Rights of Way Improvement Plan

This Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) establishes a framework for managing the rights of way network over the next 10 years and sets out our priorities for improving it to meet the needs of today's users.  The ROWIP is a statutory responsibility imposed by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.  The ROWIP proposes a series of actions to help achieve our priorities and will guide the targeting of our resources in future.

Improving the management of the path network and creating relevant routes could make a significant difference to people who use or may wish to use it.  Whilst we will still continue to maintain the quality of the network as a whole, the improvements identified in the ROWIP will be focused in the geographical areas where most people live or where benefit will be maximised.  The geographical areas where demand is likely to be higher have been identified through a spatial assessment of the network.  We have used the proximity of population to the network and the scenic amenity of an area as the primary influences for the demand for the rights of way network.  Over the Plan period, our main priority will be to concentrate our resources in these areas to address the shortfalls in access provision.  We aim to provide better quality public access in these areas by improving the condition and accessibility of the network for all users as well as creating new routes, wherever possible.  More information about the network and engaging public support are also vital if our aims are to be realised.

The County Council does not have the capacity to deliver all of the improvements alone.  Partnership working with other agencies and actively involving local communities and users is vital to the successful delivery of the improvements.  The task ahead is large and demanding.  Some actions will be easily achieved in the short-term, whilst others will require substantial funding and co‑operation between partners over a much longer period of time.

rowip@staffordshire.gov.uk