirkhill Forest Important link in allowing access to Kirkhill Forest. Noted to Howe Moss Crescent ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 93 2 A96 to Kirkhill Important link in allowing access to Kirkhill Forest. Noted Forest 93 4 Bankhead to Important link in providing access to Kirkhill Forest. Noted Kirkhill Forest 93 1 Blackburn to Important link in allowing access to Kirkhill forest. Noted Kirkhill Forest 93 11 River Don Support Indicative New Link 11a as Core Path. Noted 93 18 Blackdog to Support Indicative New Link 18a as a Core Path. Noted Bridge of Don 93 15 Corby Loch to Support Indicative Desire New Link as a Core Path. Noted Denmore 93 43 Bucksburn to Support link between Bucksburn and Kingswells. Noted Kingswells 93 6 River Don Support indicative links 6a, 6b and 6c as Core Paths. Noted 93 23 Westburn Park Not linked to wider path network. No routes deemed to be appropriate as core paths in this vicinity that would link to other core paths. 93 21 Mounthooly to This follows a road and does not link to the wider path The route from Mounthooly to Seaton Seaton Park network. Is this to promote cycle routes? Park has been included as it is part of the National Cycle Network and is continued through the City Centre in the Final Draft. 93 25 Union Terrace Not linked to wider path network. Officers have investigated further links Garden to amenities and between core paths. Additional City Centre and urban routes have also been added to the Final Draft.

93 79 Kincorth Hill Potential to link Kincorth Hill with Tullos Hill and hence Links in this area have been to 78b at Doonies Hill. investigated and added where appropriate. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 93 24 Victoria Park Not linked to wider path network. Officers have investigated further links to amenities and between core paths. No routes in this vicinity that may link to other core paths were deemed appropriate as core paths. 93 22 Stewart Park Not linked to wider path network. Additional routes have been proposed in the Final Draft Plan. 93 Indicative route Creating a path along the riverside here would be Noted, indicative route removed from south of 52 technically difficult and very expensive and would cause Final Plan. undue disturbance to the District Wildlife Site. 93 78 Cove Potential to link 78a to 70a, and 78b to 70.The path The link from candidate core path 78 to does not reach the Aberdeen City / Aberdeenshire the Aberdeenshire boundary is boundary. Could it be routed along the indicative desire illustrated as a desired route as there line along the coast? are significant problems to address in creating it, making it a long term aspiration. 93 53 Cults to Support the strategically important link between Noted, however, this aspirational route Bieldside Bieldside and Cults. has been removed from the Final Plan due to concerns over deliverability. It is referred to as an opportunity for surrounding core paths and may be added to the next review of the Core Paths Plan. 93 57 Skene Road to Support 57 as a core path and the very important Noted Gairnhill Wood strategic Indicative Desired New Link between 57 and 50, Hazelhead to Countesswells. 93 50 Hazlehead to Support strategic Indicative Desired New Link between Noted Countesswells 57 and 50, Hazelhead to Countesswells. 93 66 Deeside Way Path could continue to Wellington Bridge and route into This has been addressed in the Final Torry to link with 78a at St Fitticks. At present there are Draft Plan. no Core Path routes linking Torry to the city centre or Ferryhill / Dutie Park. How best can this be addressed? ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 93 70 River Dee Path Potential to link 70a with 78a. Further connections have been investigated and added where appropriate. 94 Caution should be Rotten 'O Gairn A recognised track between Rotten O Gairn Car Park This has been added to Final Draft. taken in extending to North and North Deeside in the vicinity of the Waterwheel and encouraging Deeside Road Hotel or the old Tornadee Hospital would be most access to golf welcome but with appropriate respect paid to the privacy courses which are of house environments dangerous for pedestrians. There may be some liability on the Council in promoting such paths. 95 Supportive of the Aberdeen City Council has been in plan. Appreciate discussion with Aberdeenshire Council linking together of over cross-boundary issues. routes to ease Aberdeenshire Council are at a different access. Could stage in the development of a Core Westhill paths be Paths Plan however Aberdeen City shown, as many Council will provide an indication of Westhill residents where links into Aberdeenshire will be work in Aberdeen? via the route descriptions. Optimum path usage Core paths will be signposted. will depend on collaboration and awareness raising. Signage is an issue. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 96 No need to mark 51 Gairnhill Wood Part of the path passes along a farm track used heavily The route of candidate core path 51 has exisitng routes on the to Guttrie Hill by farm machinery and to move livestock. This raises been amended in order to follow the path, just candidate public health and safety issues as well as the potential alternative route to the west that has core paths to for disruption to farm operations. The Estate has erected been created for public access. minimise confusion. a gate at the entrance to this section of the farm track and has constructed an alternative route for public access to the west of the farm track. This route is well used by members of the public and should be included as part of path 51 instead of the section of farm track. 96 Westfield This route leads off candidate core path 51 and runs Existing unverified routes were shown Lodge around Westfield Lodge. This track runs through a on the maps in order to illustrate how Unverified garden, therefore is not suitable for public access. the candidate core paths linked with the Route wider path network. They will not be illustrated on the Final Draft. Unverified route Westfield Lodge to Den of Murtle only exists in part. Aberdeen City Council has updated its paths record to reflect this. 96 Westfield This route is not in existence and should not have been Unverified route Westfield Lodge to Den Lodge to Den drawn on the map. of Murtle only exists in part. Aberdeen of Murtle City Council has updated its paths record to reflect this. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 97 No comment Hazlehead When Aberdeen City Council felled the standing timber A meeting was held in order to discuss Wood in the part of Hazlehead Wood adjacent to us a number options for access in and around of paths were destroyed and , because of uncleared Pinewood Park. These options are debris, access through the wood has been destroyed. currently being investigated. The original deer fence round the perimeter of the nursery, in place to protect the trees, has been abandoned to allow access to the public but we now have a herd of nine roe deer resident in the grass area that regularly maraud the garden centre causing expensive damage to plants. We intend re-routing a new deer fence to protect the garden centre from the deer. There will have to be gates to keep the public out of hazardous areas although access will be available from the garden centre entrances. We suggest a path be re-created in the wood to replace those lost and join up existing nursery roads bypassing hazardous areas of our yards.

