Public Access Strategy - Review & Analysis - North Lanarkshire Council

Local Plans
The North Lanarkshire Council area comprises a number of local plans. Given their statutory status, it is important that development plans are included as part of a review of policy frameworks for access in North Lanarkshire.  In addition to the overview of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan, the audit includes detailed analysis of the following Local Plans.

• Cumbernauld Local Plan (1993)
• Airdrie and Coatbridge Area, Issues Report (1997)
• The Northern Corridor Local Plan Consultative Draft, (1998)
• The Southern Area Local Plan Finalised Draft (1998)
• Kilsyth Local Plan (1999)
• The Forth and Clyde Canal Local Plan (1996)

Cumbernauld Local Plan
The Cumbernauld Local Plan includes six transport policies which relate to access, and one environmental policy which is indirectly linked to access.  The transport policies relate to:

• provision of footways for pedestrians to improve safety (Policy TR3);
• linking new areas with the town network of safe pedestrian footpaths (Policy TR4);
• improvements to the rights of way network (Policy TR5);
• development of a strategic plan for countryside access (Policy TR6);
• improvements to the footpath system (Policy TR15);
• provision of cycle facilities for personal transport and leisure (Policy TR7).

Policy EN11 notes how improvement of the town's footpaths could contribute to wider programmes of environmental enhancement.

Northern Corridor Local Plan
The Northern Corridor Local Plan Consultative Draft, March1998, covers the settlements of Stepps, Auchinloch, Muirhead/Chryston, Gartcosh, Moodiesburn and Mollinsburn.

Chapter 3 of the Northern Corridor Local Plan covers Transport and Accessibility issues.  The following policies make reference to access:

• Policy TR5 addresses the strategic sustainable transport issues including; minimising the demand for unsustainable modes of transport, maximising the use of walking, cycling and public transport and protecting the environment.  The policy states a commitment to enhancing conditions for pedestrians through footpath provision, and improving access for disabled persons and the mobility handicapped.
• Policy TR9 similarly addresses the council's commitment to promoting sustainable transport modes through encouraging the provision of cycling facilities.  With the support of Sustrans the Council will support the provision or improvement of the following:

1. "the Glasgow to Cumbernauld Safer Signed Cycle Route;
2. links to the Glasgow Edinburgh Cycle Route via the Strathkelvin Walkway at Moodiesburn
3. in general, and in particular in new developments, the provision of cycle paths or shared use cycle/ pedestrian footway links to established cycle routes."

The chapter makes reference the Council's unsuccessful bid in obtaining Challenge Fund resources for the completion of the Strathkelvin Railway Walkway, but notes that the project will be pursued with other partner agencies.

The Plan also links Leisure, Education and Utilities in the area with access provision.

• Policy LR2 aims to protect Rights of Way
• Policy LR3 addresses the Council's continuing assessment of local needs and demand for the provision of new leisure and recreational facilities, it proposes to support the "provision of a new and improved range of facilities suitable for the needs of all sections of the local population.  This includes the Railway Walkway linking the West Highland Way to Summerlee, Coatbridge (via Moodiesburn Glen)"

Access issues are also addressed by the environment section of the Northern Corridor Local Plan.  The chapter addresses issues including those of public accessibility for recreation in the greenbelt and woodland planting in respect to promoting access to the community.  Policy ENV3 proposes the improvement of the appearance of the greenbelt through urban fringe planting, which in turn aims to assist in nature conservation and improve public access to the countryside.  Policy ENV18 outlines the Council's commitment to the Central Scotland Countryside Trust's, Central Scotland Forest Strategy, and to ensuring public access continues to be linked with any tree planting proposals.

Chapter 5 focuses on Economic Development and Tourism within the plan area.  Policy ECON6 states that in assessing new industrial developments criteria will include "access to public transport infrastructure and the effect of development on travel patterns;" and the "provisions made for access, vehicle circulation, manoeuvring and parking."  The accompanying text refers to The Gartcosh Master Plan, a regeneration scheme aimed to benefit the communities of North Lanarkshire.  The council regards the provision of cycleways and pathways for this site in a positive light.

Chapter 6 covers Shopping and Commercial activities.  It highlights the importance of "the accessibility of local neighbourhood centres to all sections of the local community for everyday shopping needs".  The chapter also notes that development should be sited in close proximity to existing town centres in order to maximise the use of bus or rail and ease of walking and cycle access.

