Regulation 19 Rutland Local Plan
Active Travel - Walking and Cycling and non-car based journeys
What will the policy do?
The policy requires sustainable forms of transport to be integrated into the design of new developments and connectivity to and from development and existing built-up areas to be a key component for the layout of development. Consideration must be given to the quality of the walking and cycling environments to ensure routes are safe, legible and attractive, connecting well into the existing public rights of way network and to facilities such as bus stops. Development layouts must be fully accessible and be designed to encourage walking and cycling by providing direct routes following future and existing desire lines. Details of how these requirements complement principles of design are covered in policy SC3
Proposals should take account of points of conflict with vehicular traffic, severance issues and the need for other pedestrian and cyclist accessibility improvements, providing end to end consideration of journeys for all users.
Policy INF3 - Walking and Cycling and non-car based journeys Comment
Development proposals should facilitate active travel by incorporating appropriate measures within the design and layout of proposals which give priority to the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, people with impaired mobility, pushchairs and users of public transport by providing a network of high-quality pedestrian and cycle routes and green corridors, linking to existing routes and public rights of way, wherever opportunities exist. Developers should refer the County Council's Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).
Applications should demonstrate how they will:
- create well designed, safe and convenient access for all, both into and through the site, giving easy access and permeability to adjacent areas;
- protect, maintain and improve existing infrastructure, including closing gaps or deficiencies in the existing rights of way and cycling network;
- provide high quality attractive routes that are safe, direct, legible, pleasant and are integrated into the wider network;
- ensure the provision of appropriate information, including signposting and wayfinding to encourage the safe and effective use of the network;
- encourage the use of supporting facilities, especially along principal cycle routes;
- make provision for secure parking or storage facilities in new developments and in areas with high visitor numbers for bicycles, mobility scooters and pushchairs; and
- consider the needs of all users through inclusive design.
Why is this policy needed?
Active travel is a government initiative focussed on getting more people to walk and cycle for short journeys instead of relying on cars and public transport. This is a way of improving the health and fitness of communities across the country and improving air quality by reducing congestion and carbon emissions in urban areas. Opportunities to promote active travel are limited by the rural nature of Rutland. However, active travel solutions may be the answer to some issues of isolation and rurality for parts of Rutland. The focus on promoting walking, cycling, other non-car based journeys and public transport use will apply within the towns and surrounding settlements and within new development: the allocated sites represent significant opportunities in this respect. In turn, such a focus contributes to the management of levels of traffic generated by new development, creating safer road spaces, good air quality and physical activity. It is important that active travel solutions are considered as part of the early design stage of development proposals to ensure that routes are appropriately located, enhance connectivity and are properly designed and constructed.
Active Travel routes for cycling and walking have a key role to play in connecting new development to the wider transport network, accessing services and facilities, and promoting low-cost sustainable, healthy travel in the County. Furthermore, Rutland is ideally placed to take advantage of the increase in popularity of walking, cycling and riding holidays. The continued development of an accessible green-blue infrastructure network of footways, cycleways, public rights of ways (PROW), bridleways and green spaces in the County will support tourism, promote healthy living and encourage walking, cycling and riding.
There is also recognition that technology, and the most appropriate ways to take advantage of it, is rapidly developing and is likely to start to impact on transport over the plan period (for example, driverless technology, etc.). The Council will therefore encourage technological development in transport to meet the needs of effective transportation methods, and to improve the wellbeing of residents and businesses. This will include seeking to 'future proof' access networks and using innovative smart solutions.
Supporting Evidence
Local Transport Plan 4 (2019)
Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (2023)
