ENVIRONMENT & ECONOMY DIVISIONDefinition TeamME14 1XXWest Kent PROW Te - PDF document

ENVIRONMENT & ECONOMY DIVISIONDefinition TeamME14 1XXWest Kent PROW TeamDartford, Gravesham, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling,Tunbridge Wells.Mid Kent PROW TeamAshford, Maidstone, Swale.East Kent PROW TeamCanterbury, Dover, Shepway, For more information or this leaflet inalternative formats please call Protecting the networkÒThe granting of planning consent confers no othernecessary grant or permission.ÓWhere development which obstructs a PROW has beenstarted without the necessary Order for the diversionor extinguishment of the PROW coming into effectKent County Council will, in normal circumstances, prosecution.Failure to deal at an early stage with PROWaffected by development can lead to:significant delays to a project,the blighting of completed property,bad publicity,Temporary Closureup to 6 months (Traffic Regulation Order - TROs).This process will not be used to enable aTROs are for safety and emergency use only.6 month closures cost up to £1000 to process.They may be extended by the Secretary of State.To apply for a TRO you need to contact your localPROW Officer. public rightsof way, www.kent.gov.uk/countrysideaccess A guide for planners and developersEnhancements processes take time.Seek to retain the existing alignment of PROW whereSeek to retain some of the existing routeÕs character -for instance by routing through amenity areas.the links to the surrounding network be enhanced?Increase the value of the network by linking to localUse direct routes which are wide and pleasant to use.Routes can be made safer if they are free from hidingplaces and are overlooked (natural surveillance).Improve upon the construction of the existing PROW,considering width, gradient; and increased use. DonÕt Simply incorporate existing PROW onto estate roads orreduces natural surveillance, discourages public useand can result in antisocial behaviour. Further information concerning design standards canWhere it is intended to provide a cycleTracks Act 1984 to obstruct the Public Right of Way. The development,insofar as it affects the Public Right of Way, must not bestarted, until such time as the Order necessary for itsdiversion has been confirmed, and the new route provided.The successful making and confirmation of an Order should Public Rights of Waynetwork, recognising therecreational opportunitiesit offers and its importantrole in providing foreveryday journeys. contribution that good quality, well-plannedwonderful county.PROW are of course just one element tobe considered when bringing together antake a little time to read this leaflet, which Richard KingCabinet Member for Environment and Transport Planning Permission Local Borough / District (Planning Department) or KentCounty Council for Minerals and Waste If the route of a Public Right of Way affected or obstructed by diverted or closed under the Town & Country Temporary Closure (TRO) for safety reasons ONLYcan close for 6 months, possibility of renewalKent County Council; apply through PROW area Officer Path Diversion www.kent.gov.uk/countrysideaccess24-hour Kent Report Line Path Diversion Kent County Council Public Rights of Way(PROW) are highways established in law and should be viewed as a positive benefit toamenity of the area. They can provide opportunities forleisure and a healthy alternative to the car whenundertaking short local journeys.It is recommended that developers give thought at anHow the PROW network is affected by their proposalsnetwork can be minimised public rights of way, planning and development Who does what? Path Order to either close or divert the route.This Order will be subject to a 28-dayon site and in the local newspaper. The outcome ofIf no objections are received, the planningauthority will confirm the Order. Where objectionsare received, which are not resolved, the mattermust be referred to the Secretary of State forIf the route is being diverted, the diversionwill not become official until the planning authorityhas certified that the new route has been created to proposed developmentwill affect a PROW?PROW are recorded on the Definitive Map andThe DMS provides conclusive evidence at law as tothe existence and alighment of PROW. However, aIf paths are evident across a proposed developmentsite but are not recorded on the DMS please seekadvice from the Definitive Map Team (contact detailson reverse).established through the Land Search process, Part 2.Developers are advised to seek this information whichforms part of the discretionary element of landsearches.Failure to identify PROW at an early point in the planningprocess and to deal effectively with them can lead toalso result in the blighting of property until anyoutstanding dispute is resolved.Kent County Council PROW OfficesDistrict and Borough Council Offices