To seek Cabinet approval for the adoption of the updated Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWWIP) for Herefordshire, following public consultation. The LCWWIP sets out a strategic approach to improving walking and cycling infrastructure across the county, supporting active travel and travel choice, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing public health.

Councillor Price cabinet member for transport and infrastructure introduced the report

It was noted that this represented the next key step in the Council’s wider integrated approach to transport planning for Hereford.  The Local Transport Plan was adopted in December 2025 and that set out the overall direction for the Council’s transport network and how they want that to evolve.  Work has been undertaken to align all the Council’s transport policies to reflect that strategy and priorities that communities have told the council mattered the most.  The Local Cycling, Walking, Wheeling Infrastructure Plan (LCWWIP) is a crucial piece of ork and  provides clear evidence based plan for improving walking, wheeling and cycling across the county. 

It was noted that formal adoption of the plan was a key step in delivering the council’s integrated approach to transport planning. It enables projects to be prioritised and delivered efficiently. It complements major infrastructure schemes, ensuring all transport investments form a coherent, integrated network, and supports joined?up improvements across all modes of travel.

Comments from cabinet members:

It was confirmed that the projects identified through consultation were not funding commitments or priorities at this stage. The plan contained a long list of potential schemes that can be drawn on in the future, with priorities to be set as and when funding and grant opportunities become available.

It was emphasised that the LCWWIP supports greater choice in transport across the county and is closely aligned with parish councils’ environmental priorities. The plan is presented as a non?prescriptive framework that encourages individual travel choices which improve health and wellbeing, reduce carbon emissions, and support short local journeys. It highlights the integration of green infrastructure, access to green spaces, and high?quality design, with sustainability running as a core principle throughout delivery, including commitments to energy efficiency, waste minimisation, and environmental standards within contracts.

Group Leaders were invited to offer their views:

Group Leader for Independents for Herefordshire outlined their views and noted that:

Welcomed the plan and noted the assurances provided that the document will be treated as a live document.  However, clarity was sought regarding how that would happen, the process and the frequency.  Concerns were highlighted that the canal towpath may not be clearly recognised, possibly due to the document format making it difficult to search. They stressed that the canal and its towpath have significant potential to provide an off?road walking and cycling route across the county. Although this infrastructure did not currently exist, they strongly felt it should be acknowledged and safeguarded within the LCWWIP as a future transport asset.

The Liberal Democrat Group outlined their views and noted that:

The need to maintain a strong and active focus on delivering walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure, rather than allowing the plan to sit unused was stressed. The importance of meaningful engagement, not only when identifying schemes but also during detailed design, was emphasised.  It was noted that poor past cycling infrastructure could have been avoided with better consultation. It  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76