97 61 Den Wood There is a dangerous situation where joggers crossing See above response the back garden of Pinewood Park House and jogging through the farm yard to give them a circular route through the woods. Because of frequent use of forklifts, agricultural tractors and HGVs there is a definable risk element. This is greatly exacerbated by the joggers being wired up to iPods and unable to hear the approach of vehicular traffic around the buildings. 98 Excellent format in Noted. respect of p.17 which encompasses Braeside and Mannofield Community Council area. The team should be congratulated. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 99 Applaud Consultative 70 River Dee Path The route indicates a path leaving the current "Lovers Candidate core path 70e has been Draft Core Paths Walk" (70e) to pass along the bank of the Culter Burn to removed from the Finalised Draft Core Plan. Burnside. As drawn, this route passes through 4 private Paths Plan. gardens. It is shown emerging from the bridge at Burnside, where there is no way for a path to emerge except by passing through the middle of the garden of the corner house (Sandford) on Station Road West and going up its drive. Making this path would require a compulsory purchase of a route along the burn and, as there is no way up to Burnside except straight up the drive at Sandford, would also seem unachievable without a compulsory purchase of that house. There could be a link from Lovers Walk to Burrnside on the other side of the Culter Burn, linking with the path that runs alongside the Dee. This would require a bridge across the mouth of the Culter Burn.

100 A north-south desire Unverifie Brimmond Hill Route travels along impenetrable inter-field boundaries 'Brimmond Hill- this route has been line east of d Route south of the woods directly south of the summit of amended to follow the higher path. Countesswells is Brimmond Hill. Route then goes NNW steeply up wanted. No access / alongside Brimmonside and ignores a pond. Anyone Core Path to Blue Hill finding themselves at the SW corner of Brimmond Hill south of Aberdeen? Country Park should take the higher path above the Underpasses / original filed / hill boundary; this has better views, avoids bridges should cross livestock and crops, offers contour options and lands A96 Tyrebagger and one straight back into the Brimmond Hill path system. Blackburn. 100 1 Blackburn to Why no Core Path to Kirkhill (Tyrebagger) summit? A circular route incorporating the summit Kirkhill Forest of Tyrebagger has been added. 100 79 Kincorth Hill Should be explicit link into NE Loirston Country Park. Further links in this area have been Why a Core Path round Loirston Loch but not in NE part investigated and added where of Park. 79d should join with 80. appropriate. 100 27 Seafield to Should link up with 91 at Queens Den. Additional links have been investigated. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives Hazlehead 100 91 Hazlehead to Cycle way along north (not south) side of A944? Should Additional links to and between core Bishopsdams link with 27 at Queens Den. paths have been investigated. Bridge 91- this is a mapping error. Path 91 is on the north side of the A944. Maps have been updated to reflect this. 100 6 River Don Dyce - Bucksburn, direct riverside route wanted. 6a-d The route from Grandholm Bridge to riverside routes good but round trips on opposite bank Persley Bridge on the south side of the are better. River Don has been added to the Final Draft. 100 40 Newhills to This appears to go along the narrow and dangerous Noted and amended. Chapel Belts road North of Newhills cemetery, and separation from traffic will be difficult unless trees are felled. 100 66c Deeside Way Boundary gap to Coalford should be closed. Noted and amended. 101 No comment Murtle Estate Map shows Existing Routes (Unverified) through our The unverified routes are not displayed grounds which are not routes. Part of this 'route' on the Final Draft maps. constitutes an access road to a variety of residential buildings amongst others and is within the curtilage of these same buildings. A large part of the section shown has always been out of bounds (and is appropriately fenced) to staff and pupils for safety reasons. Further downstream the route seems to cross a burn where there is no bridge. 101 70 River Dee Path Path north of River Dee to the west of the easting Following discussion, the path to the 387000E was never agreed on. north of the River Dee has been agreed upon. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 103 Provision seems Murtle Den Desirable as a Core Path. Would create walking circuits Noted. sparse. Path should with other paths. be real, not just lines on maps. Paths should be suitable for all users and safe for use in wet weather. Users should have no difficulty finding and accessing path. 103 70 River Dee Path Indicative desire new link near the mouth of the Culter The indicative desired link at the Culter Burn seems problematic, requiring access through Burn has been removed. The possibility gardens and across the Culter Burn to join Station Road of extending path 70 is considered to be South. A preferable link could be created by extending unrealistic in the short - mid term due to path further upstream. Riverside path should be restored resources. to extend path 70 westward to city boundary at Dalmaik Church. There it would connect to 66. This extension could connect to Path 70, Lovers Walk, by a footbridge near the mouth of the Culter Burn, as it did a century ago. East of Peterculter, from the west boundary of Camphill estate to Maryculter Bridge, the path has largely disappeared and should be reinstated. Path 70 is walkable from Maryculter Bridge to near the junction of sections 70d and 70e where a wide ditch blocks the path. Barriers between here and Cults could be rectified.

103 66 Deeside Way Unsurfaced sections become puddled and muddy after Noted. rain. In places, this is aggravated by unsatisfactory drainage. West from the Old Station the path has major deficiencies at some points, including being too narrow, too steep, overgrown, poorly surfaced, and with inconsistent and inadequate signage. It should be brought up to the standard of the Deeside way in Aberdeenshire. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 103 51 Gairnhill Wood Rough section between The Croft and Nether Beanshill Noted to Guttrie Hill is suitable only for walkers. 103 27 Seafield to Should be extended to Rubislaw Den. Additional links have been investigated. Hazlehead 103 52 Milltimber to Much of the surface from Malcolm Road to Culter House Noted. Peterculter Road has become badly eroded and massively potholed. 104 No comment Danestone In Danestone there are minor areas where many people Comment forwarded to Grounds walk, which have no footpath and are muddy. In Maintenance Officer (North). Additional Fairview Drive there is a path that starts and ends just core paths have been proposed in the before crossing a small field. It would be useful if this Danestone area. continued and connected to Laurel Lane. From Fairview Street to Laurel Lane there is a hill where many would like to see stairs and a path connecting the two roads. Laurel Lane should have lampposts as in winter users are frightened of attack.

105 Excellent idea. 70 River Dee Path Problems arise when stiles become defective or are Path condition issues noted. removed at critical points like the bottom of Old Ferry Road when walking west. 106 Does not address On-road cycle routes are an issue that need to improve should be dealt with primarily through cycle access to city the Local Transport Strategy. Additional centre. Aims and core paths in the City Centre have been objectives would be proposed in the Final Draft Core Paths more likely achieved Plan. if this was improved along the models adopted by other cities of a similar size and economic importance. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 107 Inadequate lighting The use of core paths, as well as the around paths leads to exercising of general access rights, is youths congregating based on a right of responsible access and antisocial as explained in the Scottish Outdoor behaviour. Good Access Code. Suggestions for lighting combined management of core paths noted. with plants and shrubs can enhance natural surveillance. Consider prohibiting mini motorcycles. Need litter/dog waste bins. 108 Erosion, manure and Hazeldene Lack of footpath from Craigiebuckler Avenue to path Path quality issues noted. wet weather lead to a Road opposite Dobbies. One has to walk on the road, mixing muddy mess. with traffic. Overhanging foliage reduces path widths. Suggest use of voluntary path wardens. 108 60 Seafield Lack of traffic refuge island on Springfield Road deters Noted. Avenue to Den pedestrians. A new refuge island was constructed about Wood 150m north of this position but seems rarely used and not convenient safety feature of this path. 108 Den of Lack of safe crossing on Skene Road at Denhead, Path quality issues noted. Maidencraig Kingswells. Lack of proper stairway at west most The Denburn path is addressed by the portion. Lack of established paths along the Denburn provision of candidate core path 27. from Den of Maidencraig to new paths on the grass area to the north of Woodend Crescent. This would allow extended walkway to and from Hazlehead to North Anderson Drive at the Hill of Rubislaw. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 109 Careful planning and 6 River Don 6e crosses scheduled Brig o' Balgownie, which is also a Impact on sites of historical and cultural execution necessary Category A listed building. Also in close proximity to interest has been considered through to avoid adverse scheduled Tillydrone Motte. Would require scheduled the Strategic Environmental impact on cultural monument consent if proposed within the scheduled Assessment. The Plan has also been heritage sites, should area protecting a monument. Careful design needed to prepared in discussion with the Council's be included in EIA avoid / minimise damage to archaeological remains from archaeologist. path network. Paths, signage and way marking could have effect on setting of ancient monuments and must be taken into consideration as part of route planning. Any works to maintain or upgrade paths which cross listed structure may require listed building consent. Way marking may also require listed building consent if it directly affects the listed structure and potentially adverse impacts on the settings of listed buildings should be avoided.

