Improving our rights of way
About the scheme
The Kent Rights of Way Improvement Plan is designed to increase the use and enjoyment of Kent’s public rights of way and open greenspace. The plan supports the delivery of projects that contribute to:
- positive health outcomes
- rural businesses
- the local economy
- help to reduce congestion.
A number of schemes that help to deliver the positive outcomes identified in the Rights of Way Improvement Plan are completed as part of the Single Local Growth Fund project. The Single Local Growth Fund is specifically supporting the delivery of a range of small scale local improvements to routes that provide sustainable transport connections to areas of employment and education across the county. The schemes often make use of existing public rights of way, diverting and upgrading them to encourage and support higher levels of use. A range of other benefits are to:
- provide safe and attractive direct routes between residential, workplace and education locations
- open up leisure routes in historically important areas
- reduce car journeys and therefore CO2 emissions
- improve and maintain the local environment
- free up road space and improve journey times for everyone
- support the growth in housing and jobs.
Schemes in progress
Finberry to Ashford scheme
Work has begun on two sections of the new route to link the Finberry residential housing development at Cheesemans Green to Ashford town centre and International train station.
We completed Phase 1 in 2019. Phase 2 of the bridleway upgrade work is planned to begin summer 2020 and be completed by the end of the year.
Learn more about the Finberry to Ashford scheme.
Powder Mills scheme
This project links the Powder Mills development in Leigh to Tonbridge. The necessary agreements have been secured and we have completed the path construction. Legal orders are currently in progress to convert the footpath into a cycle track.
Learn more about the Powder Mills scheme.
Peters Village
Work is nearly complete on this project which links the completed Medway Towpath at Aylesford with the new housing development at Peters Village, Burham.
This project will also improve the Medway Towpath between Aylesford and Mill Hall Station.
Learn more about the Peters Village scheme.
Leybourne Chase Equestrian Link
This project aims to improve equestrian links through and around the Leybourne Chase development, by upgrading the status of existing footpaths and creating new bridleways.
These developments will improve connectivity for residents of the new development, providing greater walking and cycling access to the countryside.
Work on this scheme is due to begin February 2020
Ashford Links
Our intention is to improve connectivity across the Ashford area, linking new developments with existing amenities and the town centre for walking, cycling and equestrian use.
The creation of a new bridleway route approximately 2 kilometres long, will link the parish of Kingsnorth with Park Farm, Chilmington Green and Ashford town centre.
Work is scheduled to begin Summer 2020.
Schemes completed
Scheme costs
The scheme has £1.3 million funding including a contribution of £1m from the Local Growth Fund round, provided as part of the growth deal to the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.