To consider the Temporary Diversion Order.

Anthony Hurst, Parks and Countryside Manager, explained that the report was seeking to gain the approval for a Temporary Diversion Order (TDO) for part of Footpath 53 in Bray. The reason for the diversion was to facilitate planning permission which had been gained on the land to be implemented. The planning permission involved extraction of sand and gravel and site restoration for a period of no longer than 10 years. Therefore, it had been proposed that this section of footpath 53 be diverted to an alternative route for the duration of the works, before reopening along its original route once the work had been completed. The two new routes which formed part of the diversion would remain permanently open as rights of way, which was part of the site restoration. Before bringing this report to the Panel, Anthony Hurst had consulted with Bray Parish Council, the Local Access Forum and the East Berks Ramblers, with no objections being received. If the Panel approved the TDO, there would be a second round of consultations. Any objections would then be brought back to the Panel for consideration before any final approval.

Anthony Hurst shared a presentation with the Panel, showing the map where the current footpath was and the proposed route of the diversion, along with some photos from the site.

Councillor Haseler asked if disability interests had been taken into account and assumed that there would be no issues with accessibility on the diverted route, as the proposal had gone through the Local Access Forum. He asked what would happen to the planning permission if the Panel decided not to agree with the recommendation in the report.

Anthony Hurst said that the TDO had been considered by the Local Access Forum and they had not identified any issues. There were no gates or stiles on the proposed diversion. If the TDO was not approved by the Panel, then this could potentially delay implementation of the planning permission on the site.

Councillor Rayner asked if adequate signage would be put in place on the diverted footpath and what the surface of the diverted footpath would be.

Anthony Hurst confirmed that the extraction site would be fenced off for a maximum 10 year period and the diversion would be adequately signed. The new sections of diverted footpath would have a gravel surface around two metres wide and would be suitable for all users.

Councillor Baskerville asked if the diverted footpath would be removed once the extraction work had been completed to avoid confusion to users.

Anthony Hurst explained that once the original footpath was restored the diverted footpath would also remain to become a permanent right of way.

Councillor Brar asked if another order or approval from the Panel would be needed when the original path was opened up again.

Anthony Hurst said that once the works had been completed the original footpath would be opened up while retaining the path from the diverted route. This would create a circular route around the field.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Rights of Way and Highways Licensing Panel approved the making of a Temporary Footpath Diversion Order for Footpath 53 Bray, under S257 and S261 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and that the Order be confirmed as an unopposed Order if no objections were received in response to statutory consultations. If objections were received, the matter will be brought back to the Panel for further consideration.