22nd August 2025
Henley and Thame MP Freddie Van Mierlo has welcomed the forthcoming Rural Design Guidance (RDG), which will play an important role in shaping active travel routes such as the planned Thame-Haddenham Greenway.
Responding to correspondence from Active Travel England, