Decision details

In 2005 the Council adopted an Enforcement Policy which sets out how the Council will carry out enforcement action with regards to Public Rights of Way.  In addition to the provisions already contained within the Enforcement Policy, the Council also has the option to refer the obstruction of public rights of way to the Rural Payments Agency as this would be a breach of cross-compliance GAEC8.

The Cabinet Member agrees that the amended Policy is adopted as the formal policy of Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The proposed amended Policy has been produced through a process of research, discussion and consultation. At the time of the adoption of the current Policy it was recommended that the Policy was periodically reviewed and this amendment to bring the policy up-to-date with the current legislative framework and understanding of good practice.

The alternative option considered was to leave the Policy unchanged and not to refer breaches of GAEC8 to the RPA. This option would unnecessarily restrict the courses of action available to the Council’s when carrying out enforcement action.