Purpose

Approve the release of £24,000 Section
106 capital funding, to upgrade a footbridge along Warfield
Footpath 7, and create a new recreation link at Garth
Pond.

Decision

RESOLVED that the release £24,000
of s106 capital funding to deliver two major outdoor access
improvements in Warfield be APPROVED.
 

Reasons for the decision

The existing wooden footbridge on Warfield
Footpath 7 is deteriorating. It could pose a future safety risk if
left unmanaged. Replacing it with a metal and composite structure
ensures the public can use this statutory right of way safely and
accessibly. The new design will also prevent cattle from damaging
the bridge, further improving safety.
 
Maintaining safe public rights of way,
including bridges, is a legal requirement for the local authority.
This project fulfils those duties while enhancing public value
through improved infrastructure.
 
The proposed bridge design offers a much
longer lifespan compared to the current wooden structure,
significantly reducing future maintenance costs and staff time.
 
Creating a new link path at Garth Pond will
connect Harvest Ride to the wider SANG (Suitable Alternative
Natural Greenspace) network. This eliminates the current dead-end
and provides a more joined-up walking route, reducing the need to
pass through residential areas and improving access for
mobility-impaired users.
 
The project supports statutory obligations in
the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) and aligns with national
and local policy objectives, including the Council Plan and
National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF). It promotes healthy
communities by improving access to open spaces and recreational
opportunities.
 
There is a suitable s106 development
contribution for use on this project. This is from the Winchester
House development and can be spent on ‘providing, expanding
or improving open space and/or outdoor recreational facilities with
3km’.

Alternative options considered

To continue with
patch repairs.
We must keep the footpath bridge safe and
accessible to users. Small maintenance repairs have been undertaken
through the years, but the footbridge is now in a state where a
replacement will be required.
The approach to repair rather than replace
also has higher cumulative maintenance costs over time. Disruption
to residents would also be spread out over a longer timeframe and
more importantly it would have ongoing safety implications.
 
Temporarily close
Warfield Footpath 7 and divert users to alternative routes.
There is no point waiting, as suitable funding
has already been identified. Using it helps to fulfil our statutory
duty to maintain rights of way.
 
Consider a simpler
timber or hybrid design.
This wouldn’t equate to a saving. It
would have a shorter lifespan, higher maintenance, and less
resilience against cattle damage.
 
Leave the dead-end path as is.
This misses an opportunity to improve connectivity, accessibility
for mobility-impaired users, and community benefits. It can be
included as an example in the review the rights of way team are
currently conducting of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan
(ROWIP).
 
Use a phased
approach.
Deliver one element (for example, footbridge
replacement) now and defer the Garth Pond link until additional
funding or contributions (e.g., Ramblers) are confirmed.
This approach delays full network improvement and policy
objectives. It risks needing to go through approval mechanisms
twice, thereby adding time and cost implications to the
council.