EXPLORE ABERDEEN

Core Paths Plan

Core Paths Plan Adopted

In April 2009, the Policy and Strategy Committee approved the Aberdeen Core Paths Plan. This means that Aberdeen now has an adopted network of core paths which will provide a framework of key routes allowing the public reasonable access throughout their local area. The core paths also provide links to other paths in the wider network. The core paths network caters for all user types and abilities (e.g. walkers, cyclists, horse-riders, canoeists) but not every core path has to be suitable for use by all. The core paths are made up of many types of path, ranging from natural ground to high specification constructed paths.    Photo - Core Paths walkers

The network of core paths will benefit both local people and visitors to Aberdeen by providing a framework of routes for recreation and for travel. In addition, core paths may help to manage access in environmentally sensitive areas and assist land management. The Core Paths Plan aims to deliver benefits in quality of life; healthy, active lifestyles; economic development; the environment and social inclusion.

Photo - Core Paths holburn bridge In preparing the Core Paths Plan, we have taken into consideration representations received during both the consultation on the Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan and the statutory consultation on the Final Draft Core Paths Plan, during which we invited comment from all those with an interest. This included current and potential users of the outdoors, communities, land managers and others, such as partner agencies (whose aims, the Core Paths Plan may help to deliver and other organisations.

They will also be made available for inspection at the Planning and Infrastructure Service reception on the 8th floor of St. Nicholas House.

Core Path Upgrade Work

Last year, about £1,000,000 was invested in core paths for outdoor recreation and active travel. The funds were sourced through a partnership made up of Aberdeen City Council's Energising Aberdeen fund, Nestrans, Aberdeen Greenspace and Sustrans, with the City's WIAT (Woodlands In and Around Towns) (funded by Forestry Commission Scotland) programme also involving significant path work.

Around a further £900,000 has been sourced for continuing the implementation of some of the ongoing major projects, as well as installing some other new paths and upgrading existing ones. This work will help to ensure that Aberdeen's core paths are fit for purpose.

Core Paths Plan Background

Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, all Local Authorities and National Park authorities in Scotland have a statutory duty to prepare a Core Paths Plan that will "provide the basic framework of routes sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area. The basic framework of routes will link into, and support, wider networks of other paths."

The vision for Aberdeen's Core Paths Plan is to "form a complete paths network throughout the City, encouraging healthy and sustainable access opportunities for all". The Core Paths Plan will form a key part of outdoor access provision and will help to support wider national, regional and local policy objectives on health, recreation, education, economic development, social inclusion, community development, sustainable transport and tourism.

The Final Draft Core Paths Plan was subject to a twelve week formal consultation ending 24 October 2008. Copies of the consultation results can be viewed via the link on this page. They are also available to view at main Council Offices, including the Point, and at all public libraries across the Aberdeen City Council area. 

 
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is the environmental assessment of strategies, policies, plans and programmes. It is carried out in order to consider the likely environmental effects of strategies, plans and programmes. The SEA Environmental Report on the Core Paths Plan outlines the environmental policies that the Council will work by in implementing the Plan, and the mitigation measures that will be adopted to prevent, reduce or offset environmental impacts of the schemes proposed through the Core Paths Plan. To view the SEA for the Aberdeen City Core Paths Plan please follow the link below. It can also be viewed at main Council offices.

In accordance with section 18 of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, a post-adoption SEA statement has been prepared. The purpose of this document is to highlight how the SEA process and consultation have influenced the Core Paths Plan. This document also discusses why the Core Paths Plan has been adopted in its existing form in light of other reasonable alternatives. Finally, proposals to monitor the environmental effects of the Core Paths Plan are set out.

  Post Adoption Statement

Appropriate Assessment

The Core Paths Plan is subject to the requirements for Article 6 of the Habitats Directives. This requires that plans which could have potential effects on Natura 2000 sites can only be approved after an Appropriate Assessment of the proposal has been undertaken. As a result of this ruling, Aberdeen City Council, with the advice and assistance of Aberdeen Greenspace and Scottish Natural Heritage, has prepared an Appropriate Assessment under the Provisions of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, as amended. You can access the report at the following link below:

Appropriate Assessment

Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment of the Aberdeen Core Paths Plan

In order to ensure that the Core Paths Plan does not discriminate against any user group (ethnic minorities, gender, the elderly etc) and to maximise opportunities to promote equality and human rights, an Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment was carried out. To view the Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment please follow the link below:

Selection Criteria

Core Paths image In line with the vision, aims and objectives, a Core Paths Criteria Checklist was designed as a tool to inform the selection of core paths.

Each of the core paths included within the  Core Paths Plan has been assessed against a variety of criteria. Surveyors have scored each path on a scale from minus two to plus two based on the how well the path addresses the issues covered by the criteria.

It is to be emphasised that this appraisal scoring system has simply been one tool in the process of identifying our network of core paths. Nevertheless, the appraisal system has played an important part in informing decisions on the content of the Core Paths Plan. In general terms, core paths have performed well against the majority of the selection criteria.

Contact(s)

  • Core Paths Plan
    Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure
    Aberdeen City Council
    8th Floor St. Nicholas House
    Broad Street
    Aberdeen
    AB10 1BW
    Phone: 01224 523316
    Fax: 01224 636181
    Email: pi@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Frequently Asked Question(s)