Pushing a pram along a path

Update: 19th January 2010 - For publications relating to the Fife Council Planning Committee, see attached appendices 1-5 and the Fife Core Paths Committee Report Final Draft document - links at bottom of page.

What is a core path?

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 states 'it is the duty of the local authority...to draw up a plan for a system of paths ('core paths') sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area'.

These 'core paths' systems will be available for recreation and everyday journeys by local people and visitors, providing opportunities for walking, cycling, riding and other activities for all ages and abilities; and once in place, will form an invaluable nationwide resource.

Core paths will be of particular benefit close to where people live, and will be key elements in the path networks that will extend from the centre of settlements through public open spaces and green corridors to connect with the urban fringe and the wider countryside. They will provide access to:

• Beaches
   
• Parks
   
• Woodlands
   
• Hills
   
• Historic sites
   
• Riverbanks, loch shores and launch points
   
• Link settlements and towns/villages.

The Draft Core Path Plan

The routes for core paths are shown in the maps accompanying the Draft Plan. These are draft maps that are the result of over three years of consultation.

The consultation is now closed but the maps are still available to view in draft form.

Click here to see The Draft  Fife Core Paths Plan

Click here to view the Draft Core Path Maps.

What happens next?

The draft consultative Fife Core Paths Plan received objections and representations during the statutory consultation period from 8^th August 2008 to 31^st October 2008. Since that time Fife Council staff have been working to try to resolve the objections and to check out the ideas in the representations. This period of work has now almost finished and there are some proposed changes to the draft Fife Core Paths Plan.

These changes have been considered by Fife Council Area committees during September 2009. The committee papers/minutes are available to view, at www.fifedirect.org.uk/committees. In these committee papers there is a summary of each objection and representation and of the Council’s response. Any possible changes to the draft core paths plan will also be shown on the interactive map on this website.  No change can be progressed without approval of Fife Council elected members.

The final draft Fife Core Paths Plan will be presented to Fife Council Planning committee on January 26th 2010. After that time, and subject to elected member approval, the plan will be submitted to the Scottish Government, along with any unresolved objections. The Government will then arrange for a public inquiry to be carried out. The date of this is unknown but it is expected that this will not be until the second half of 2010 at the earliest.

Further Information

If you want further information please contact us:

See Also

Services

• Countryside Access - Core Paths