Under section 60 of the Countryside and Rights of Way 2000 Act there is a requirement "for local authorities to prepare and publish a rights of way improvement plan within 5 years of the commencement of this section".
In developing the Rights of Way Improvement Plan, Torbay Council reviewed how the existing network both meets the present and future needs of the public. The key aims of the plan are as follows:
- Enhances health, well being and enjoyment of life - through the use of public paths for outdoor exercise and appreciation of the environment.
- Increases economic prosperity - by attracting more visitors to the countryside and the area of Torbay.
- Improves sustainable transport - by providing traffic-free, safe routes to urban and rural facilities.
- Provides access for all - by being available for the disabled.
In producing its plan Torbay Council carried out significant consultation with the public and stakeholders. The Council also worked closely with the Torbay Local Access Forum. Torbay Council would like to thank all who made comments on the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.
Torbay Local Access Forum
The role of the Local Access Forum in relation to rights of way improvement plans may include, for example:
- Commenting on opportunities for access to open countryside especially where new linear routes may be desirable.
- The access forum has been asked to revise the public rights of way network and find any missing links. Also to find any new routes. Or to come up with areas that need improvement.
- Assisting in setting priorities for implementing their plans.
- Commenting on published draft plans.
The published plan has been developed in partnership with the Local Access Forum and the Council look forward to working with the Forum in implementing the Statement of Actions.
Copies of the Plan
A digital copy of the plan is available to download (see Related Documents). If you would like to order a hard copy of the plan then please send your name, address and a cheque, made payable to Torbay Council, for the sum of £15.00, for the attention of the Public Rights of Way Officer.
Copies are also available to view at the following locations:
- Libraries
- Connections Office
For further information on the Rights of Way Improvement Plan or Rights of Way in general please contact the Highways Department.
Related Documents
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Related Tasks
Contact Public Rights of Way
- Tel: 01803 207740
- Email: highways@torbay.gov.uk
- Fax: 01803 207670

Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2007-2017