The Residents Association Committee met with Taylor Wimpey in October 2024.  In this report we focus on discussions about the footpaths across our Public Open Spaces (POS).  And we are seeking your views so please take a look and provide feedback.

In this article the term ‘footpaths’ does not include the roadside asphalt pavements on our developments.

Footpaths on Herdwick Gate

The plan below shows where the footpaths should be.

They are Breedon gravel paths that are mostly at the back of the development (south side) leading from Blands Grove and Joy Drive towards the playground area.  There is also a small path that leads down to Bailey Road from Webb Road.

The plan also shows a path leading down the hill towards the end of Webb Road that has not been built (indicated by blue dashes).

Significant erosion

In just a few years all of these footpaths have been eroded by surface water.  This makes them uneven to walk on and unsightly.  Why is the erosion so bad?  It’s a combination of at least three factors:

1. The underlying land is predominantly Blue Warwickshire clay which does not absorb much water, so when it rains water flows along the surface.

2. The paths are on a hill with a steep gradient, which means the water flows quickly downhill.  Faster flowing water leads to more erosion.

3. Breedon gravel is not the most resilient type of material that could have been used.  For example asphalt would be much better.  Taylor Wimpey would not have chosen this type of gravel but the planning authorities insisted on its use.

What can be done?

If the footpaths are so badly eroded after just a few years imagine how much worse they will be in future.  The cost of remedial work, to be paid by residents will be significant.

We have asked Taylor Wimpey if they can come up with a better solution.  That could potentially include the use of alternative materials or possibly redirecting the footpaths so that water does not build up so much speed as it flows downhill.  We await their further advice.

The missing footpath - please tell us what you think

The path highlighted with blue dashes on the plan shown above was proposed to meet Disability Discrimination Act requirements.  It is intended to provide access to the top of the hill, and the playground for those with mobility issues.

This is a well intentioned aim, but it turns out the planning regulations make the installation of a gravel path on a hillside with a steep gradient challenging to deliver.

As we have already outlined, erosion caused by surface water drainage is an issue.  Plus the council would not sign off a path with such a steep gradient.  So having a path in a straight line as shown on the plans would simply not work.  So why was it put in the plans in the first place we hear you ask?  We don’t know the answer to that!

It is possible to redesign the path so that it winds round in a series of bends but that would be a significant project.  And the reality is that most people would probably choose not to walk down a serpentine path but would walk in a straight line as it’s the easiest way to go.  In fact there is already an established right of way that comes straight down the hill which is well used by walkers.

So we would like to ask you, the residents of Herdwick Gate and Herdwick Fold what you think about the missing footpath.  The Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 and subsequent Equality Act of 2010 aim to make public spaces more accessible for disabled people.  But this is subject to a test of reasonableness.  Is it reasonable to insist this work is carried out no matter how difficult, even if it is little used?  Please tell us what you think.  Contact Us

Footpaths on Herdwick Fold

The plan below shows in orange where the footpaths should be, (ignore the roadside pavements).

As with Herdwick Gate they are Breedon gravel paths.  They can be found at the back of the development (north side) close to the playground area, and also along the west side, passing Nichols Court and leading to Campden Road.  

More signs of erosion

As with Herdwick Gate there are signs of erosion caused by surface water.  The reasons are similar to those stated above although in this case the gradient of the land may not be quite as steep.  

A significant amount of water flows from adjacent land not owned by Taylor Wimpey, particularly from the north side and the north-west corner close to the footpath leading to the neighbouring Cala development.  The capacity of the drains in that part of the development appears to be wholly inadequate.

Along the west side of Herdwick Fold a natural spring can be found flowing up through the middle of the footpath.  This has created a hole currently the size of a dinner plate and growing.  It’s not the kind of water feature we need.

Again we have asked Taylor Wimpey to give this some thought as this amount of erosion after just a few years does not bode well for the future.  We await their response.

Footpath connecting Hands Place to Campden Road

You may be aware from previous RA news reports that original plans show this footpath.  It is circled in red below.

In our discussions with Taylor Wimpey that have told us that this footpath will not be created.  They say this is because the elevation of the land will mean it has a sloping gradient as it approaches the main road, which the council will find problematic from a road safety perspective.  It may not be as steep as the path that is being removed at Bradley Drive, but it’s the same issue.

Taylor Wimpey also say that shared ownership of the land complicates matters, although we don’t believe that this should be a reason not to build the footpath - it just require parties to work together.

In the absence of a proper footpath residents have created their own informal routes.  One is at the far side of the attenuation basin connecting Barrett Place with Campden Road (orange dashes in image above).  The other has seen someone saw through the knee rail so that people can walk from Hands Place to Campden Road.  Once established people will keep using them even though they are likely to be muddy in winter and devoid of grass in the summer.

You can’t blame residents for creating these pathways, it’s a consequence of bad planning by the developers and the local council.  So again we are seeking your views on this.  Should we be pushing for proper pathways with a safer and more durable surface?  Or are you OK with the status quo?  Tell us what you think.  Contact Us

 

HGHF-RA Committee

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