Agenda item

To be presented by Ben Feeney-North, Transport Strategy Officer, Planning Growth and Sustainability

This item was presented by Ben Feeney-North, Transport Strategy Officer for Planning Growth and Sustainability. The Forum noted the development of active travel routes in Buckinghamshire and the progress towards the Buckinghamshire Greenway. The latter relates to the development of a continuous walking and cycling route running the length of the county from the Colne Valley, connecting to routes in Hillingdon, Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire. The aim was to achieve the same, if not similar, standard as the Waddesdon Greenway. The purpose of the Buckinghamshire Greenway was to improve connectivity between towns and villages, making it easier for people to make short trips as well as being an asset for leisure and tourism.

Mr Feeney-North referred to a presentation and the slides that would be appended to these minutes. Following the conclusion of the presentation, the following points were raised during the discussion:

·         A new route from Winslow to Buckingham had been established. It had not yet been considered as part of the Buckinghamshire Greenway, but it was suggested that a route from Winslow to Aylesbury would be well used and sought after. Mr Feeney-North explained that the Greenway could be considered as a strategic spine that routes can be added to and they were keen to explore opportunities to incorporate other routes.

·         It was mentioned that there was little consultation with horse riders in the development of the Waddesdon Greenway and it could be of great benefit to horse riders. It was emphasised to include horse riders in the development of the Buckinghamshire Greenway. Mr Feeney-North explained that landowners generally only accept a permissive route and were sometimes not willing to allow riders to use it. It was noted that this was frustrating, but the aim was to have as much of the route as possible be a bridleway and accessible for all users. It was highlighted that a large section of the south route, such as the South Bucks Way, utilised existing rights of way. It was hoped that developing these southern sections will make it more accessible for horse riders.

·         The Planning Growth and Sustainability team were working on links with Hertfordshire. One such being the Grand Union Canal Triangle. The Aylesbury Arm had received funding to upgrade sections up to the border with Hertfordshire. Mr Feeney-North stated that they were keen to engage with Hertfordshire to continue to improve the Aylesbury Arm. Regarding the Wendover Arm, Buckinghamshire was working with the Wendover Arm Trust to get the path upgraded.

·         The issue was raised of heavy traffic deterring cyclists on the A4010, between Aylesbury and High Wycombe via Prices Risborough. Members were informed that the team were working on the county-wide local cycling and walking infrastructure plan. This would be developed at a strategic level, with the Buckinghamshire Greenway at the heart of it. It was hoped that problems would be captured and highlighted for future development.

·         Regarding the consultation process, Mr Feeney-North explained that the route between Wendover and Missenden was led by Sustrans. The main consultation had been completed through them, working with the Chiltern Society. To develop routes moving forward, it was stated that the Council were looking to develop more detailed consultation. A Regional Access Field Officer for the British Horse Society was present and offered their help in the consultation process, as they could provide more of a national perspective building from their experiences working with other authorities. In particular, their experience with advising on controlled crossings was highlighted.

·         The timescale of the Buckinghamshire Greenway was reliant on factors, including financial support from the government and developers, landowner consent, and HS2. There were locations of the Greenway which intersect with HS2. It had been agreed with HS2 and the Department of Transport that at those locations, the HS2 design would incorporate the Greenway. However, this would be reliant on the timescales of HS2.

·         A forum had been established to help develop the northern routes with two Northamptonshire authorities, Oxfordshire, and England’s Economic Heartland. This is to ensure that the routes were connecting outside of Buckinghamshire. England’s Economic Heartland were looking at what interventions could be made to the Varsity Way from Oxford to Cambridge.