Public Rights of Way Report - Chiltern Evergreen3

Name: Islip Number 4OS Grid Ref: SP 53209 14988Railway Ref.:Type:Function:Usage:Proposal:Alternativesconsidered andreasons for dismissal:OXD 24m 75chPublic FootpathPublic footpath (recreational) - links Islip to Weston-on-the-GreenAppears lightly used.Close crossing and footpath on both sides of railway. Alternative route available via existing footpath network and proposed bridgeat Oddington No. 5 crossing.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 justified.2. 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 crossing and provide new sections of footpath to link to Oddington No. 5 – new sections of footpath cannot be justifiedgiven proximity of suitable existing alternative routes.Railway engineeringand operations:Land and property:Planning:Ecology:Retention of crossing undesirable.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 RAILWAYSA14