Agenda item - Access to South Downs National Park - Ditchling Road

Report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

(1)               That the appropriation of the areas of land highlighted on the plans (See Appendices 5, 6 & 7) should they be required for the construction of the shared pedestrian and cycle path be authorised;

(2)               That the Executive Director Finance & Resources be instructed to undertake necessary formalities for appropriation of the land including the negotiation of any necessary variations to the tenant farmer’s lease.

86.1         The Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing introduced the report which detailed the proposed appropriation of land at Ditchling Road for highway purposes and to enable the improvement to walking, cycling and pubic transport facilities and access to the South Downs National Park.  He noted that a report had been taken to the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee in relation to the proposed improvements which had been approved; however as the committee responsible for corporate landlord matters, approval was sought for the appropriation of the small area of land from the council’s agricultural portfolio.

86.2         Councillor Lepper referred to paragraph 3.2 of the report and queried whether the tenant farmer had been consulted on the proposals and what further work was required should the committee agree to the appropriation of the land.

86.3         The Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing stated that the Council had the power to acquire the area of land in question and that the further work required related to the detailed design of off road path and associated improvements.  The tenant farmer would be consulted as part of the pubic consultation exercise and he noted that the Environment, Transport & sustainability Committee had approved the recommendations without asking for anything to be reconsidered.

86.4         Councillor A. Norman stated that the Conservative Group generally supported the improvements but felt that the farmer needed to be consulted fully on the matter.

86.5         The Chair noted the comments and put the recommendations to the vote.

86.6         RESOLVED:

(1)               That the appropriation of the areas of land highlighted on the plans (See Appendices 5, 6 & 7) should they be required for the construction of the shared pedestrian and cycle path be authorised;

(2)               That the Executive Director Finance & Resources be instructed to undertake necessary formalities for appropriation of the land including the negotiation of any necessary variations to the tenant farmer’s lease.