The Rights of Way Improvement Plan for RCT - Rhondda Cynon Taf

Objective 3: Protect the access resource, including Public Rights of Way, highways, accessland and Council facilities.Strategic Service ActionsInput to LocalDevelopmentPlan policiesPolicies should ensure that development does not compromise the current accessprovision, improved and integrated access provision for new development is providedincluding signage, furniture and access for all. Input via meetings as described underObjective 2.Input toRegionalTransport PlanIntegratedhighway andpedestriannetworkForestryCommissionWales landLost WaysPolicies and proposals to promote walking and cycling. Input via meetings as describedunder Objective 2. Liaison with Highways section via twice a year meetings proposed toconsider: highways of uncertain status, structures, policy and resources and a consistentapproach to enforcement. Consider the dedication of permissive routes where Councilland is being considered for sale. Barriers to access: major roads, rivers, railways.Identify problem locations and potential solutions.Remove obstructions caused by tree planting through the FCW felling and restockprogramme in their Forest Design Plans. Prioritise work on obstructed routes throughleased FCW land (not dedicated as open access land). Promote access on foot to allFCW forests (CAP). Management agreements for FCW land for sale (CAP).Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, paths in existence prior to 1949 but notshown on the definitive map and statement will be lost if an application to register thepaths is not made before 2026. A proactive approach to identifying these will berequired to ensure rights are not lost.Routine Service Actions (*See Appendix 4 for list of statutory duties and powers.)Public Rights ofWayEnforcement *Changes to thePublic Rights ofWay Network *Maintenanceandimprovement ofPublic Rights ofWay*The duties and powers for the Council to remove unlawful obstructions, crops andovergrowth and to protect the surface of paths from disturbance. C.f. obj. Six protocolsfor routine works.The legislation by which Rhondda Cynon Taf’ s PROW network can be legally altered.Includes dealing with claimed rights of way, where an application has been made toadd unregistered paths to the Council’s Definitive Map and Statement and applicationsto divert or extinguish paths.The Council has a duty to signpost and maintain the surface of paths contained on theDefinitive Map and Statement. The Council also have powers to improve PROW e.g.erect barriers, fencing and to construct footbridges. It is legally the responsibility oflandowners to replace and maintain stiles and kissing gates.PermissiveRoutesKeyCountrysideSitesNew ProjectsInformationleaflet forlandowners.Management of Taff Trail, acquire Rockwood section (CAP).Management of Key Countryside Sites (CAP).Useful for Rangers, especially when dealing with routes that have been obstructed.Out & About: The Rights of Way Improvement Plan for Rhondda Cynon Taf