Blyth Valley Borough Council (00C17366)

Leisure & culture and Rights of way   Local settlement report

25 April 2002

‘Mrs Baker’ (not her real name for legal reasons) complained that the Council failed to consult properly about the proposed route of a cycle track that had been constructed through sand dunes. Mrs Baker says that the Council failed to undertake environmental impact and geological surveys properly before determining the route; and failed to consult either with local people or with the appropriate environmental or amenity groups.

The investigation established that Mrs Baker’s complaint was fully justified and that it was likely that, had proper consultation taken place, the cycle track would have followed a different route along some of its length. However, all parties were agreed that to remove it would cause even more damage to a fragile environment much in need of protection.

Remedy

The Council acknowledged its failures and offered to settle the complaint by:

• monitoring regularly the regeneration of the dunes and taking prompt action if alien plant species appear
• committing an extra £1,000 to environmental projects in the area in consultation with local environmental groups and Wildlife North, and
• paying Mrs Baker £100 in recognition of her time and trouble in pursuing this complaint.

The Ombudsman commended the Council for its positive response and expressed the hope that, working with local groups and wildlife bodies, it would be able to secure the long-term future of the dunes for the benefit of all.

Remedy agreed prior to publication: 25 April 2002

Date Updated: 04/10/11