Issue - meetings

The Cobtree Officer introduced Colin Finch, KCC Senior Projects Officer Public Rights of Way, who had provided information for the report.

The Cobtree Officer explained that KCC and MBC were working jointly on a scheme to widen the River Medway towpath and develop a sustainable route along the river. One of the options included a Toucan road crossing to facilitate pedestrian and cyclist access to Cobtree County Park.

It response to questions the Committee was advised that:

·  The proposed Toucan crossing would be sited near to the entrance of the park, which would necessitate the removal of a currently situated bus stop. It was stated that a bus stop in the vicinity of the park was important for visitor access by public transport.

·  KCC was seeking a match funding contribution of £30,000 towards the proposed highways works and improvements to the riverside towpath on Kent Life land. The Cobtree Manor Estate Charity did not have the required funds due to the change in golf course income. The funding would therefore need to be sought from other grant awarding bodies. If the match funding was not achieved then the pedestrian crossing works could not be progressed.

RESOLVED:

1.  That approval be given to the proposed Towpath changes detailed in the drawings appended to the report;

2.  That approval be given to the proposed Toucan Crossing design dependent upon the retention of a bus stop;

3.  That Officers seek additional funding to contribute towards this scheme and bring a further report back to committee in the event that there is a short fall in funding.