Decision details

58.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

DECISIONS

58.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

(1) Approve the establishment of a National Trail Partnership to manage the South-East England Coast Path; and

(2) Delegate authority to the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport to approve any related Inter Authority Agreement in conjunction with the Assistant Chief Executive and the appointment of an appropriate officer to the Partnership.

REASONS

58.3     Natural England is working with local Access Authorities, which includes ESCC, to deliver the England Coast Path. Their preferred model is a strategic trail partnership, which enables them to provide an additional 40% funding for trail management.

58.4     The proposed partnership members all share the view that the five authorities need to work together to manage the 250-mile London to Brighton stretch, running from Medway to Shoreham. This will achieve economies of scale and should allow a pooling of the NE funding, which is relatively small-scale on an individual authority basis.

58.5     The Trail Partnership will consist of a relevant officer from each respective Access Authority.