Meeting documents

47 EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE

The Chairman drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out on the Agenda.

48 ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIR(PERSON) (IF DESIRED)

The Committee RESOLVED that a Vice-Chair(person) was not required on this occasion.

49 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were none.

50 TO ANNOUNCE ANY URGENT BUSINESS AGREED BY THE CHAIR(PERSON)

There was none.

51 ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC - TO RECEIVE DEPUTATIONS, STATEMENTS, PETITIONS OR QUESTIONS

The Committee RESOLVED to take these items at Agenda item 9.

52 ITEMS FROM COUNCILLORS AND CO-OPTED AND ADDED MEMBERS

The Committee RESOLVED to take these items at Agenda item 9.

53 MINUTES: TUESDAY 11^th JULY 2006

The Committee RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 11^TH July 2006 be confirmed as a correct record (with the minor amendment to include the ward councillor's name at Item 45) and signed by the Chairman.

54 DEFINITIVE MAP MODIFICATION ORDER TO ADD 45 PUBLIC FOOTPATHS IN NEWBRIDGE, BATH

Mr Drew, a member of the public and resident of Burleigh Gardens, Weston, made a 3 minute statement with regard to footpath CQ100 ( Appendix 1 - Map 5), the main points being:

Local residents were concerned that the footpath (which was built to enable rear access to terraced properties) was not wide enough for designation - it was also unpaved and unlit.

Mr Drew also made reference to a track which ran north-south, joining the above footpath at the back of Burleigh Gardens, which enabled vehicular access to residents' garages and which residents would like to be designated as a footpath. The land adjoining the track is a wildlife haven, which residents would like to retain as a sanctuary, so they would not wish the track to be paved or the hedges removed.

Mr Hardwell, a member of the public and also a resident of Burleigh Gardens, Weston, made a 3 minute statement with regard to footpath CQ100 (Appendix 1 - Map 5) , the main points being:

If the right-of-way was designated as a footpath, would this affect the residents' right to access?

Vehicles use the back lane and locals are aware of the blind exit and accompanying dangers. He was concerned that if it was open to the public, then it would present a road safety hazard - this would particularly affect those visiting Fairfield House.

The Public Rights of Way Team Leader informed Mr Hardwell that the designation of the footpath would not affect the residents' right of access.

Councillor Caroline Roberts (ward councillor) also raised concerns expressed to her by local residents about the safety of the junction and speeding issues in the lane at the back of Fairfield House. She was working with the highways department with regard to this issue.

She thanked the officers for producing the report which would help to clarify many issues raised by residents, particularly with regard to signing.

The Bath Definitive Map Project Officer introduced the report and explained that they were seeking the committee's agreement to place 45 footpaths on the definitive map. They had consulted with local residents, businesses and landowners as part of the process.

In view of the concerns of Mr Drew and Mr Hardwell and other local residents in the Burleigh Gardens area, path CQ100 would now be removed from the recommendation pending further investigation. The width of the path will also need further investigation.

It was moved by Councillor Tim Warren and seconded by Councillor Rosemary Todd to accept the recommendations as amended.

55 NOTICE OF ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS.

The Public Rights of Way Team Leader notified the Committee of the following possible future items to be heard by the Committee: