Plans for a shared cycle, walking and equestrian path stretching in Knowsley criticised as a route “to nowhere” is set to be approved this week despite dozens of objections.
The proposals, which involve a 3m multi-use pathway leading from Foxes Bank Lane to the Penny Lane highway are to be discussed at a meeting of Knowsley Council’s planning committee on Thursday, January 12.
According to a planning report produced ahead of the meeting, various objections have been lodged to the scheme.
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These range from concerns over the proximity of a clay pigeon shooting range to possible criminal activity along the path, potential flooding problems, loss of green belt and inequality issues over access barriers included in the plans.
One objection described it as a route “to nowhere” because it is designed to link up to another cycle way at Halsnead Garden Village which has yet to be built or even have planning permission.
According to planning officers the pathway, which would allow shared access between bicycle users, pedestrians, horse riders and some motorised vehicles such as mobility scooters will help encourage and increase active travel along a key Prescot, Whiston and Cronton route.
The loss of a small amount of green belt as part of the plans was deemed as not “significant” when weighed against the benefits of the scheme, according to the report.
The report states: “Within Knowsley Borough Council administrative area, the multi route network is proposed to provide new facilities between Carr Lane, Prescot and Sandy Lane, Cronton, via Stadt Moers Park and the proposed Halsnead Garden Village country park development”, and said it will link in with a Halton Council scheme and ultimately the wider Trans Pennine network.
As well as objections from Cronton Parish Council and active travel charity Sustrans, 28 objections were received from local residents, although the report notes that 14 of these were from the same household with another four from one household, and three from another.
Eight comments were also received in favour of the application, with five of them coming from the same household also.
Ultimately, planning officers recommended approval of the plans subject to a number of conditions, with councillors set to decide whetehr to approve or reject the recommendations when the planning committee meets on Thursday.
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