Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest.

The Committee considered the request by Essex County Council for the installation of a new footpath on Forest Land at Bell Common on the east side of Hemnall Street, Epping and for the installation of two lamp columns on Forest Land on the west side of Hemnall Street to allow adequate lighting of the proposed footpath.

Members were informed that the progressive urbanisation of the Epping Forest land through the construction of additional highways infrastructure remains a challenge for the Committee. The overall assessment by officers was that the proximity of existing residential development, roads and street lighting has already detrimentally affected Forest Land in this area and hence this additional 85 m2 wayleave would have a low impact on natural aspect and tranquillity considerations.

The Committee were shown a number of photographs which showed the west side of Hemnall Street. The Committee agreed that the situation was very concerning as the proposal appeared to deliver child directly into an area without access to footpaths.  Members were in agreement that the proposal could be better delivered and further thought was required, including an analysis of the flow of children to and from the school. Members agreed that the request required further discussion by the Highway Agency and that the Head Teacher of St Johns School should be fully consulted.

Members agreed that there was a need to strike an appropriate balance between requests by Highway Authorities where the safety of pedestrians had been identified and the duty to protect Epping Forest Land. While the progressive urbanisation of Epping Forest and the damage to tranquillity remained a concern the overall impact of highway infrastructure in this predominately suburban area would be minimal, especially if matched by compensatory land of a suitable quality and location.

Resolved – that Members:

· Approved the dedication to public highway of approximately 85m2 of Forest

Land at Bell Common adjacent Hemnall Street, Epping in favour of Essex

County Council for the installation of a public footpath upon suitable terms to

protect the City's interests to be agreed by the Superintendent of Epping

Forest in conjunction with the City Surveyor and in exchange for adequate

compensatory land.

· Authorised officers, to undertake all such documentation as necessary and

upon such terms to protect the City Corporation's interests and the Forest