Countryside access

We are looking to the future health and well being of the residents of Northstowe, the new town planned to the north of Cambridge, for which a planning application has now been submitted.

Improvements have been delivered for the rights of way and cycleway networks connecting the new settlement to surrounding villages and providing access to the countryside.

People are more likely to engage in healthy exercise and travel in sustainable ways if suitable paths are available locally when they first move in. Work started in summer 2006 and was completed in March 2008.

The existing path network was surveyed and new desire lines were identified. Links were made with local councillors and parish councils and other groups and organisations.

Improvements made:

Contribution to new roadside cycleway linking to Guided Busway cycle track.
Four new public bridleways created by dedication under the Local Government Act.
Two new public bridleways upgraded from footpath by Creation Agreement under the Highways Act.
New public footpath created by Creation Agreement under the Highways Act.
New permissive footpath created to link two permissive access woodlands.
New fencing, fence renewal, hedging, vegetation clearance, new bridges and bridge improvements, resurfacing, horse stiles and gates at various locations.
Three substantial verge improvements to link gaps in the path network.
Drainage and resurfacing on a substantial part of the existing byway network in the area.
Seasonal Prohibition of Driving TRO initiated on byway network, with barriers to reduce future damage .
Public bridleways improved around Fen Drayton Lakes, to complement RSPB work, including substantial works to resolve bank erosion by the River Great Ouse.
Replacement of stiles with more accessible kissing gates.
Remotely accessible people counters at four locations.
Support for Wildlife Trust to improve access to Overhall Grove.
Support for County Farms Estate to improve access at Histon Community Woods and Giants Hill.
Work with local communities on tree planting and enhancements at a site of local historic interest.
Wide range of interpretation boards across the project area.
Waymarking programme across project area, using recycled plastic materials to extend life.
New fingerposts where paths meet roads, showing destination and distance information.
New Northstowe countryside access website as part of wider Northstowe Community website (currently awaiting launch).
New Northstowe countryside access map, printed on waterproof paper. For a free copy, please contact cst@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Following the principles laid out in the Rights of Way Improvement Plan, the project has helped to establish good practice for future housing development in Cambridgeshire.

Northstowe routes
Routes range from shorter loops accessible to those with disabilities, through longer links to local pubs and wildlife reserves, to more challenging routes reaching out into the wider countryside suitable for those on horseback and mountain bikes. Well-designed countryside access routes can also provide green corridors which encourage wildlife. Surrounding communities and the local environment are benefiting from the project.

Support for the project
The project was supported by the Department for Communities and Local Government Growth Areas Fund as part of the advance provision for new housing in the M11 corridor. New paths link into the new bridleway which is being provided along the route of the Guided Bus Way now being constructed, and will also integrate with planned improvements to the A14 and Northstowe access roads.

We are pleased that further projects have been funded under the Housing Growth fund. From April 2008, we look forward to delivering further countryside access and cycle network improvements to benefit health and sustainable transport opportunities for people living in the Northstowe area. Suggestions for improvements are very welcome.

For further information please contact the Project Manager 01223 716853 mobile 07786 021432

Information updates, including regular progress bulletins, were added to this website as the project progressed. Further updates will be posted as the new project makes progress.