109 69 Duthie Park Park is a designated landscape. Historic Scotland See above response should be consulted on any works to create, maintain or upgrade paths where they fall within the boundary of a designed landscape. Paths can alter the character of landscapes and it is essential that they are designed to have the minimum impact. 109 70 River Dee Path The proposed path crosses the scheduled Wellington See above response Suspension Bridge. Creation or maintenance of paths and installation of signage or way marking would require scheduled monument consent. Careful design needed to avoid or minimise damage to archaeological remains from paths network. Paths, signage and way marking could affect setting of scheduled monuments and should be taken into account as part of route planning. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 110 Lack of paths in west A number of additional core paths have end and city centre. been proposed in the City Centre and Various back lanes west end. Back lanes which are used as currently used as rat 'rat runs' are not suitable candidates for runs could become core paths due to safety issues of high Core Paths with volumes of fast flowing traffic. Traffic appropriate signage. management could be considered in the Would like to see future to help address this. path from Rubislaw Quarry to north of Hazlehead. 111 No comment 72 Mains of Murtle Proposed new link from old railway / Beaconhill Road Route 72 was drawn incorrectly on the down to the river Dee goes through our back garden. map. The map has been amended to Assuming it is drawn wrongly on the map and goes show 72 following the route that is through the adjacent field owned by our neighbours that subject to the Access Agreement. contravenes an agreement between Aberdeen City Council and the owners of Mains of Murtle Farmhouse. Regardless of this, it seems pointless to have a new path when there is an existing path already (shown as 'track'). 112 Look at areas of high 6 River Don 6b looks like a positive prospect. Noted. congestion and links between them. Alternative routes for cyclists to avoid dangerous junctions seldom used as they take you off course. Consider street furniture like pedestrian barriers around roundabouts - dangerous for cyclists. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 113 Kingswells walks will 43 Bucksburn to Would cut directly across Burnbrae Moss, a District Path quality concerns noted. become circular and Kingswells Wildlife Site. No existing crossing of Moss so site would All core paths will be sign posted. more pleasant. be damaged by path construction. Gorse and heather Candidate core path 43 is an indicative Would like to see would be exposed to malicious fire-raising. There is desired new link. Indicative desired new leaflets produced threatened wildlife on the Moss which can already be links were drawn on the maps as encouraging path viewed from a safe distance from existing paths. straight lines merely to illustrate the use. Concerns over Curlews, linnets and yellowhammers breed there. The desire for a link between two places. maintenance - many latter 2 are 'red listed' species, curlew is 'amber listed'. The exact line of the route has not yet paths fall into At least 1 badger sett on Burnbrae Moss. Need to been decided but it will not be a straight disrepair due to minimise wildlife disturbance from access of unleashed line and it will be decided in consultation drainage problems, dogs. Line crosses a known deer path. Route would with the local community. fencing erection, become motorbike/mini-moto run between 2 fallen trees. communities, causing noise and disruption. Wish to reduce light pollution. Urge cycle path along existing Kingswells/Newhills/Bucksburn Rd - ideal quiet route once AWPR built. 114 No comment Lang Stracht / Desirable to have path here, as per development Noted. Den of masterplan. Maidencraig 114 45 Sheddocksley 45c may be more appropriate if alternative to north used Noted. to Mastrick as it is a well used route. Path currently overgrown. 114 Newpark Goes through garden / curtilage. The unverified route which passes Steading through Newpark Steading will be Unverified removed from future maps and from the Route Council's paths record. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 115 No comment 4 Bankhead to Given the development that is likely to be taking place in The Dyce Drive Planning Brief (March Kirkhill Forest the area of Dyce Drive I would like to hear more about 2004) refers to a Claimed Right of Way how you are proposing to provide this route and who will running through the site. It is this route meet the cost of providing it. Not only will the route have which has been proposed as a to cross Dyce Drive but it will also have to cross the candidate core path. Section 18 of the proposed new linlk road from the AWPR to the airport, Brief also highlights the need for quality possibly a P&R scheme and the AWPR itself. Can you pedestrian and cycle facilities, which is confirm ACC will be responsible for maintenance of this in line with SPP 17, Planning for path? Transport, with regards to sustainable travel. Consultations to date have suggested that there is a strategic demand for a coherent path link in the A96 corridor linking the main urban areas of Aberdeen with Kirkhill Forest and Industrial Estate. The construction of the AWPR has been taken into consideration and details of paths affected as well as mitigation measures have been included in the Final Draft. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 116 No comment 4 Bankhead to 4b - proposal to use Walton Road (Dyce) as Candidate The Dyce Drive Planning Brief (March Kirkhill Forest Core Path. Proposed new business park development 2004) refers to a Claimed Right of Way between Dyce Drive and Walton Road forms an running through the site. It is this route approved Council Planning Brief and part of soon to be which has been proposed as a adopted Local Plan. Proposed path runs along southern candidate core path. Section 18 of the boundary of the Park, but cuts through allocated land at Brief also highlights the need for quality one point and will have to cross proposed pedestrian and cycle facilities, which is AWPR/A96/Dyce Drive link road (likely to be dual in line with SPP 17, Planning for carriageway). CP should be fully and properly integrated Transport, with regards to sustainable with wider proposals. travel. Consultations to date have suggested that there is a strategic demand for a coherent path link in the A96 corridor linking the main urban areas of Aberdeen with Kirkhill Forest and Industrial Estate. The construction of the AWPR has been taken into consideration and details of paths affected as well as mitigation measures have been included in the Final Draft. 117 No comment Murcar Golf Route would go along middle of first fairway, from green Indicative desired new link is not a core Course to tee, with golfers playing in the opposite direction. path therefore there are no immediate Indicative Route totally unacceptable, putting people in danger plans to implement it. If implemented, Desired New from balls and would damage fairways and greens, our consultation with relevant parties would Link most precious assets. Route ignores existing track (via seek to find an acceptable route. This our car park) which is parallel to proposed Indicative route is not included in the Final Draft. Desired New Link. 117 Murcar Golf Goes in the face of oncoming golfers, who would have Noted, unverified routes are not Course little or no sight of pedestrians and would put walkers in displayed in the Final Draft. Unverified danger of being struck by golf balls. Route 117 18 Blackdog to Entirely acceptable. Noted. Bridge of Don ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 118 No comment 6 River Don Path If paths 6b and 6c are installed I would use them if they Noted were hard cored. 