Hillingdon Council Cabinet Member and Officer Decisions
Rights of Way Improvement Plan
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Democratic Services
Location: Phase II
Ext: 0693
DDI: 01895 250693
My Ref: CMD 502
To: COUNCILLOR JONATHAN BIANCO
CABINET MEMBER FOR PROPERTY, HIGHWAYS
& TRANSPORT
c.c. All Members of the Property, Highways &
Transport Select Committee
c.c. Richard Kane, Place Directorate
c.c. Perry Scott, Corporate Director for Place
Date:
31 May 2022
Non-Key Decision request Form D
RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Dear Cabinet Member
Attached is a report requesting that a decision be made by you as an individual Cabinet
Member. Democratic Services confirm that this is not a key decision, as such the Local
Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England)
Regulations 2012 notice period does not apply.
You should take a decision on or after Friday 10 June 2022 in order to meet Constitutional
requirements about publication of decisions that are to be made. You may wish to discuss
the report with the Corporate Director before it is made. Please indicate your decision on the
duplicate memo supplied, and return it to me when you have made your decision. I will then
arrange for the formal notice of decision to be published.
Steve Clarke
Democratic Services Officer
Title of Report: Rights of Way Improvement Plan
Decision made:
Reasons for your decision: (e.g. as stated in report)
Alternatives considered and rejected: (e.g. as stated in report)
Signed ………………………………………………………Date……………………..
Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport
Cabinet Member Report – 31 May 2022 Page 1
Part 1 - Public
RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Cabinet Member(s) Councillor Jonathan Bianco
Cabinet Portfolio(s) Cabinet Member for Property, Highways & Transport
Officer Contact(s) Richard Kane – Place Directorate
Papers with report Appendix A – Rights of Way Improvement Plan
HEADLINES
Summary
To present the Cabinet Member with the Rights of Way
Improvement Plan as required under the Countryside and Rights of
Way Act 2000 for approval and adoption by the Council.
Putting our
Residents First
This report supports the Council objective of Our People.
Financial Cost None at this stage.
Relevant Select
Committee
Property, Highways & Transport Select Committee.
Ward(s) All.
RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways & Transport approves the Rights of Way
Improvement Plan 2021 - 2031 for adoption by the Council as required under Section 60 of
the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
Reasons for recommendation
The London Borough of Hillingdon’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan has been reviewed to meet
the requirements of Section 60 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The Rights of
Way Improvement Plan is expected to be reviewed after a ten -year period following its creation
in 2011.
Alternative options considered / risk management
Not to approve the Rights of Way Improvement Plan and not to comply with the Councils’ statutory
responsibility to review the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.
Cabinet Member Report – 31 May 2022 Page 2
Part 1 - Public
Democratic compliance / previous authority
The Cabinet Member is authorised to approve service specific strategies and action plans as
set out in the Constitution.
Select Committee comments
None at this stage.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 required every local highway authority to prepare
and publish a plan containing the authority’s assessment of the extent to which local rights of way
meet present and likely future needs of the public, the opportunities provided by local rights of
way for exercise and other forms of open-air recreation and the accessibility of local rights of way
visually impaired persons or persons with mobility problems.
It therefore follows that the Rights of Way Improvement Plan provides an opportunity to assess
and progress the service that this Council provides. It is an opportunity to build on statutory
requirements and identify areas to improve the statutory and permissive access networks in the
borough.
The original development of the plan was influenced by statutory government guidance and initial
consultation involving internal stakeholders and external organisations. An online survey was
conducted for the general public. The Rights of Way Improvement Plan fits in with existing
regional and local policies for promoting sustainable, healthy, and accessible travel and
recreation.
From the original consultation a statement of actions was identified. The actions are based on
the findings of an assessment of the Definitive Map and Statement and consultation to provide
an improved network of routes.
The authority complied with the statutory guidance and undert ook all the required consultation.
The Plan was published in a draft form and a notice was placed in two or more local papers. The
responses from the consultation were considered in finalising the Plan and minor adjustments
were made.
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan was incorporated into the highway authority Local Transport
Plans (LTPs) with the aim of ensuring that rights of way are embraced by the LTP process and
recognised in LTPs as a key ingredient in the development of an integrated transport network that
provides a variety of transport modes.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 expected the Rights of Way Improvement Plan to
be reviewed after a ten- year period following its creation in 2011, after reviewing the plan it is
considered that the plan does not require full consultation and re writing as such but updating as
the core values of the plan remain.
Cabinet Member Report – 31 May 2022 Page 3
Part 1 - Public
Financial Implications
The plan is consistent with the existing level of budgetary provision for Public Rights of Way,
which is managed within Directorate of Place.
The existing revenue budget can be supplemented by bids for TfL funding through the LIP
process. In addition, contributions are sought from developers and other bodies that carry out
works on the highway, such as utility companies.
RESIDENT BENEFIT & CONSULTATION
The benefit or impact upon Hillingdon residents, service users and communities?
By providing a clear and definite plan of action to improve the public rights of way within the
borough the plan will provide a safer borough, a clean and attractive borough whilst promoting
health & well -being through fitness and exercise for all residents including all members of the
community, local businesses and community groups including council staff. Through such a
concise plan value for money will be achieved.
Consultation carried out or required
Further consultation is not required as it is considered the core values of the Rights of Way
Improvement Plan remain in place.
