Public Rights of Way Report - Chiltern Evergreen3

7.37 Although the length of the diversion is significant, being over a kilometre [1.73kilometres], it is considered that given the recreational nature of the route andthe low level of usage, it does provide an acceptable alternative to the currentcrossing and is, therefore, reasonably convenient under the tests.Yew Tree Farm [FP 318/2]7.38 The Yew Tree Farm crossing is to be closed and the footpath diverted via anew footpath along the eastern boundary of the railway. The footpath willcross the railway using the new Oddington highway bridge. This results in adiversion of 710 metres and is reasonably convenient to the public who areprimarily recreational walkers.7.39 Ease of walking will be unaffected as the diversion will be provided as anunmade field path as is the current footpath. The environment for walkerswill change along the section of new footpath running adjacent to the railway.This may impact on walkers’ level of enjoyment for a short while on thissection, but overall the footpath retains its rural character and will stillfunction as a recreational route for walkers.7.40 The proposed diversion will not impact on the connectivity of the network asa whole. The proposed diversion provides a safer route for users as itremoves the need to cross the railway at-grade.7.41 The diversion will result in the extinguishment of a substantial length of crossfield path, to be replaced by a short 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.7.42 In these respects it is considered that the proposed diversion of the Yew TreeFarm footpath [FP 318/2] meets the tests and provides an acceptablealternative to the current crossing.Islip Foot [FP 318/7]7.43 The current Islip Foot crossing is to be closed and the footpath diverted alonga new footpath alongside the eastern boundary of the railway linking to a newfootbridge at Oddington Number 5 [FP 318/5]. This results in an increase of500 metres which is not considered a significant diversion for predominatelyrecreational walkers. The proposed diversion is reasonably convenient to thepublic. Ease of walking will be unchanged as the diversion will be providedas an unmade field path as is the current footpath. The short section of newfootpath alongside the railway should not impact on the overall enjoyment ofwalkers using this still ostensibly rural and recreational route.7.44 The proposed diversion will not impact on the connectivity of the network asa whole. The proposed diversion provides a safer route for users since itremoves the need to cross the railway at-grade.ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT47CHILTERN RAILWAYS