119 With paths planned Noted on both sides of Don estuary, potential to create network that could be significant attraction for Old Aberdeen. Vital paths planned and constructed with understanding of area's character. Hillhead as starting point for various routes. 120 No mention of The Finalised Draft Core Paths Plan has Access included detail on how the Core Paths Strategy/other docs. Plan fits with other documents and Aims and objectives strategies. It also gives more detail on clear. How are paths how the Core Paths Plan has been assessed? Overview developed, including a summary of the map would be consultation. Each candidate core path helpful. Differentiate will have a written description detailing on/off road. Give info length, suitability for different users, on basic qualities of on/of road etc. A larger scale overview each path. Plan map has been included in order to insufficient in current provide greater clarity and ease of use. form. Few Additional core paths have been city/circular paths. proposed in the Final Draft. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 121 Would like more Kincorth & More walks around the disabled facilities at Kincorth and We have attempted to ensure provision facilities in place to Aberdeen Aberdeen Beach. of paths suitable for use by those with allow people with Beach disabilities around the beach/ Seaton profound and severe area due to proximity to the special toilet learning difficulties to facilities. There is also adequate parking access the outdoors. in these areas. Main problems - car We have taken steps to ensure that parking, slopes, toilet coverage across the City as a whole is facilities (hoist and sufficient for those with disabilities. changing). Suggest walks around where these facilities currently exist - beach, Kincorth. 122 Provision inadequate. 52 Milltimber to Important route for local residents, leads to long route to Core paths will not be exclusively for Use by walkers, Peterculter west. A better route possible than proposal. one user type, in line with the Scottish cyclists and horse Outdoor Access Code. riders incompatible. 122 55 Foggieton Extremely desirable route but needs major revision, Route 55 has not been included in the especially at crossing of Murtle Burn Valley. Severe lack Final Draft due to concerns over of north-south routes. Improved route starting at west deliverability. May be included in future end of path 55 and running to the North end of Hillhead reviews of the Core Paths Plan. Road - obvious Core Path route into western countryside of Aberdeen. Needs connection from east end into rest of network. Consultative Draft deals with lack of long distance east-west routes apart from existing path on North side of Dee and old Deeside railway. If both 52 and 55 achieved would give another east-west route leaving problem of inadequate north- south routes. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 123 No comment 32 Brimmond - This is an existing tarmaced road, extremely narrow with Noted. Kingswells high banking to each side. To encourage pedestrian access with no separate path would present health and safety issues. If a vehicle encounters a pedestrian the pedestrian has to scramble up the bank to let the vehicle past. Should a pedestrian stumble or fall consequences could be serious. Public should not be encouraged to use this route unless road widened or separate path installed. 123 Indicative A straight route from the north point to the west point The indicative desired new link has been Desired New would be more obvious, utilising an existing path rather amended to follow the line of the Link south of than creating a new one. Quite aside from loss of existing path. This new link is not a Brimmond Hill amenity and security from my own point of view, on candidate core path. health and safety grounds there are good reasons for suggesting a different route. There is a pond on this route that the public, especially children, should be kept away from. The sides of this pond are so steep that if someone fell in there could be tragic consequences. 123 Brimmond Hill Unverified route between 32 and green Indicative Desire The unverified route along the edge of New link is uncultivated part of a field which local farmer the field has been removed form future uses to access pheasant pens. I doubt he would like maps and from the Council's paths public to be directed here, I do not recall seeing people record. use this route. 124 Very good - some Noted. good connections out into the Shire. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 125 No comment 65 Hazlehead to Path goes through land owned by Robert Gordon's Candidate core path 65 is an indicative River Dee College north of Countesswells Road which has been desired new link and has been shown as earmarked for development in the Local Plan. Goes a straight line merely to illustrate the directly through playing fields south of Countesswells desire for a link between the two areas. Road. Even if development does not proceed, RGC The Final Draft Core Paths Plan object to path when plan shows existing path running proposes an actual route for this path parallel to route which can be used. Straight line has which avoids the school playing fields. been drawn with no regard for land use. Bisects playing fields, private domestic land, grounds of Marcliffe at Pitfodels, allotments and land owned by RGU. Issues of safety for school children and public when sporting event on. Fields fenced off and gated when not in use to protect fields, building and equipment. Route should follow existing paths or adopted road network down to the river. 126 No comment 4 Bankhead to 4b crosses through research fields used by Rowett This section of candidate core path 4b is Kirkhill Forest Research Institute and cuts across the corner of some of an indicative desired new link and has their farm buildings. Core Paths Plan needs to be been shown as a straight line merely to considered in conjunction with Draft Planning Brief illustrate the desire for a link between submitted to the Council on 22/12/05 for Institute site, the two areas. The Final Draft Core which highlights concerns over unauthorised access Paths Plan proposes a more appropriate which may be restricted due to security. We wish CP to actual line for this route. continue along cycle route shown on indicative layout rather than cross through research field. Not considerate of the use made of this field and does not have support of landowner, thus goes against criteria checklist. 126 Forrit Brae Two indicative new desired new links are shown running These indicative desired new links have through the Institute’s land around Forrit Brae. These been shown as straight lines merely to cause concern as they run through fields used by illustrate the desire for a link between Institute and would cause destruction of the two areas. management of these fields. That running from Scottish Agricultural College to the east of path 40 disregards work required for AWPR. Routes do not have the support of the landowner and are not considerate of the uses made of these fields. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 127 No comment West Woods Paths to the west of the campus perfectly acceptable The construction of the AWPR has been Unverified and follow what already exists. Should be linked to paths taken into consideration and details of Routes east of campus to ensure continuity of 'Four Hills paths affected as well as mitigation Footpath Network'. At the moment this simply means measures will be included in the Final crossing road from Chapel of Stoneywood to Kingswells. Draft. Once AWPR built it is vital such continuity is maintained.