CORPORATE CONSIDERATIONS
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance has reviewed the report and concur with the financial implications set out
above, that there are no direct financial implications associated with the recommendations in this
report.
Legal
Legal Services confirm that the Legal implications are included in the body of the report.
BACKGROUND PAPERS
NIL.
TITLE OF ANY APPENDICES
Appendix A - Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan
Rights of Way Improvement Plan for
Hillingdon
2021 – 2031
This document is a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) under Section
60 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. It supersedes the ‘Rights
of Way Improvement Plan for Hillingdon 2011 - 2021’ and all
previous policies contained within that Plan.
Vision Statement
To enhance and promote the borough’s Right s of Way Network for the
purpose of providing exercise and open-air recreation into the borough’s
green spaces and to access to local amenities.
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan aims to:
Provide a Rights of Way ne twork which is correctly signed, free from
obstruction and easy to use.
Develop the network to enable use by all, with regard to least restrictive
access where possible.
Promote the network to increase health and wellbeing, recreational
opportunities and as a means of accessing the natural and built
environment.
Help develop the network of access around the borough.
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Contents
1. Introduction 4
1.1 Hillingdon 4
1.2 Aim of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan 4
1.3 Legislative background 5
2. What are Public Rights of Way 5
2.1 Categories of Rights of Way 5
2.2 Private Rights ‘easements’ 6
2.3 List of Streets 6
2.4 Legally Defined 6
2.5 The Definitive Map and Statement 6
2.6 Amendments to the Definitive Map 7
3. Hillingdon’s Rights of Way Network 8
/ Current Access Provision
3.1 Health Opportunities 8
3.2 Public Rights of Way 9
3.3 Public Bridleways 9
3.4 Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) 10
3.5 Cycle Ways 10
3.6 Wider Network of Access 11
3.7 Public Open Spaces 13
3.8 Accessibility 13
3.9 Canal Towpath 13
3.10 Colne Valley Regional Park 14
4. Network Management 16
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4.1 Existing management of Public Rights of Way 16
4.2 Local Performance Indicator (BVPI) 178 16
4.3 Inspections of Rights of Way 16
4.4 Condition of the Network 17
4.5 Enforcement and Protection 17
4.6 Maintenance 18
5. The Policy Framework & Rights of Way 19
Improvement Plan Links
5.1 Regional and Local Policies 19
5.2 Local Implementation Plan 20
5.3 Integration of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan 20
Into the Local Implementation Plan
6. Review of the ROWIP 2011-2021 22
6.1 Achievements of first ROWIP 22
7. Statement of Actions 25
Action 1 - Regeneration of existing public rights of way 25
Action 2 – Maintenance schedules 26
Action 3 – Least restrictive access 27
Action 4 – Definitive Map and Statement 28
Action 5 – Promotion of network 29
Action 6 – Crime and anti-social behaviour 30
Action 7 – Health Promotion 31
Action 8 – Creation of new routes and links 32
8. Monitoring the ROWIP 33
8.1 Monitoring 33
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8.2 Deliverability 33
List of Figures
Figure 1 Abstract from Hillingdon Definitive Map 7
Figure 2 Public Rights of Way with Walks and 15
Trails in the borough
List of Tables
Table 1 Breakdown of Rights of Way in the borough 9
Table 2 Designated Cycle Tracks remote from carriageways 10
Table 3 Regional and Local Plan links 20
Appendices
Appendix A Policy Framework & Rights of Way 34
Improvement Plan Links
Appendix B Survey / Consultation feedback from first ROWIP 38
Bibliography 43
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Hillingdon
Hillingdon is the second largest of London’s 33 boroughs in area, coveri ng
approximately 115 kil ometres (44.6 miles) . Hillingdon forms a long narrow
strip on the western edge of London approx imately 18 kilometres (11.1 miles)
from north to south and 6 kilometres (3.7 Miles) from west to east. The
London boroughs of Harrow, Ealing and Hounslow lie to the east of Hillingdon
and it is bounded on the north by Hert fordshire, on the west by
Buckinghamshire and Slough and to the south by Surrey.
Hillingdon varies from open country and housing development in the north to a
more heavily developed, urban s tructure in the centre and south. Whilst the
south of the borough is relatively flat, the north becomes increasin gly hilly as
the land rises toward the Chil terns. The River Colne and the Grand Union
Canal run down the western perim eter of the borough and t he river Pinn and
Yeading Valley also thread their way through t he eastern side of the borough
and are all important areas for leisure and nature pursuits.
Hillingdon has over 5,000 acres of open countryside including lakes, fields,
rivers, and woods. A large green belt in the borough is largely protected from
urban development. The majority of Hillingdon’s woodland lies within Ruislip
Woods National Nature Reserve. There are over 200 parks and open spaces
in the borough including parks, allotments, commons, recreation grounds,
playing fields, children’s play areas, and civic spaces.
1.2 Aim of the ROWIP
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) is the means by which local
highway authorities identify the changes to be made, in respect of
management and improvements to the local public rights of way network, in
order to attain better provision for all users, including walkers, cyclists and
horse riders.
1.3 Legislative Background
Hillingdon Council produced its first Rights of Way Improvement
Plan (ROWIP) to meet the requirements of Section 60 of the Countryside
and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) which requires each local highway
authority in England and Wales (excluding inner London Boroughs) to publish
a Rights of Way Improvement Plan. There is a statutory duty to review the
plan every ten years.
