Public Rights of Way Report - Chiltern Evergreen3

7.15 The survey in June 2009 showed a small number of pedestrians used thecrossing (14 in an eight hour period) and no horse riders. Despite thepresence of the equestrian business to the east of the railway, large numbers ofhorse riders using the crossing were not expected as the main connection tothe bridleway network [BR 295/4] is also to the east of the railway.7.16 An overriding concern in developing the alternative route has been to avoidimpacts on the Alchester Scheduled Ancient Monument which has had to bebalanced with the requirement to meet the ‘reasonably convenient’ test. Theproposed highway alignment achieves this.7.17 The proposed diversion does not impact on the connectivity of the publicrights of way network or its enjoyment by users. The proposed diversionprovides a safer route for users as it removes the need to cross the railway atgrade.7.18 The road alignment will require land take from a number of fields though willnot lead to a change in the overall rural character and agricultural use in thearea. The full implications of land take issue are considered in theEnvironmental Statement which accompanies the Transport and Works ActOrder.7.19 The primary purpose of Langford Lane is to provide road access to a numberof properties. Despite a few pedestrian users it does not form part of thepublic rights of way network, with which it has little connectivity. As such adiversion of one kilometre is not considered to be significant for its primaryusers, people in cars. Given the overall low level of pedestrian and equestrianuse, the proposed diversion does provide an acceptable alternative to thecurrent crossing and is, therefore, reasonably convenient under the tests.Elm Tree Farm Number 1 [FP 398/6]7.20 The Elm Tree Farm crossing is to be closed and walkers diverted along a shortsection of new footpath along the western side of the railway before using astepped access on the new Langford Lane highway bridge. The proposeddiversion is only an additional 100 metres in length and is not significant forwhat are predominately recreational users. It is considered to provide areasonably convenient alternative for walkers. The diversion will be alongnew unmade footpath along field boundaries. In this respect there will be nochange in the difficulty of walking, the recreational purpose of the route or theenjoyment of the walker.7.21 The diversion will not impact on the connectivity of the network as a wholeand provides a safer route for users. It removes the need to cross the railwayat-grade.7.22 The diversion will result in the extinguishment of a short length of cross-fieldpath to be replaced by a short section of unmade path along a field margin.The proposed diversion is beneficial to the owners of the agricultural landoccupied by the existing footpath.ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT44CHILTERN RAILWAYS