Agenda and draft minutes

The committee is asked to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on xxxxxx

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 July 2023 were approved as an accurate record with no matters arising.

Committee members to declare an interest in any particular agenda item where applicable.

No declarations of interest were made.

Application 1: Claimed Public Right of Way: Low Spen Woods, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead

The Committee received a report relating to an application to make a definitive map modification order to add a footpath at Low Spen Woods, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead to the definitive map and statement of public rights of way. The route which is subject to the claim is indicated on the plan at Appendix 2.

The claimed route has five entrances and exits to and from the woodland and field. The claimed route is accessed via Dene View and Barkwood Road. Once in the woodland, the field is accessed by either walking through the stream or by using the footbridge. The user evidence suggests that public rights may exist over the land in question. A site visit and consideration of the claimed footpath has reduced the circular claimed route to a defined route.

Land Registry documents show there are several different Landowners for the claimed route. On 27 April 2023, the Council received notification of an objection from Forestry England in their capacity as one of the Landowners. Forestry England objected to the Applicant’s Notice and the proposal stating the plan was not clear and did not adequately indicate the proposed footpath.

The Council’s proposed defined route of the footpath is from the entrance to the woodland at the existing access alongside 66 Barkwood Road, continuing along the existing path towards the footbridge, over the burn in a northerly direction towards definitive Bridleway Blaydon 120/2. A plan of the proposed defined route is shown with a red line and attached at Appendix 4 to the report.

The Applicant spoke in favour of the application.

The Committee was asked to approve the following:

1.    To investigate and carry out informal consultation regarding the proposed defined route of the footpath as indicated on the plan at Appendix 4.

2.    To report back to Committee with a recommendation as to whether there is sufficient evidence to make a definitive map modification order to add a footpath at Low Spen Woods onto the definitive map and statement of public rights of way.

RESOLVED:

      i.        The Committee agreed that the Council should investigate and carry out an informal consultation regarding the proposed defined route of the footpath as indicated on the plan at Appendix 4.

     ii.        A report will be brought back to the Committee as to whether there is sufficient evidence to make a definitive map modification order to add a footpath at Low Spen Woods onto the definitive map and statement of public rights of way.

Report of the Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance and the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment

A report was given to update the Committee on the progress of Rights of Way cases, plus the principle works carried out on the network between July 2023 and March 2024.

Updates were given to the Committee on the following cases:

·         North View

·         Clarty Lane – Upgrade public footpath LA/33 to bridleway

·         Cushy Cow Lane – Upgrade public footpath RY/27 to bridleway

The Committee received an overview of principal works carried out on the Rights of Way Network and the planned works to be carried out.

An update was requested on the Bowes Incline. Work has been started to look at various drainage proposals, it was noted that staffing changes have impacted the timeline of this. There have been discussions with local residents who would be impacted by changes. The Council is looking to implement deceleration drainage, and will bring updates on this to a future Committee meeting.

RESOLVED:

      i.        The Committee noted the report and updates.