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan was set within the context of other
relevant plans and strategies at national and local levels.
The statutory guidance required that a Rights of Way Improvement Plan
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assessed:
• The extent to which the local Rights of Way meet the present and
likely future needs of the public.
• The opportunities provided by local Rights of Way for exercise and
other forms of outdoor recreation and enjoyment of the authority’s
area.
• The accessibility of local Rights of Way to blind and partially sighted
people and others with mobility problems.
2. What are Public Rights of Way
2.1 Categories of Rights of Way
England contains a unique histori c network of paths, approximately 118,000
miles, which are legally protected highway. The original purpose of Rights of
Way, as with roads today, was to provide links to settlements for a ccess and
commerce, th ough many Rights of Way are now utilised for recreational
amenity.
Public Rights of Way are routes that allow the public a right of pas sage over
land, whic h can be privately, or Council own ed. Common Law states that
users can pass an d re -pass along highways at all times. Footpaths,
bridleways, and byways are all highways, differing from roads only in the type
of traffic entitled to use them and s urface types. Most Public Rights of Way
are publicly maintainable. Once a Public Right o f Way has been established it
will remain maintainable at public expense until there is a legal order to either
close, divert or extinguish it as a Public Right of Way.
Public Footpath On which there is a right of way on foot only
Public Bridleway On which there is a right of way on foot, on
horseback and leading a horse, with an additional
right for cyclists provided that they give way
to other users; in some cases, also with a right to
lead or drive animals.
Roads Used as Highways mainly used by the public for the
Public Paths purposes that footpaths or bridleways are used,
(RUPPS) but which may or may not carry vehicular rights.
In some parts of the country RUPPs were
reclassified individually as byway, bridleway or
footpath and those remaining in 2006 became
restricted byways.
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Restricted Byways A category created by CROW Act 2000 with
rights for all traffic except mechanically
propelled vehicles.
Byways Open to Highways that are mainly used for the purposes
All Traffic that footpaths and bridleways are used, but on
(BOATS) which there is a right of way for all traffic.
Cycle Ways A way over which there is a right of way on pedal cycles
(cycle ways are not a type of right of way that has to be
shown on a definitive map). These are established by an
Order under the Cycle Tracks Act 1984 and are separate
to those cycle routes provided at the side or within the
road.
2.2 Private Rights ‘easements’
Private rights are termed easements. For example, one landowner might have
a private right of access over a neighbour’s land and usually be mentioned in
the deeds of both properties. Such private rights do not apply to the public at
large, but only to those for whose benefit they have been granted. Some ways
can carry both public and private rights. For example, a farm access road may
also be a public bridleway, and a public footpath may also carry private
vehicular rights. Private rights must not be exercised in such a way as to
interfere with the rights of the public.
2.3 List of Streets
The list of streets is a statutory requirement the Council is required to keep
under the Highways Act 1980. This is held by the Highways Department. It
Record’s all highways that are publicly maintainable including Public
Rights of Way recorded on the definitive map and adopted paths which are
not on the Definitive Map and Statement.
2.4 Legally Defined
Public Rights of Way excluding Cycle Tracks are required by law, under the
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to be recorded on the Definitive Map and
Statement.
2.5 The Definitive Map and Statement
The first Definitive Map came into existence as a result of the National Parks
and Countryside Act 1949, which required all county councils in England and
Wales to carry out a survey of their area and produce a map showing
footpaths, bridleways and byways which were Public Rights of Way.
Definitive Maps and Statements are extremely important records of Public
Rights of Way, they provide conclusive evidence, at the relevant date of
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the map, of the existence and status of the Public Rights of Way which are
shown on them. The Definitive Map and Statement for Hillingdon records all
Public Rights of Way within the borough, it is a living document as it is subject
to on-going changes as routes are added, changed, or deleted.
Figure1 Example of an abstract from Hillingdon’s Definitive Map showing
footpath U9, Hill End Road to Summerhouse Lane, Harefield.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 also requires the Highway Authority to
keep the Definitive Map and Statement under continuous review and ensure
that the Rights of Way are adequately signposted, maintained, and free from
obstruction.
2.6 Amendments to the Definitive Map
Changes can be made to the map most commonly by Modification Orders and
Public Path Orders.
Modification Orders may be made:
• To add a Right of Way where it is shown to exist but not recorded on
the Map.
• To alter the status of a Right of Way.
• To delete a Right of Way where it is shown to be included on the Map
in error.
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• To record a width in the Definitive Statement.
The process is based on user / archive evidence. Before making an order, the
authority must have evidence which shows the right of way has come into
being through presumed dedication following use over a period of time.
If Modification Orders are made, they can be challenged and could lead to a
public enquiry.
Public Path Orders may be made:
• To create a Public Right of Way.
• To divert an existing Public Right of Way onto a new route.
• To extinguish an existing Public Right of Way.
Public Pat h Orders enable applicants to apply to make a permanent legal
change to a Public Rights of Way across their land. This is a public process
where anyone may object to the making of an order. The authorit ies will
process Public Path O rders in response to applications, or as authority
generated schemes.
If a new path is to be c reated the test is t hat it must appear to the authority
that there is a need for it and the auth ority must be satisfied it is expedient to
create it having regard to the extent to whi ch it would add to the convenience
or enjoyment of a substantial section of the public or of local residents and the
effect the creation would have on the rights of thos e with an interest in the
land.
