Public Rights of Way Report - Chiltern Evergreen3

7.30 The diversion will result in the replacement of a section of the existingbridleway, the alignment of which is either along segregated unmade track oralongside hedgerows. The new bridleway around Holts Farm will be similarin character to the existing bridleway and the enjoyment of users will be notaffected.7.31 Much of the proposed diversion will be along existing field boundariesthough there will be a section across fields. The impact will be positive on theland served by the existing bridleway. Where the new bridleway is to becreated there is a section where existing use of fields may be affected. Anoverriding concern in respect of developing the alternative route has been toavoid impact on the SSSI which has had to be balanced with the requirementto meet the ‘reasonably convenient’ test. The route of the proposed bridlewayalignment achieves this.7.32 In these respects it is considered that the proposed diversion of the Beebontbridleway [BR 157/4] meets the tests and provides a reasonably convenientalternative to the current crossing.Oddington Foot [FP 318/6]7.33 The Oddington Foot crossing is to be closed. A footpath diversion will becreated along a new footpath to the east of the railway. The footpath willcross the railway using the new Oddington highway bridge. This results in adiversion of 1.73 kilometres. This is the longest of the diversions proposed asa result of the Scheme and is considered to be significant.7.34 The proposed diversion will not impact on the connectivity of the network asa whole. The footpath [FP 318/6] is considered by Oxfordshire CountyCouncil to be an important route linking the settlements of Charlton-on-Otmoor and Weston-on-the-Green. Despite it being seen as an importantroute, survey data for June 2009 showed there to be no users over a three hourperiod on a Sunday, when levels of recreational use should have been at theirhighest.7.35 Ease of walking will be unaffected as the diversion will be provided as anunmade field path as is the current footpath. The proposed diversionprovides a safer route for users since it removes the need to cross the railwayat-grade. The environment for walkers will change along the section of newfootpath running adjacent to the railway. This may impact on walkers’ levelof enjoyment on this section but on the whole the footpath retains its ruralcharacter and function as a recreational route.7.36 The diversion will result in the extinguishment of a substantial length of crossfield paths to be replaced by a long section of unmade path along the railwaycorridor which forms a field boundary. The proposed diversion is beneficialto the land served by the existing footpath and has little impact where the newpath is being created on a field margin.ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT46CHILTERN RAILWAYS