127 Craibstone Existing or proposed paths on the east of the campus on The construction of the AWPR has been Estate the whole follow recognised and established routes. We taken into consideration and details of are happy about these routes including proposed paths affected as well as mitigation Candidate Core Path that runs from Goughburn Building measures will be included in the Final past Cruickshank building and Hunter Hall and Hunter Draft. Hall Annexe to the West Lodge. Paths all extant and form logical routes. The route of the existing path that runs from the main drive up through the trees and along the top of the field behind the Ferguson building will be affected by AWPR. It should be rerouted along east side of AWPR.

128 We endorse plan. Many of the candidate core paths are in Consideration must rural areas therefore, although be given to emergency service access will be made ambulance service's as easy as possible, it will not be ability to enter path possible to ensure easy access to all network to uplift paths. anyone unwell. Easy access to system and/or designated coding for specific areas of a path would allow us to reach a casualty quickly. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 129 Ensure network 24 Victoria Park No links to surrounding area. Additional routes within the City Centre sufficient for all users. have been investigated. Improve connectivity and coherence. Avoid adverse effects on habitats, species, biodiversity and sites of Natural Heritage importance. Need more info on development and selection. Why some existing paths shown and some not. 129 23 Westburn Park No links to surrounding area. Additional routes within the City Centre have been investigated. 129 25 Union Terrace No links to surrounding area. Additional routes within the City Centre Garden have been investigated. 129 Balnagask Opportunity for circular routes across Balnagask Noted and amended. headland. 129 53, 55, Cults to Example: Could link 53, 55 and 87 to from circular route. Additional routes within the City Centre, 87 Bieldside urban areas, regeneration areas, routes to school, additional linkages between core paths and circular routes are proposed in the Final Draft. 129 84 Den of Leggart Does not connect to any other CP and generally does Noted. not fit into criteria. 129 79 Kincorth Hill No other CP connected to it. Additional routes are proposed. 129 Kincorth No proposed Core Paths linking school and playing Additional routes are proposed. fields in Kincorth with neighbouring residential areas. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 129 70 River Dee Why not along the whole length of Dee? CP stops at Noted and amended. Victoria Bridge across from Torry, an area which could benefit from a promoted CP network. 129 78 Cove Coastal Should link with Tullos and Altens Industrial Estates and Noted and amended. Path then on to residential areas. 129 Tullos Hill Should link with nearby residential areas like Torry. Additional routes proposed. Unverified Paths 129 Kincorth, Should all be linked to main urban centre of Aberdeen to Additional routes proposed. Ferryhill, Torry, beach, coastal path, one another, Duthie Park, Kincorth Kaimhill Hill, Tullos Hill, Nigg Bay, industrial estates, schools, recreational grounds etc. via Core Paths. Routes and paths are currently available on the ground and need to be considered to make CPP sufficient. 130 Unlikely to negatively Noted affect SEPA's areas of interest. Support opportunities for habitat creation and enhancement and to remove culverts. Must address possible impacts in terms of flooding, watercourse engineering and pollution prevention at design stage ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 131 Pays little attention to 43 Bucksburn to Arbitrary route ignoring all existing boundaries, Candidate core path 43 is an indicative existing paths, land Kingswells geographical shape and land type. Route already desired new link. Indicative desired new users, geographical covered by existing paths that follow boundaries and links were drawn on the maps as shape or existing land shape. No consideration to harm, stress and cost straight lines merely to illustrate the natural boundaries or this would bring to farmers and livestock. desire for a link between two places. field boundaries for The exact line of the route has not yet proposed new CP been decided but it will not be a straight routes. line. Further detailed consultation with communities will be undertaken prior to implementation of this route.

131 42a Kingswells - Joins with 33. Do not account for new roundabout that 33, 42a - The impact of the AWPR on Bucksburn will arrive from AWPR and render link unusable, core paths has been considered in detail. Details of paths affected have been included in the Finalised Draft Core Paths Plan.

131 42 Kingswells - 42b ignores current path route which follows boundaries 42b-The line shown on the maps was a Bucksburn and cuts off fields from main block in an impractical mapping error. This has been amended unmanageable way. so that the path route follows the existing path to the south.

131 41 Newhills No need for a path through a farm when there is a 41- The line of this path has been perfectly fine pavement already existing in place not altered to follow the pavement along noted on plans. Newhills Road.

131 33 Brimmond - Joins with 42a. Does not account for new roundabout 33, 42a - The impact of the AWPR on Kingswells that will arrive from AWPR and render link unusable. core paths has been considered in detail. Details of paths affected have been included in the Finalised Draft Core Paths Plan. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 132 Support the response 43 Bucksburn to Candidate core path 43 is an indicative of Kingswells Kingswells desired new link. Indicative desired new Community Council, links were drawn on the maps as which I consider straight lines merely to illustrate the absolutely desire for a link between two places. appropriate and The exact line of the route has not yet correct. been decided but it will not be a straight line. Further detailed consultation with communities will be undertaken prior to implementation of this route. 133 Keen to contribute to 80 Cove to Area allocated for housing. Concerned about any Government Guidance on the Land network where this Lochinch obligation requiring routes to be safeguarded or Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and Core does not compromise improved to the detriment of the wider community Paths Plan states that core paths may our ability to deliver masterplan or detailed design work. In development, be altered through development, with sites. Understand significant open space will be provided and pedestrian appropriate Planning Agreement and benefit network can desire lines and permeability given careful conditions. bring in connecting consideration. Area has informal paths connecting areas and providing surrounding developments, but the track that forms the travel choice. eastern boundary and Charleston Road to the east facilitates movement around site and is of a good standard, providing a quality, safe choice for walkers and cyclists. Peripheral routes will be augmented by creation of inner routes within site that will not only be inviting to residents but to visitors seeking routes from Loirston Loch to the coast through an attractive residential environment. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 133 52 Milltimber to Land owned by Stewart Milne Homes, have aspirations Government Guidance on the Land Peterculter for development within short to medium-term. Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and Core Identification of a predetermined candidate CP through Paths Plan states that core paths may woodland towards Colthill Road junction could prejudice be altered through development, with future layout for the site and hinder successful appropriate Planning Agreement and development proposal. Route does not provide logical conditions. connection between areas or link public facilities or other uses. AWPR will sever any continuing westward movement. Path will have no particular function or merit in terms of CPP objectives.