The tests for extinguishing a public path include that it is ‘not needed for public
use’.
Statutory duties also include the requirement to keep a register of applications
made for modification orders, which must be available for viewing on the
internet.
3. Hillingdon’s Rights of Way Network / Current Access Provision
3.1 Health Opportunities
The Rights of Way net work plays an essential role in health an d well-being.
It provides an opportunity to carry out daily exercise and organised activities.
The promotion of recreational walking has increased and has been supported
with the development of a range of walks both in the open countryside
and parks. These walks are supplemented by a series of led walks
undertaken by walk leaders and can be found on the Council’s website.
Together these form an important resource to encourage walking in the
borough and make walking accessible to individuals who may not have had
9
the confidence or experience to enjoy many of the more rural routes available
in the borough. In addition to these walks, a range of cycle promotion activity
has been developed and is supplemented by led rides, training with advice
provided by Hillingdon cycle instructors.
3.2 Public Rights of Way
The Public Rights of Way network in the borough as recorded on the
Definitive Map and Statement is approximately 128 km (79 miles) long and
contains 377 footpaths, 11 Bridleways and 10 BOATS (byway open to all
traffic). Hillingdon produced its Definitive Map and Statement in December
1964 as an amalgamation of the three Urban Districts of Hayes and
Harlington, Ruislip, and Northwood, Yiewsley and West Drayton and former
borough of Uxbridge. Although consolidated into one Definitive Map and
Statement for Hillingdon the boroughs Rights of Way are split into four areas
comprising Ruislip / Northwood, Hayes / Harlington, Uxbridge, and Yiewsley /
West Drayton. Each route is identified by a letter and number, for instance H8
in Hayes.
Hillingdon’s Rights of Way network encompasses both urban and rural routes.
Urban paths are in the main used for convenient short cuts to schools, shops,
public transport, and other local amenities and are in the whole metalled
surfaces. Other public footpaths follow and cross through farmland, parks and
open spaces, woodland, nature reserves, golf courses, riverbanks and canal
towpaths and have differing surfaces. Rights of Way form a significant part of
the local access infrastructure in the sense, that they are a major recreational
resource and offer access into the borough’s countryside and surrounding
areas.
Table 1 B reakdown of Rights of Way in the borough
Status Footpath Bridleway BOAT Total
Number
Total length
km
Ruislip /
Northwood
186 7 3 196 49.28
(30.62 m)
Hayes /
Harlington
71 0 4 75 14.61
(9.07 m)
Uxbridge 97 2 0 99 51.98
(32.29 m)
Yiewsley 23 2 3 28 12.36
(7.68 m)
3.3 Public Bridleways
Hillingdon has eleven bridleways of which eight are situated in Ruislip Woods
National Nature Reserve. These routes connect with permissive bridleways to
provide an extensive route thr ough the differing woods w hich make up the
National Nature Reserve . Bridleways were originally designated as a ri ght of
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way for people on horse or foot, but the Countrysi de A ct 1 968 i ntroduced
legislation to allow cyclists to use bridleways with the intent ion that cyclists
give way to horse riders and walkers.
3.4 B yway Open to All Traffic (BOAT)
The term Byway Open t o All Traffic means a highway ove r which the public
have a right of way for vehicular and all other kinds of traffic, but which is used
by the public mainly for the purposes of which bridleways and footpaths ar e
used. Hillingdon has ten BOATS.
3.5 Cycle Ways
Cycle ways have a two-fold remit; “on highway” and “off highway”. Cycle ways
that are classified as falling in the “on highway” category can form part of the
carriageway or footway . They a re usu ally designated as shared us e fo r
pedestrians and cyclists when on the footway. On the carriageway cycle
facilities are commonly either advisory or mandatory cycle lanes.
Cycle ways that are classified as falling in t he “off highway” category can b e
specifically designated for cyclists or sh ared use faci lities w ith pedestrians .
This type of cycle tra ck is created by m eans of a Cycle Track Order. Cyc le
ways created utilising a Cycle Track Order have specific legal status but are
not shown on the Defi nitive Map and Statement. Hillingdon has a total 4.78
km (2.97 miles) of Cycle Tracks remote from carriageways.
Table 2 Designated Cycle Tracks remote from carriageways
Start Finish Ward Length km
Station Road Peachey Lane Colham &
Cowley
0.43
(0.27m)
Park Road A40 – Western Avenue Uxbridge 0.42
(0.26m)
A40 – Western
Avenue
Warren Road Ickenham &
South
Harefield
0.84
(0.52m)
Warren Road Milton Road Ickenham &
South
Harefield
0.53
(0.33m)
Shakespeare Avenue Shakespeare Avenue Belmore 0.14
(0.08m)
Hill Lane Hill Lane Ruislip 0.29
(0.18m)
Elmbridge Drive Fore Street Eastcote 0.15
(0.09m)
Bedwell Gardens Shepiston Lane Pinkwell 0.36
(0.22m)
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Hobart Road Glencoe Road Yeading 0.28
(0.17)
Pendula Drive Friar Road Yeading 0.19
(0.12)
Carlyon Road Parkway East Belmore 0.12
(0.08)
Carlyon Road Dorchester Waye Belmore 0.38
(0.24)
Springfield Road Abbotswood Way Wood End 0.48
(0.3)
Dawley Road Keith Road Hayes Town 0.17
(0.10)
3.6 Wider Network of Access - Permissive and Promoted Routes
Permissive paths are paths which the landowner permits the public to use,
with the intention that it should not be dedicated a Public Right of Way.
