A report seeking approval for Officers to undertake statutory consultation for a Definitive Map Modification Order to Footpath 21A in order to enable development to be carried out in accordance with the approved drawings.

The Executive Director for Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report that sought approval for officers to carry out statutory consultation for a Definitive Map Modification Order to Footpath 21A in order to enable development to be carried out in accordance with approved drawings.  The following appendices were attached to the report:

The report explained that Footpath 21A ran on the north side of a channel of the canalised River Kennet, between Forbury Road to Gas Works Road.  It was a relatively short path, providing views over and across the water and had become available when the former Huntley and Palmers biscuit factory had been redeveloped.  The path was presently at two levels, a higher, inland level, and a lower level, adjacent to the water, which was accessed by steps at each end.  In October 2018 planning permission had been granted for the site adjacent to the river and the approved plans had incorporated a ramp between the lower and upper levels of the path that represented an improvement to the existing arrangement, where step free access to the lowest area of the riverside was not possible.  Non-material amendments to the permission were approved in February 2021 that increased the width of Footpath 21A on the riverside.

The report sought approval to conduct statutory consultation on the landscaping and public realm works that affected the line and width of the Footpath.  The Council would prepare and publish the public path modification order by advertising in the local newspaper, consulting Statutory Consultees and posting notices on the site. Subject to the proposed order being unopposed, or any objection made being subsequently withdrawn, the order would be confirmed. The modifications to the Footpath would be legally changed on the Definitive Map and Statement of public rights of way within the Borough.

Resolved –

(1)     That the report be noted;

(2)     That the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to undertake a statutory consultation under Section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Section 53A(2) Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 for a Definitive Map and Statement Modification Order to Footpath 21A for the proposals illustrated in Appendix 2 attached to the report;

(3)     That, subject to no objections being received, or any objections made being subsequently withdrawn, the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to confirm the order as an unopposed order;

(4)     That any objection(s) received following the statutory advertisement be reported to a future meeting of the Sub-Committee;

(5)     That the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport & Regulatory Services (or appropriate Officer), in consultation with the appropriate Lead Councillor, be authorised to make minor changes to the proposals.