Issue - decisions

Application under Section 118 Highways Act 1980 to Extinguish Public Footpath Number 4, St Mary’s, Radcliffe

10/06/2021 - Application under Section 118 Highways Act 1980 to Extinguish Public Footpath Number 4, St Mary’s, Radcliffe

The path to be extinguished (shown in the attached plans PRW/4/SM/RAD/1 and 2) is approximately 80m in length and runs across land under the control of TfGM as part of the Metrolink line from Bury to Altrincham.
The site is currently enclosed by fencing and 4SM has not been used for several years as a result. Opening the path would cause Metrolink serious safety concerns as this would open the existing segregated railway corridor to the public. This is not something TfGM could implement under the present ROGs guidance and current legislation surrounding railway safety.
The need to extinguish the path was highlighted when TfGM applied for Planning Permission to install a new Traction Substation on the land.
There are adequate alternative paths in the immediate vicinity that have been used for several years whilst 4SM has been unavailable for use.
Preliminary consultations have been carried out with the prescribed organisations and there have been no objections.
It is deemed that 4SM is unnecessary and can be extinguished.