Because a permissive path is not a Public Right of Way, it is not subject to
Rights of Way law. Hillingdon’s permissive routes are usually located on local
authority owned land.
Hillingdon has a good network of permissive promoted routes of varying
lengths for walking, horse riding and cycling which complement the network of
definitive routes to make up the wider access network. Permissive paths,
particularly in Green Spaces, form an important and well used part of the
network. These routes are utilised for regional and local recreational use.
Permissive Bridleways in Hillingdon
Hillingdon has approximately 37km (22 miles) of permissive Bridleways; they
form an essential recreational resource for horse riders, cyclists, and walkers.
They are located around the borough through woodland, farmland, and
parkland, and also form links with South Buckinghamshire and surrounding
authorities.
Hillingdon Trail
This is a 32.1km (20 miles) walk through Hillingdon’s countryside from
Cranford to Harefield. The walk passes through Nature reserves, parks,
meadows, parks and open spaces, Grand Union Canal, Yeading Brook and
the River Pinn.
Celandine Route
A walk of 19.3km (12 miles) along the River Pinn from Pinner to the Grand Union
Canal at Cowley. The path follows the River Pinn and passes through meadows,
woodland, and green spaces. The Celandine Route links Hillingdon to Harrow.
Willow Tree Wander
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This is an 8km (5 miles) walk along a stretch of the Yeading Brook from North
Harrow station to Ickenham Station. The path passes through meadows and
open spaces. Willow Tree Wander links Hillingdon to Harrow.
Ruislip Woods Walks
Ruislip Woods walks consists of 3 different routes, the Blue route, Red route
and White route. The routes take in Ancient woodland environments in Mad
Bess Wood and Park Wood and also the Ruislip Lido. The routes are around
1.6 km (1 mile) each in distance.
London Loop (London Outer Orbital Path)
The London Loop encircles Greater London. The total length reaches 150
miles and consists of 24 sections through London’s boroughs. Hillingdon has
3 sections which run through parkland, canal side and river side for
approximately 18.5 km (11 ½ miles).
Colne Valley Trail
The Colne Valley Trail is a shared use route designed for walkers, cyclists and
horse riders and is part of the Colne Valley Regional Park. The majority of the
trail in the borough passes along the Grand Union Canal and runs an
approximate length of 16 km (10 miles). Horses are only permitted on certain
parts of the trail.
Dog Rose Ramble
This route starts and finishes in Ealing, approximately 4.8 km (3 miles)
wanders through farmland and meadows alongside the Yeading Brook in
Hillingdon.
Walks in the Colne Valley Regional Park
Large selection of walks within the park, including short walks, long walks and
guided walks. Further information can be found at the Colne Valley Park
website, www.colnevalleypark.org.uk.
David Brough Cycle Trail
The trail is located in Bayhurst Wood and offers views of a wide range of
wildlife; a full circuit of the trail is just over1.6km (1 mile) long.
Harefield Church to Springwell Lock
This is a 8 km (5 miles) walk through fields and woodlands, alongside the
Grand Union Canal and offers local historical landmarks.
Little Britain walk
3-4-mile route, which takes you along the Grand Union Canal and around
Little Britain lake.
Manor Farm Walk
A 3-mile walk along the River Pinn through the beautiful grounds of Eastcote
House Grounds and Manor farm.
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Uxbridge Walks
4 walks which explore Uxbridge and take in parks, open spaces, and the
Grand Union Canal.
West Drayton Walk
This 3.7-mile route takes you through many beautiful open and green spaces,
including the The Closes, Harmondsworth, Moor and Saxon Lake.
Walk the Planets
This interesting walk around Ruislip Lido takes you on a journey of our solar
system, starting with the sun and encountering each planet in order.
Details of these routes can be obtained by visiting the Council website at
www.hillingdon.gov.uk
.
3.7 Public Open Spaces
Across the borough, there are a range of town parks, open spaces, commons,
country parks, a National Nature Reserve at Ruislip Woods (NNR), and over
40 Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), all of which are open
to the public. Hillingdon has approximately 200 sites which form an important
part of the network of routes.
Some of Hillingdon’s green spaces are among the best in London with 60
sites holding Green Flag status (a national standard for parks and green
spaces across England).
3.8 Accessibility
Statutory guidance requires assessment of the accessibility of the local Rights
of Way for the blind or partially sighted and others with mobility problems this
includes those who use pushchairs.
Urban footpaths in the borough have in the past had tube barriers placed to
prevent illegal use by motorcycles; the same barriers can also prevent access
for disabled users. Where possible these barriers are being replaced with
compliant barriers to allow equal access for all.
Relatively few rural footpaths and trails are truly suitable for use by people
with mobility problems, sections rather than whole routes are user friendly.
The nature of the rural terrain and steps, stiles, bridges, and gates will always
be a barrier to some users, added to this is the inconvenience of footpaths
ending or starting on busy roads in the borough.
The aim of any Local Authority should be to carefully consider the options
available and to provide the least restrictive option for the circumstances at
the specific location.
The majority of local green spaces, parks and country parks offer wheelchair
access.
