South Ayrshire Local Plan

Footpaths and Cycleways

The Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967 charges local authorities with the responsibilities to assert, protect and keep open footpaths and rights of way and gives them powers to enter into public path agreements with landowners. Scottish Natural Heritage is charged with the responsibility of promoting access to the countryside. The Plan seeks not only to meet the Council's obligations, as detailed in the approved policies of the Council's Local Transport Strategy, but also to foster increased co-operation and co-ordination with all organisations concerned with the provision, safeguarding and promotion of footpaths and cycleways with links to national networks and also to ensure that any potentially detrimental impacts to the environment are minimised.

In recognition of the potential value cycle routes and footpath networks represent in terms of environmental benefits, the Council will seek to prioritise their provision and to ensure that appropriate safe and attractive cycle parking facilities are provided, and that new development for public use offers a safe pedestrian and cycling environment.

POLICY SERV 8*

The Council will seek the provision, improvement and protection from loss or detriment of pedestrian routes, footpaths, cycleways and cycle parking facilities throughout South Ayrshire and will seek their inclusion in new or redevelopment sites, especially in town centres and at community facilities.

POLICY SERV9*

The Council will protect disused railway lines, riverside walkways, and recognised rights of way which are currently of recreational value, or which contribute to an established footpath or cycleway network, and will seek to protect others for potential future footpath/cycleway provision.

As an integral element of the Council's aims to reduce the dependence on the private car and to increase the attractiveness of other modes of transport, a number of safe and convenient footpaths and cycleways are being established. The key project in this regard is the section of the proposed National Cycle Route which passes through South Ayrshire. This route will allow increased accessibility to Ayr and other towns and will provide a basis for the establishment of other routes in the future.

PROPOSAL 4

The Council will subject to funding, continue to promote the development of the strategic cycle path indicated on the Proposals Map. Proposals to supplement/extend this route will be welcomed.

NOTE
The route has yet to be finalised in a number of locations.