134 Should develop cycle Cove Harbour Important access point for kayaks at Cove harbour The Draft Core Paths Plan focuses on routes on important (beach), used regularly by groups and individuals. inland water as per Land Reform travel lines (eg. (Scotland) Act 2003. Balmedie-Aberdeen). Shire Core Paths will show such to Blackdog. Would be nice for this to be picked up and carried into city. 134 Aberdeen Whole length of Aberdeen Beach frequently used for The Draft Core Paths Plan focuses on Beach water sports. inland water as per Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. 134 Coastal Path Hope lines at north and south of city will link up with Aberdeen City Council is in discussion Desire Lines Shire lines and we can complete Nortrail. with Aberdeenshire Council regarding links between the City and Aberdeenshire. Blackdog- City is one which will be discussed. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 135 No comment 3 Kirkhill Forest Refers to length of path that crosses our land just prior Through the Local Plan and other local to Howe Moss to exiting onto Howe Moss Crescent. Land is in our policies Aberdeen City Council looks for Crescent ownership and a path here may affect our availability to developments to include and/or provide build on this land in the future. How does this type of pedestrian links, and demonstrate proposal affect land ownership rights? compliance with SPP17. This route, or a similar alternative, would be in line with this. There will be opportunity to alter core paths through the planning process. 136 Must not impose on A specific meeting was held to discuss farmers' business. these points. Landowners must be Farmers are encouraged to work with us remunerated for land in planning routes which will aid, or at taken. Paths adjacent least not hinder, land management and to farmland must to highlight any particular concerns they have secure fencing; may have. any damage must be Furthermore, the use of core paths, as fixed by local well as the exercising of general access authority. Signage to rights, is based on a right of responsible draw attention to access as explained in the Scottish code of conduct. Outdoor Access Code. Must not dissect fields. 137 No comment 70 River Dee 70e is not easily accessible, particularly in summertime. Noted There is work required to cut back vegetation, and parts of the path are not easily walked. The Lovers Walk path requires maintenance following a small landslip at the end of the summer. There is still a pile of earth and this makes it difficult for people in wheelchairs or children in prams to negotiate this path. This is a very well walked path and it is considered that some overall maintenance work is required. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 138 Too few circular Regent Walk The existing path from the Seaton end of Regent Walk Additional City Centre, urban and routes. Regeneration across to the beach should be re-designated as a Core circular routes and linkages have been areas should have Path. This will allow the completion of a circular family included in the Final Draft Core Paths better provision. trail (along the beach, into Seaton Park, past Kings Plan. College and back to the beach). It would also improve access to the beach for people in Seaton, increasing their options to be physically active as Seaton has a poor health record. 138 River Don Existing paths on north side of Don, west from The illustration of candidate core path Grandholm Bridge to 13a should be re-designated as 91 on the south side of the A944 is a Core Paths. mapping error. 138 Torry Should have better provision. Should have Core Paths Additional routes and linkages have onto and through Loirston Country Park. been included in the Final Draft Core Paths Plan. 138 Seaton Should have more provision. Additional routes in regeneration areas linkages have been included in the Final Draft Core Paths Plan. 138 Deeside Way - Should connect Deeside Way with F&B Line and Various additional links have been F&B Way proposed River Dee route. The outline of such a link is proposed. almost there but there are gaps. From Station Road in Milltimber to Path 52 should be re-designated as CP. The minor road from A944, back of Brimmond Hill to Tyrebagger should be re-designated as CP (with aim to designate this as a Quiet route with priority to Non Motorised Users). A desired link path along A96 from junction of this road to path 4b would then allow connections to F&B line and to Don route. This would be an excellent 'green peripheral route'.

138 91 Hazlehead to Along A944, CP91 is shown on south side. I presume The illustration of candidate core path Bishopdams this should be on the north side reflecting the existing 91 on the south side of the A944 is a Bridge route that is currently in development from Kingswells to mapping error. Subsequent maps will be Hazlehead. amended to illustrate the route on the north side. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 139 No comment Doonies Farm Path over former landfill site which starts at grid ref. A condition of the Waste Management NJ964030 and passes Barons Cairn, ending close to Licence is that public access should Doonies Farm at NJ966036 is now closed at the eastern have been prevented. This was not end. The western end is still open. I have enjoyed enforced however and as part of the walking and jogging along this path for many years and essential remediation work planned to it forms an essential link in my circuit. I request that that take place, discussion is being it is reopened to preserve the through route to the coast undertaken with the Scottish and included in CPP. Environment Protection Agency over the possibility of retaining a path through the site.

140 No comment 66 Deeside Way More tarmac please. Noted 140 70 River Dee Path not continuous. Walkers have to enter 2 fields Noted (Camphill Estate) which have animals in them. 141 No comment 66 Deeside Way Direction sign after Culter Bridge is easily missed. Need All core paths will be signposted. more obvious signs. 142 Makes sense to All candidate core paths have had route consult with condition surveys carried out in order to communities. Would assess path condition, safety and any need to take enhancement work required. Many of measures to ensure the core paths are in rural areas path safety, properly therefore lighting in these areas would lit, no hiding places not be appropriate. etc. Also, general safety e.g. loose stones. Force Architectural Liaison Officer could help with this. 144 No comment Indicative Route on North Bank Of Don, opposite cp6a - concern The indicative desired new link has been Desired New that it will pass through private garden. removed from the Final Draft Core Paths Link Plan. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 145 Coverage very 44b Chapel of There are some gaps in the proposed routes e.g. Following consultation comments, comprehensive. Stoneywood - between 44b and 45b and 55 and 87. The gap may be alternative routes have been Framework of paths Bankhead able to be bridged via nearby woods which form part of investigated in discussion with the seems to deliver National Forest Estate. Forestry Commission. vision, aims and objectives. The aims and objectives will be widely supported. 145 It may be viable to target key core routes linking Noted communities rather than some of the more local circular routes eg. 23, 24 and 25. Problem of linking routes north to south as A96 still a barrier. May be resolved with AWPR. 145 Various Encouraging to see that core paths have been placed Noted woodlands within or near WIAT sites linking them to communities. This will enable greater access to these sites. CP57 key WIAT link from City Centre. 145 1 and 3 Kirkhill Some of these are on main haul roads but this cannot Following consultation comments, be avoided and is accepted. alternative routes have been investigated in discussion with the Forestry Commission. 145 4a Kirkhill No implication for the National Forest Estate Noted 145 2 A96 to Kirkhill Clarification of route is required. If possible this route Following consultation comments, Forest should be amended to remove it from the main haul alternative routes have been road. Forest District would like to meet on site to discuss investigated in discussion with the alternatives. Forestry Commission. 145 38 Craibstone Route will need to negotiate AWPR. All routes which will be affected by the Estate Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route have been identified and details will be provided in the Final Draft Core Paths Plan. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 145 45c Sheddocksley This route follows strip of woodland which would link 45c Noted. to 45b and 46. 45c recently been established and providing a popular route for walkers. 146 Pedestrian crossing Following consultation comments an facilities wanted at additional link route has been proposed. Heathvale on Wellington Road. Additional route from Redmoss Rd to Kincorth and possible link from Well. Rd round south of loch to Kincorth wanted. But sensitive area, nesting swans etc. 147 No comment Unverifie Hareness Road Unverified existing path from Hareness Rd along Noted. d Route eastern edge of Nigg Caravan Park. Do not want this route to be a formal, promoted route. Do not mind informal access along route. Would prefer people to use path on western side of park between park and Shell offices. 148 CPP is not On-road cycling routes are being appropriate route to addressed mainly through the Local create full cycle Transport Strategy although there will be network. On-road some overlap with the Core Paths Plan. routes with traffic calming, junction improvements etc essential to create high quality cycle routes. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 149 About to miss 18 Blackdog to Golf courses constitute a barrier to crossing the Links As a result of consultation comments opportunity to Bridge of Don e.g. there is a route connecting Seaton with the sea and additional routes have been proposed. develop a strategic other lines crossing Royal Aberdeen and Murcar joined up path courses which would not interfere with play. network unless more There is a variant of 18 that with a little work could routes included. connect Bridge of Don with Blackdog. The link from Cycle and walking Bridge of Don to Potterton/Balmedie should be a priority routes should be for new build, route 15 should then be a leisure variant separated. It would of this. have been useful to have some graphical representation of how proposed core paths relate to LTS/ Cycle Network. A spreadsheet with scores of each path against criteria would have been useful. I would expect to see a pattern of radial and concentric walking/cycling routes; this would lead to a more logical numbering system. The proposed core paths conform to the radial but not the concentric. Different types of routes would have differing characteistics eg. commuting routes are more constrained. This would be justification for ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives alternate paths along a route. There are a large number of intra- community, off-road routes which have not been included. I would like to see a much denser network in the Final Plan. 149 15 Corby Loch to There is a need for a 'safe' cycle commuter route (on/off Due to prioritisation of resources, this Denmore road) to the North. There is a variant of 18 that with a route, although regarded as important little work could connect Bridge of Don with Blackdog. will form a longer term aspiration. The link from Bridge of Don to Potterton/Balmedie should be a priority for new build, route 15 should then be a leisure variant of this.