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3.9 Grand Union Canal Towpath
Hillingdon contains approximately 13 miles of the Grand Union Canal with
large sections recorded on its Definitive Map and Statement, but canal
towpaths are legally part of the canal. Towpaths are generally owned by the
Canal and Rivers Trust who are normally responsible for their upkeep and
enforcement of their bylaws. The Council is committed to working with the
Canals and Rivers Trust to continue to improve and promote use of the canal
routes, varying sections have been upgraded with the long-term aim of
upgrading the whole length as part of the ongoing Greenways and Quiteways
project.
3.10 Colne Valley Regional Park
The Colne Valley Regional Park is a large area to the west of London and
contains approximately 270km of Rights of Way, offering local resident’s
further opportunities to explore their local countryside. Hillingdon Council is
committed to working with the Colne Valley partnership to ensure residents
can benefit from a co-ordinated network of Rights of Way that are joined up
across administrative boundaries.
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Figure 2 Public Rights of Way with Walks and Trails in the borough
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4. Network Management
4.1 Existing management of Public Rights of Way
Management of the statutory public rights of way network and permissive
networks is carried out by the Highways and Green Spaces teams within
Residents Services. Statutory Rights of Way duties are co-ordinated by the
Rights of Way Manager in the Network Operations Team and permissive
networks by the Green Spaces Team. The Rights of Way Manager and the
Green Spaces Team work together to achieve an enjoyable recreational
experience for users of statutory and permissive routes.
4.2 Local Performance Indicator (formally BVPI 178)
Best Value Performance Indicators were previously used to measure
performance against national key performance indicators set by the Audit
Commission. Ex Best Value Performance Indicator 178 relates to a minimum
5% sample of the public rights of way network. The government has now
removed BV178 from national performance indicators, but Hillingdon Council
continues to use ex BV 178 as performance indicator to monitor Public Rights
of Way.
The methodology developed requires the assessment of a randomly selected
sample of routes from the Definitive Map to determine the percentage that are
easy to use.
‘Easy to use’ means:
• Signposted or waym arked w here they lea ve the road in accor dance
with the authority’s duty under s.27 of the Countryside Act 1968.
• Free from unlawful obstr uctions and other interf erence, (incl uding
overhanging vegetation and fences) to the public’s right of passage.
• Surface and lawful barriers (e.g., stiles, gates) in g ood repair and to a
standard necessary to enable the public to use the way without undue
inconvenience.
4.3 Inspections of Rights of Way
Public footpath inspections are carried out at least once a year to assess the
condition of the paths and to help plan maintenance schedules and identify
defects. These are accompanied by a reactive inspection service where users
who encounter problems contact the Council via the contact centre and the
issue addressed.
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4.4 Condition of the Network
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) highlighted the
growing importance of Rights of Way both in legislation and as a national
high-profile subject.
Surveying authorities will often find problems within their Definitive Map and
Statement which have developed over time for example through development,
lost routes, lack of management and routes incorrectly recorded.
An assessment has been undertaken of survey data relating to the condition
of the network and the nature of problems reported etc.
Issues identified through this process were:
• It is estimated that 100% of the network is now signposted and waymarked
following a recent programme of signage replacement due to wear and tear
and vandalism. There will always be a need for an ongoing signage
replacement due to the issues identified.
• Surface condition, and particularly undergrowth, continues to be an issue on
some routes. It is the council's responsibility to cut back and keep down
vegetation growing from the surface of rights of way. Following the previous
ROWIP a maintenance schedule was developed to tackle undergrowth on
public rights of way, and this resulted in clearance work being undertaken on
around 160 footpaths. This programme is expanding annually; however, it is
recognised that the current programme of 2 cuts a year is not enough to keep
certain paths clear throughout the year as weather conditions play a part as
well as contractor difficulties.
4.5 Enforcement and Protection
The Council has a legal duty under the Highways Act 1980 to assert and
protect the rights of the public to use and enjoy Public Rights of Way. There
are various provisions contained mainly within the Highways Act 1980 which
deal with obstructions and disturbance to the highway.
Enforcement follows a process of written letters which highlight the problems
and actions required, if no response is forthcoming, legal notices can be
served on offenders and this could ultimately lead to prosecution.
The Council will always strive to solve problems through negotiation; this can
help to promote good practice and relations between Council Officers and
landowners who have property next to footpaths or footpaths running through
their land.
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4.6 Maintenance
Maintenance standards for the network are based on the ex Best Value
Performance Indicator (BVPI) 178.
Signposting and Waymarking
Highway authorities have a duty to signpost all statutory Footpaths,
Bridleways and Byways Open to All Traffic where they leave a metalled road
and the status of the route must be given on the sign. Waymarkers are added
to the route to assist the user where deemed necessary.
Permissive routes are signed and waymarked in a similar fashion as statutory
footpaths.
Statutory signage for footpath R168
Surfaces
The Council has a responsibility for the maintenance of Public Rights of Way
which includes the surface and surface vegetation that causes an obstruction.
Surface type varies with tarmac and artificial stone path (ASP) the most
prominent surface type in urban areas. Rural paths and bridleways are
predominantly natural surfaces to fit into the rural surroundings but can be
surfaced with scalping’s or hogging materials.
Landowners can also surface PROW, but the surface must be safe and
suitable, and they must obtain permission from the Council before carrying out
any works.
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Vegetation Management
Where vegetation or trees overhang or encroach onto the highway the
responsibility lies with the owner or occupier of the land to ensure that it does
not cause a danger or obstruction to users of the highway.
