Carlisle District Local Plan.indd - Carlisle City Council

Carlisle District Local Plan 2001 - 2016 Revised Redeposit draftincremental loss of the site. As such, allotments should not be built on unless an assessmenthas been undertaken which clearly shows that they are surplus to requirements.POLICY LC8 Rights of WayCarlisle City Council will seek to retain all existing footpaths, bridleways and otherrights of way and to establish new routes wherever possible. New development will seekto maintain the existing rights of way network and where possible local improvementsand extensions will be sought as part of new developments. Proposals to close or divertexisting rights of way will not be permitted unless an alternative route is available whichis attractive, serves the same area and is not significantly longer than the original route.Policy could be strengthened by including reference for identification of opportunities forhabitat creation along public rights of way (See Policy LE1)8.27 Carlisle District has an extensive system of public footpaths and bridleways. These rights ofway are a valuable resource providing opportunities for local walks and as such provide anessential leisure function. It is important that these rights of way are safeguarded. When newdevelopment abutting footpaths is proposed, suitable landscaping and means of enclosurewill be required by the developer.8.28 Development proposals may sometimes present opportunities to provide new footpaths orimprovement to existing ones to bring them to a standard suitable for use by all. Agreementwill be sought between the Authority and the developer(s) to try and exploit this opportunityshould it arise.8.29 Whilst diversion and closure of footpaths remains the responsibility of the Highway Authority,the City Council is consulted and will normally resist development proposals that wouldprejudice the amenity of footpaths, unless an adequate alternative route for the right of wayis provided.POLICY LC9 Disused Railway LinesWithin the Plan area, the lines of disused railways which have potential for futurerecreation and/or transport use will be safeguarded from development which wouldprejudice those future uses.8.30 Disused railway lines can play an important role in offering recreational opportunities;the disused lines may have the potential to be developed into footpaths, cycleways orbridleways, providing easy access to the countryside. They can also act as wildlife corridorsand support valuable habitats including herb rich grassland. In the rural area both theformer Waverley and Port Carlisle lines may have potential.8.31 In the urban area they may also provide a safer alternative to roads for pedestrians andcyclists. Larger areas of disused railway land, such as goods yards or maintenance depotscan also provide ideal opportunities for development, thus reducing the need for greenfieldsites. These sites are therefore excluded from this policy.8.32 Further work will need to be carried out in partnership with other bodies, to assess anddevelop this potential, and in the meantime it is considered appropriate that the former linesbe safeguarded for recreation and/or transport purposes.September 2006 133