Issue - meetings

The report by the Director of Transport, Environment and Business Support sets out the actions taken in response to an application to record a public right of way under Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in accordance with the application route set out on the plan at schedule 1, (the application route), setting out a summary of findings, and a recommendation on how to determine that application.

RECOMMENDED:

(1)  That no Order is made to add a Public Footpath or a Restricted Byway to the Definitive Map and Statement for Portsmouth City.

(2)  that the Cabinet Member notes that, in accordance with established practice, the Harbour Master finalise an Access Policy for the Camber allowing public to continue to use this area subject to the day to day running of the area as an operational Port.

(3)  that the Council, as landowner, lodge a statement to the Council, as Highways Authority, under Section 31(6) of the Highways Act 1980 to clarify its position on its intention to dedicate the land as highway.

Public inspection copies:

The Camber report bundle is available for public inspection.  Unfortunately, due to the number of documents and size of the file it is not possible to upload this onto our webpage.  Therefore, the documents will be made available during office hours (8am to 4:30pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 3:30pm Friday at the Civic Offices, Guildhall Square Portsmouth). 

Members of the public can book an appointment to view the document by calling Nick Scott on 02392 841637.  Please note you do not need an appointment to view the documents but it will help us have the document ready for inspection, as the document bundle is kept secured when not in use as it contains personal information.

(1)       That no Order is made to add a Public Footpath or a Restricted Byway to the Definitive Map and Statement for Portsmouth City.

(2)       The Cabinet Member noted that, in accordance with established practice, the Harbour Master finalise an Access Policy for the Camber allowing public to continue to use this area subject to the day to day running of the area as an operational Port.

(3)       That the Council, as landowner, lodge a statement to the Council, as Highways Authority, under Section 31(6) of the Highways Act 1980 to clarify its position on its intention to dedicate the land as highway.

Pam Turton, Assistant Director of Transport, Environment & Business Support, presented the report which sought to formalise public access arrangements at this operational port.

A deputation was made by Ms Koor as a resident of Old Portsmouth who wished to raise her concerns as someone who ran and walked in the area and felt that there had not been adequate consultation on the public access policy  and she hoped that there would be more communication with the residents.  In response Ms Turton confirmed that there would be further consultation with local groups on the drafted access policy.

Councillor Bosher was mindful of the needs and powers of the Harbour Master in managing a working port.  Councillor Stagg asked how often there had been restricted access to pedestrians and cyclists, as she doubted this was used very often and only when necessary.  Ms Turton confirmed that the desire was to maintain access as long as possible and there would be limited closures.

DECISIONS:

(1)       That no Order is made to add a Public Footpath or a Restricted Byway to the Definitive Map and Statement for Portsmouth City.

(2)       The Cabinet Member noted that, in accordance with established practice, the Harbour Master finalise an Access Policy for the Camber allowing public to continue to use this area subject to the day to day running of the area as an operational Port.

(3)       That the Council, as landowner, lodge a statement to the Council, as Highways Authority, under Section 31(6) of the Highways Act 1980 to clarify its position on its intention to dedicate the land as highway.