Agenda item

Jonathan Fuller, Principal Transport Strategy Officer, Buckinghamshire Council.

This item was heard second, following the Definitive Map Applications – Statement of Priorities 2024 item.

The LAF received a presentation from Jonathan Fuller, Principal Transport Strategy Officer and Benjamin Feeney-North, Senior Transport Strategy Officer. They gave an overview of the work undertaken by the Council’s transport strategy team including those delivered under the Active Travel scheme and updates on the LCWIP. A copy of the presentation has been appended to these minutes.

A selection of Active Travel schemes were highlighted, including:

• St Peter’s Greenway through Quarrendon which utilised both rights of way and permissive routes.
• Platinum Way running between Aylesbury Vale Parkway station and Aylesbury town centre, as part of the Gemstone routes. It was noted that this route was predominantly highway focused and was upgraded in 2023.
• Canal Towpaths, particularly along the Aylesbury arm of the Grand Union Canal to improve surface conditions.
• Misbourne Greenway soon delivering a 4km link between Wendover Dean and Great Missenden.

It was explained that the schemes were centred around involving the community as much as possible, to support local resident’s confidence in utilising the transport infrastructure. Activities included tree planting, chalk artwork competitions with local school children, and bikeability events with the Bike Register initiative.

Jonathan Fuller introduced the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs), which are strategies developed by local authorities nationally to outline priorities for future investment in walking, cycling, and wheeling infrastructure. These plans can be created at a range of scales such as town, city or authority-wide. It was explained that the LCWIPs were needed to be able to access external funding, either through government bids or external partners.

The following LCWIPs were identified:

• Aylesbury Garden Town: produced in 2019.
• Buckinghamshire: light-touch LCWIP developed.
• High Wycombe: LCWIP adopted by Cabinet in January 2024.
• Buckinghamshire-wide LCWIP: currently in development and will cover the county as a whole.
• Chesham: being developed locally, led by Chesham Town Council.

Extensive data analysis had been conducted to identify different destination types across the county and understand the demand for active modes of transport to feed into the Buckinghamshire LCWIP. The team had also conducted a range of engagement exercises across all the Community Board areas and local Member input had been sought to understand their local priorities. It was recognised that the proposed network needed to be realistic in terms of scope.

The Buckinghamshire LCWIP was in the process of approvals prior to going out for consultation. The LAF would be made aware when the consultation was live so they can input their views.

Following questions from LAF members, the following was raised:

• Efforts are made to maximise the protection for new cycle routes, which involved considering adopting the cycleway or ensuring bridleway classification. However, this was dependent on the route in question and was decided on a case-by-case basis. It was identified that a number of routes, such as the Waddesdon Greenway, use a mixture of permissive arrangements and rights of way.
• Buckinghamshire Greenway would be part of the national cycling network and was being considered for the NCN 50. Buckinghamshire Council was working closely with Sustrans to update the Ordnance Survey maps.
• An interactive map to view walking, cycling and wheeling routes was available on the Buckinghamshire Council website. Feedback detailed the importance of having a national map of all routes. It was explained that as part of the consultation, the team would be looking at how routes are conveyed to the public and conversations would be had with neighbouring counties to align plans. It was suggested that the team utilise existing mapping tools such as Open Street Maps.
• Formal comments were sought from the British Horse Society and local representatives for the High Wycombe LCWIP. High Wycombe comprised of a network of rights of way links and the LCWIP references how equestrians would be considered with any new routes taken forward. Each individual scheme would receive further consultation with stakeholders including changes to surfacing, crossing designs and access points.
• Engagement had been sought from local Members and Community Boards for the Buckinghamshire LCWIP, but consultation had not yet gone out for wider public input. It was suggested that the team look at securing restricted byway status for new links, to ensure it covers the widest user base.
• National guidance was skewed towards more utilitarian uses such as travelling to work and school. The LCWIP was trying to refocus on leisure uses such as exercise.
• Sustrans were leading on delivery of the Wendover-Missenden route, which was due to open later in 2024.