Southern Area Local Plan
The Southern Area Local Plan Finalised Draft adopted in 1998, covers the settlements of Motherwell, Wishaw, Overtown, Newmains, Allanton, Cleland, Newarthill, Bellsill, Shotts, Tannochside and Harthill

Chapter 8 of the local plan covers Leisure and Tourism issues in the plan area. The following policies make reference to access issues:

• Policy L2 outlines key criteria in assessing proposals for leisure development. One such element for consideration being "the proposals ability to afford equal access in terms of location and physical access".
• Policy L4 highlights the council's commitment to maintain and protect public rights of way, additionally it states that where funding is available "this network will be improved and extended through a public Rights of Way and Access Strategy".  The accompanying text discusses the importance of Public Rights of Way, as a means of access to areas of heritage, and their recreational use which is predicted to increase.
• Policy L7 relates to golf course provision.  It supports proposals provided they are accompanied by management plans which detail any effect on public access and Public Rights of Way.

Transportation policies are included in Chapter 6 of the plan.  The following policies make reference to access issues:

• Policy TR2 states that the Council seeks to reduce the environmental impacts of transport by, 1) promoting a transition to more sustainable modes of transport, 2) seeking improvements to public transport infrastructure and 3) encouraging the concentration of compatible land uses thus reducing the requirement to travel.
• In recognition of the current lack of provision for cyclists Policy TR12 states the council's intentions to improve facilities for cyclists by taking their needs into account as an integral part of roads developments and traffic management.  It also supports the development of the Glasgow to Edinburgh cycle route, and highlights the need to identify and develop safe routes for cycling.  Furthermore, the policy requires developers to include facilities for cyclists as part of wider development proposals

Chapter 2 of the plan covers environmental issues affecting the area.

• Policy ENV7 identifies locations in the Urban Fringe and Green Belt where improvements are required and will be promoted.  The Sites include The Clyde Walkway, Motherwell
• Policy ENV11 outlines how the council will protect and enhance areas of urban woodland.  Linking with this, providing access to the public for recreational and educational uses is included as a priority.
• Policy ENV13 and Policy ENV14 refer to Nature Conservation and specific sites within the plan area intended for protection and enhancement.  The plan underlines that such sites of value as a community asset and educational resource. Therefore the plan states that the council aims to make them more accessible.

The chapter discusses not only the rural environment but also the environment of town centres.  Issues included in Policy ENV16, on improving the environment of town centres, relate to inadequate access and pedestrian/vehicular conflict.

Airdrie and Coatbridge Area Local Plan, Issues Report
The Issues Report Airdrie and Coatbridge Area Local Plan was produced in 1997 as the initial stage in the review of the Monklands District Local Plan 1991.

Section 9 of the report brings together issues relating to transportation and accessibility.  It states that the council's commitment to Local Agenda 21 can be fulfilled through the promotion of sustainable transport. Recognising that the road network is poor, it recommends that Route Action Plans be prepared in order to make best use of the existing road corridors.  As part of this. it suggests that "safe management of traffic, bus, taxi, pedestrian and cycle provision will be considered, along with the requirement to provide access to local business on these routes." Projects for the installation of bus and cyclist priority at junctions and bus and cycle lanes, with possible exemptions for taxis are referred to, as part of a wider aim to making alternative forms of transport as convenient as, if not more convenient than the car.

With respect to pedestrians the report recommends that an audit of current provision of mobility impaired access needs to be carried out. Additionally, it proposes that the public footpath network requires rationalisation to clarify maintenance responsibilities, identifying a particular problem area as Petersburn in Airdrie.

The Report's Natural Environment Section proposes that any formulation of policy must, amongst other objectives "encourage a greater understanding of natural resources through interpretation and access measures".  It identifies that the rural area must be promoted but in a way compatible with agriculture and forestry.  The section also recognises the importance of assessing how registered Rights of Way and the existing, or planned, network of cycle routes and footpaths can be better, and more fully used.  Issue ENV4 suggests, "that an updated public access network of footpaths, cylcepaths and bridleways be provided".

The report also examines Nature Conservation and the need to investigate the best ways in which to retain and enhance designated areas.  It details the need to realise the potential of such areas for long distance footpaths as wildlife and industrial heritage trails.  Similarly it describes rural derelict land and features of past industry as having potential to be included in a rural industrial archaeological trail.  It uses the example of Stanrigg disaster site, near Plains.  It also suggests there is potential for under utilised water features, naming examples of Hillend, Forrestburn and Roughrigg Reservoirs, Lily Loch, North Calder Water and Monkland Canal.

Other parts of the Issues Report which are relevant to public access include:

• Issue RTC1, which suggests that "Town Centre Action Plans be prepared and implemented for both Airdrie and Coatbridge, incorporating the accessibility of each town centre by all modes of travel."
• Section 8 of the report discusses Open Space and Leisure, and links community well being with formal and informal recreation.  Issue OSL1 suggests that an audit of open spaces is undertaken to assess their value to communities and scope for establishing better links between town and country.  Within this, the opportunity to improve access from urban to rural areas through providing cycleways, footpaths and Public Rights of Way is highlighted.

