Policy information sourced from Dacorum Local Plan 2004 Alteration

79 Footpath Network

The public footpath network will be protected, improved and promoted through joint action with the highway authority, the Countryside Management Service (see Policy 96), other organisations and private landowners. Improvement of the footpath network could involve diversion and/or closure of limited stretches of path which are no longer needed: however in either case, the change should not inconvenience walkers or adversely affect residential amenities. Appropriate efforts will be made to reduce the amount of road walking necessary to link adjoining paths, and improve access to the countryside for the mobility impaired.

Particular attention will be given to the creation and signing of circular walks including links with the Grand Union Canal towpath, town to country routes, permissive links, interpretative facilities, and to accessibility by passenger transport. The potential for improvement of links to the Ridgeway long distance path will be explored.

Diversion of public footpaths as a result of development proposals will only be supported if the environmental character of the paths is maintained, walkers are not significantly inconvenienced and/or significant planning advantages accrue.

For more information please see the Local Plan