149 70, 6 River Dee, The major rivers warrant a core path on each bank. Noted, although the South side of the River Don river Dee is mainly within Aberdeenshire Council’s area. Additional core paths have been proposed on some sections of the opposite banks of both rivers however.

149 19 Aberdeen As above. Beach - Bridge of Don 150 No comment. 43 Bucksburn to I and my family fully support the proposed cycle path Noted Kingswells from Kingswells to Bucksburn. I regularly commute this route from my home in Westhill to BP in Dyce, as do many others. The more cycle routes we have away from roads the better and it would be a great way to get more kids using their bikes. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 150 Westhill to Even though there is a cycle path between Westhill and Noted Kingswells Kingswells it crosses two road intersections and many entrances onto the dual carriageway- even as an experienced cyclist these crossings can be very dangerous- it would be great in the future to have a Westhill to Kingswells path that was totally separate from the road. 151 No comment. 43 Bucksburn to Can I add my name to a list of supporters for a cycle Noted Kingswells route from Kingswells to Bucksburn. The road between Kingswells and Bucksburn is desperately unsafe for cyclists. For those of us who work in that direction, cycling just isn't an option for us at present. I know many people over Dyce direction who would consider cycling to work if there was a safer route than at present- this would have the advantage of taking a few cars off the roads each day and actually improve the flow of traffic for remaining motorists who are currently delayed by the few cyclists who do risk cycling on that road.

152 No comment 43 Bucksburn to I'd like to express my enthusiastic support for the Noted Kingswells proposed cycle path between Kingswells and Bucksburn. A safe cycling route here could be used by pupils attending Bankhead Academy and by commuters from Westhill and Kingswells working in the Dyce and Kirkhill industrial estates. Looking at the core paths shown I don't think that there is any need for more than one cycle link between the communities and so I don't see a need for path 43 to be created, providing a suitable link is formed by upgrading paths 42b, 42c and 44a. These paths are already in existence but are in a very bad state of repair; however, I think that they could be upgraded to a decent state at a comparatively low cost. ID Comments on Route Route Route Comment Officer Response No. Vision, Aims and Ref. Description Objectives 153 No comment. 43 Bucksburn to I am enthused by the prospect of a Kingswells to Noted Kingswells Bucksburn cycle path. Although I live in Westhill, this is a facility that I would use on a daily basis to commute to Westhill. Current routes involve cycling on busy roads. Having a dedicated cycle path would be tremendous, both in terms of cycling pleasure and personal safety. Having a dedicated cycling route means that cyclists would be taken off commuter roads, thus making the roads better for drivers. I am also aware of a number of people who live in Westhill and Kingswells who do not feel confident enough to commute by bicycle due to the busy roads. 154 The proposals look 67 Cults - I regularly commute by bike along path 67. It can Noted good. Braeside become near impassable after wet weather. Improvements would also benefit school children who could use it to walk from the new housing estate to schools in Cults. 154 70d River Dee Path This is not suitable for cycling at present. Also parts of it Noted are flooded when the river is high. You then have to walk through the golf course land. 154 River Dee area The unverified path looping east from 73 to 70d - I think Noted that this is on the golf course and not open to the public. 155 No comment 44a Newhills Path is a candidate core path and is very well used. Noted Avenue - Should be a priority for improvement. Howes Road 156 No comment. Kingswells A couple of routes in Kingswells have been closed Additional routes in Kingswells have paths recently. These should be re-opened as core paths. Will been proposed. call in to office to tell where the routes are.