Kilsyth Local Plan
Unlike some of the other local plans, in the Kilsyth Local Plan references to access are more closely linked with countryside recreation and tourism than with transport.  However, the plan does include two relevant transport policies:

• Policy TR9 seeks to improve conditions for pedestrians through footpath provision and maintenance;
• Policy TR10 supports the provision of cycle routes.  The Greenbelt Policy also takes into account its role in increasing public access to the countryside.

The plan also includes two policies relating to countryside recreation:

• Policy CT3 aims to protect and support the continuing provision of rights of way;
• Policy CT4 aims to expand opportunities for countryside access through providing networks for a variety of users, linking settlements and attractions, and signposting.  The supporting text within this section makes detailed reference to access, noting the role of specific access areas (e.g. Dumbreck Local Nature Reserve and the Colzium Lennox Estate).  Specific potential nodes within a network of footpath links are also suggested (paragraph 12.13).

The plan also includes a standard greenbelt policy which makes reference to countryside access as part of any urban fringe planting scheme (Policy GB7).

Forth and Clyde Canal Local Plan
The Forth and Clyde Canal Local Plan approved in 1996, covers the area stretching from Bowling in West Dunbartonshire, through Clydebank, Bearsden and Milngavie, Glasgow, the former local authority areas of Strathkelvin, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Districts, to Grangemouth in Falkirk District. The plan focuses on identifying the action required to realise the recreational and amenity potential of the Canal and its environment, and provide for increase in tourist use. Amongst the main issues identified, the plan notes the importance of understanding:  "where are the most suitable access points for pedestrians and parking areas for vehicles, should legal access agreements be implemented, encouraging more use and improvements, and should the towing path be designated as a long distance footpath?"

Specific policies, proposals and recommendations on Access and Recreation include the following:

• Policy 4 proposes the development of an Access and Recreation Strategy for the Forth and Clyde Canal in order to make it accessible to as many visitors as possible.
• Policy 5 states that where practically possible, access will be available to people with disabilities and those with prams
• Recommendation 6 suggests that the local authorities enter access agreements with British Waterways in order to facilitate towing path improvements and therefore encourage greater use.
• Proposal 9 states "it is proposed that the towing path be integrated with existing footpaths and cycleways (particularly in urban areas) and footpaths to the Antonine Wall, Croy Hill and Bar Hill".  This proposal is hoped to increase the opportunities for access to and from the towing path for adjacent communities.
• Recommendation 10 suggests the continued support for the posts of Project Co-ordinator and Countryside Ranger for the Lowlands Canal as "an effective method of increasing access to the Canal and promoting its benefits to both the local community and the wider population".
• Policy 13 states that "appropriate forms of recreational activity will be supported".  Horse riders are not permitted to use the towing path whilst cyclists can apply for a permit.  Upgrading the towing path for use by cyclists as part of a long distance route is being considered.
• Proposal 20 provides guidance on suitable width and surfacing for the towpath.  It also notes the scope for linking it with other routes through signposting.  Improving conditions of the tow path is hoped to increase the Canal's attractiveness to pedestrians.
• Recommendation 21 states that "where appropriate, the towing path be upgraded and promoted as a cycleway".
• Possible informal waterside picnic sites linked with the towing path and footpath network sites are identified in Proposal 22 including Bowling, Bishopbriggs and Lambhill
• Referring to Nature Conservation issues, Policy 28 and Proposal 29 state that public access will be restricted to specific sites of the offside bank in order to protect such areas as havens for wildlife.
• Proposal 31 and Recommendation 32 highlight that environmental improvements of the Canal and towing path are ideal projects for community involvement whilst improving the amenity of the Canal for all users.

Overview of Development Plans in North Lanarkshire
Within North Lanarkshire the styles and extent of policy coverage of access issues within plans varies.  The structure plan states a clear commitment to walking and cycling, and identifies the need to ensure that development control and countryside recreation are both explicitly linked with foot and cycle access.  Whilst the policies are relatively broad, the commitment to reducing car use through promotion of more sustainable alternative forms of transport is apparent throughout the plan.

The local plans illustrate different approaches to access.  For example, the Cumbernauld plan closely links walking and cycling provision with transportation issues in the area.  Improvements to footpaths within and around the town are strongly supported, probably as a result of the car based design of new towns.  The Northern Corridor Local Plan takes a more holistic approach, linking access with policies relating to environment, leisure and community facilities, transport and the economy. The more rural Kilsyth Local Plan also links access with transport, but places a greater emphasis on policies and supporting text within the countryside and recreation chapter.  The Forth and Clyde Canal (Subject) Local Plan provides particularly positive support for access provision in the area.

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