The Council is responsible for cutting surface vegetation other than crops on
PROW with environmentally sensitive chemical control being applied to the
surfaces in urban areas to suppress weeds and unwanted vegetation.
Management of vegetation on statutory and permissive footpaths is
undertaken by contractors and volunteers.
Gates, Stiles and Structures
A highway authority may allow the erection of stiles or gates by the owner of
the land to prevent animals from escaping from their land, the British
Standard, BS5709 offers guidance to local authorities and landowners; it
covers the provision of gates and stiles and recommends specifications for
structures.
Public Rights of Way can suffer from illegal use by motorbikes. To address
health and safety issues the Council can install anti-motorcycle barriers to
eradicate this problem, but this does not allow for the needs of disabled users
under the Equalities Act 2010. The design and placement of barriers or
Kissing gates allows for access by disabled mobility scooters, but this can be
difficult and not always possible depending on the width of the footpath,
therefore assessments are made on the individual footpath.
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Barriers placed at footpath R174, Cranley Drive, Ruislip
5. The Policy Framework – Rights of Way Improvement Plan Links
5.1 Regional and Local Policies
Regional and local policies support the promotion of health, accessibility,
safety, and sustainable forms of transport other than the car. The Rights of
Way Improvement Plan is complementary to these policies and can further
help to achieve shared aims and objectives set in the regional and local plans
below, Identifying and linking these plans will help with funding bids and
possible joint working with potential partners. A summary of these plans and
strategies can be seen in Table 3 below, the ROWIP will co-exist and
contribute to these plans.
Table 3 Regional and Local Plan links
Regional Plans
London Plan (2021)
Mayors Transport Strategy (2018)
Local Plans
London Borough of Hillingdon Local Implementation Plan 3
Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2 Development Management Policies (2020)
Hillingdon Green Spaces Strategy
Colne Valley Regional Park Action Plan
Appendix A: The Policy Framework – Rights of Way Improvement Plan Links
gives a more in-depth look into the regional and local plans.
5.2 Local Implementation Plan
Hillingdon’s Local Imp lementation Plan 3 (LIP3) sets out how the Council
proposes to implement the M ayor's T ransport Str ategy (MTS) and provides
details on p rojects, proposals, and programmes . In the LI P3 Hil lingdon has
presented a range of transport policies, initiatives and projects and reflects the
Council’s commitment to improving transport in the borough and ensuring that
Hillingdon remains an attractive place in which to live, work and visit. The LIP3
has been prepared in accordance with the Guidance issued by Transport for
London. The approved LIP is a statutory d ocument, legally binding on the
Council and the Mayor of London.
5.3 Integration of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan into the Local
Implementation Plan
The Government expects that each ROWIP is incorporated into local transport
planning and in the case of London Boroughs, Local Implementation Plans.
21
This can be achieved by incorporating the aims of the ROWIP to contribute to
the shared aims and objectives of the LIP. The ROWIP can contribute to the
following objectives of the LIP:
• Increasing sustainable travel
• Improving air quality
• Encourage active travel, especially to schools
• Provide safer roads especially for walkers and cyclists
• Reduce crime and anti-social behaviour
• Delivering ‘Healthy Streets’
6. Review of the ROWIP 2011-2021
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan published in 2011 was based upon an
assessment of the current and future needs of the public. This was gathered
primarily by a public consultation, questionnaire, and user groups. A summary
of the assessment can be seen in Appendix B.
The first rights of way improvement plan for Hillingdon, established a
framework for rights of way and countryside access work over the ten years
from 2011 to 2021.
The aim of the second rights of way improvement plan is to provide a review
of the Councils first ROWIP and set objectives for the future maintenance and
improvements to the network. The ROWIP builds on the data gathered in the
original ROWIP as this is still considered relevant to consolidate aspirations
and provide a set of realistic and achievable objectives for the future, taking
into account a combination of resident’s needs, Council aspirations, statutory
obligations, and financial/resources.
As part of the process of preparing the first rights of way improvement plan a
statement of action was prepared. The statement of action brought together
the information and issues collected in the assessment and consultation
stages of the plan. The issues were grouped into eight themes.
• Regeneration of existing public rights of way
• Maintenance schedules
• Least restrictive access
• Definitive Map and Statement
• Promotion of network
• Crime and anti-social behaviour
• Health promotion
• Creation of new routes and links
A statement of actions has been continued taking into consideration the initial
actions and what has been achieved and what needs to be improved on to
continue to improve the path network and provide greater opportunities for the
users of those paths.
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6.1 Achievements of first ROWIP
Key themes identified in the first plan including regeneration of existing public
rights of way, introducing maintenance schedules, definitive map and
statement update and promotion of the network have mainly been achieved or
identified and continue to be carried out as required. The creation of new
routes and links or improvement to those links has proved less successful in
that identified areas have not yet come to fruition.
Achievements include:
• Surveys of all public rights of way once a year, reactive surveys to
enquires and reports.
• Encouraging use of the current network by surface upgrades linking to
schools, amenities, and countryside walks.
• Sign posting all registered public rights of way and permissive routes.
• Introducing a vegetation control maintenance schedule to cover the
main growing season, therefore taking a proactive approach to
management.
• Producing public rights of way website pages, which include an
interactive map and downloadable maps of all routes in the borough.
