Support paragraph 5.322, requesting an inclusion. The Borough has received significant benefits from projects delivered by the County Council's Countryside Access Improvement Plan. Including the words "working with the County Council to deliver its Countryside Access Improvement Plan" will provide opportunities to access additional funding and project development opportunities. It is therefore imperative that this is mentioned in this section. The Service is keen that the established partnership

PolicyENV 5 states that all development in the rural areas shall protect and enhance ancient woodland, rural lanes, public rights of way, rivers and other features. We believe that hedgerows should also be mentioned specifically.

I am pleased to see that rural assets and heritage will be protected as far as possible - ENV 5, 13 and 14.

The following policies were specifically supported by the Town Council

ENV5 p235 This policy is supported and considered sound.

CPRE supports a policy to highlight important rural features, but a lot more work is required. Many important features are not listed and it is not clear how the policy would relate to statutorily protected features, and many other features of value. Perhaps the policy could relate to green infrastructure 'corridor/network' features that are important for recreation and wildlife connectivity, such as rivers, historic hedgerows, lanes, footpaths etc.

It is considered that there may be other important features in addition to those named in the policy that are worthy of protection and it is suggested that the policy is amended to refer to these.

It is considered that there may be other important features in addition to those named in the policy that are worthy of protection and it is suggested that the policy is amended to refer to these.

The only reference to Equestrianism is in 5.322. Unfortunately in Ashford and the surrounding areas we are seriously lacking in safe off-road routes for equestrians, this is either because many of the routes have not been recorded as bridleways on the definitive map in 1952 or the once quiet lanes that are now busy roads. Improving the multi-user network, brings Health Benefits, Access for everyone, Economic Growth, Tourism and sustainable Transport and Travel.