Public Rights of Way Report - Chiltern Evergreen3

Name:Islip FootOS Grid Ref: SP 53876 15626Railway Ref.:Type:Function:Usage:OXD 24m 30chPublic FootpathPublic footpath (recreational)Appears very lightly used.Proposal: Close crossing and provide new footpath link on southeast side of railway to new bridge proposed at site of Oddington No. 5crossing. (Existing footpath network provides suitable link on northwest side of railway).Alternativesconsidered andreasons for dismissal:1. Replace with footbridge at site of crossing – low levels of usage and proximity to proposed bridge to replace Oddington No. 5crossing mean that cost and visual impact of separate structure cannot be justified2. Retain and upgrade crossing - undesirable due to increased safety risk resulting from increased speed and frequency of trains.Key considerations in determining proposal:3. Close full length of footpath without direct replacement – although an alternative route exists via the proposed Oddingtonbridge, the alternative route is via public road. Although the public road is lightly used, the impact on footpath users isconsidered less desirable than the proposed solution.Railway engineeringand operations:Land and property:Planning:Ecology:Retention of crossing undesirable from safety point of view. Access difficulties for bridge construction.Small areas of third party land potentially required for footbridge construction.Potential visual impact of bridge.Badgers known to be in vicinity of crossing. Solution to take account of impact.ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CHILTERN RAILWAYSA12