• Access for all, upgrading surfaces and removing and replacing barriers
where possible to provide easy access.
• New routes added to the definitive map and statement.
• Grand Union Canal Quietway improvements, with the aim of improving
all sections within Hillingdon to Quietway standard.
• Promotion of walking supported by the development of a range of
walks both in the open countryside and parks. Walks are supplemented
by a series of led walks undertaken by walk leaders.
During the ROWIP 2011-2021 several rights of way improvements were
carried out, including Public footpath Y29 which runs between Falling Lane
and Fairfield Road, West Drayton.
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The route was in a poor state of repair and had been suffering from antisocial
behaviour. Funding was gained through the Local Implementation Plan to
enhance user experience by landscaping, resurfacing, and updating lighting
columns along the route.
Clack Lane is an ancient lane leading to the river Pinn, the lane was severely
eroded in sections and had become difficult to use. The lane was improved by
raising the height and laying a Coxwell gravel surface to fit in with the
adjoining surroundings.
Public footpath U65 adjoining the river Colne, Uxbridge. The footpath was
affected by anti-social behaviour and in particular illegal motor bike use which
had in one area led to the line of the footpath being indistinguishable. The
route was re landscaped in sections and laid with a durable aggregate surface
to enjoy this riverside walk.
24
A number of routes have been added to the Definitive Map and Statement
including recording footpath rights over Ickenham Marsh. These routes were
highlighted by residents who were concerned that they could be lost without
been formerly recorded.
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7. Statement of Actions
The action plan provides the focus for the what the Rights of Way
Improvement Plan 2021-2031 wants to achieve. The Statement of Action is
compiled based on a revision of the 2011 actions with alterations made to
adjust to what has been achieved, what needs to continue along with areas
that need more improvement.
Action 1 - Regeneration of existing Public Rights of Way
Action 1 is to prioritise existing problem routes by carrying out physical
improvement works, removing blockages, hazards, updating furniture and
removing trip hazards.
Action /
objective
Timescale Resources Partnerships Linked Plan
Action 1. Regeneration of existing public rights of way
1.1
Reconstruction /
physical
improvement
works to
identified routes.
Ongoing Existing revenue
budget, Local
Implementation
Plan funding,
Chrysalis
Programme,
Section 106
agreement,
Groundwork
Partnership /
funding
opportunities
Highways,
Green Spaces,
Council
departments &
landowners
Hillingdon Local
Implementation
Plan, Equalities
Act 2010,
Green Spaces
Strategy
1.2 Furniture –
replacing gates
and stiles as
identified.
Ongoing Existing revenue
budget,
External
opportunities
Highways,
Green Spaces &
landowners
Equalities Act
2010
26
1.3 Ensure
statutory &
permissive
routes continue
to be corr
View Decision / Minutes Text
Executive Decision Notice – 28 June 2022 Page 1 This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk OFFICIAL EXECUTIVE DECISION NOTICE PUBLISHED BY DEMOCRATIC SERVICES Notice is hereby given that the following decision(s) have been made today by Cabinet Members at the London Borough of Hillingdon: Title of decision RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN Reference No. 502 Date of decision Tueday 28 June 2022 Call-in expiry date 5pm, Tuesday 05 July 2022 Relevant Select Committee Property, Highways & Transport Select Committee Relevant Ward All Decision made Cabinet Members making the decision Councillor Jonathan Bianco – Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport Approved That the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways & Transport approves the Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2021 - 2031 for adoption by the Council as required under Section 60 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Reason for decision The London Borough of Hillingdon’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan has been reviewed to meet the requirements of Section 60 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The R ights of Way Improvement Plan is expected to be reviewed aft er a ten- year period following its creation in 2011. Alternative options considered and rejected Not to approve the Rights of Way Improvement Plan and not to comply with the Councils’ statutory responsibility to review the Rights of Way Improvement Plan. Classification Part 1 - Public Link to associated report Report Relevant Officer contact & Directorate Richard Kane – Place Directorate Any interest declared by the Cabinet Member(s) / dispensation granted N/A Executive Decision Notice – 28 June 2022 Page 2 This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk Implementation of decision & scrutiny call-in [Internal Use only] When can this decision be implemented by officers? Officers can implement Cabinet Member decision in this notice only from the expiry of the scrutiny call-in period which is: 5pm, Tuesday 05 July 2022 However, this is subject to the decision not being called in by Councillors on the relevant Select Committee. Upon receipt of a valid call-in request, Democratic Services will immediately advise the relevant officer(s) and the decision must then be put on hold. Councillor scrutiny call- in of this decision Councillors on the relevant Select Committee shown in this notice may request to call-in this decision. The request must be before the expiry of the scrutiny call-in period above. Councillors should use the Scrutiny Call-in App (link below) on their devices to initiate any call-in request. Further advice can be sought from Democratic Services if required: Scrutiny Call-In - Power Apps (secure) Further information These decisions, where applicable, have been taken under The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012. This is the formal notice by the Council of the above executive decision, including links to the reports where applicable. If you would like more information on this decision, please contact Democratic Services on 01895 250636 or email: democratic@hillingdon.gov.uk. Circulation of this decision notice is to a variety of people including Members of the Council, Corporate Directors, Officers, Group Secretariats and the Public. Copies are also placed on the Council’s website. Democratic Services London Borough of Hillingdon Civic Centre High Street Uxbridge UB8 1UW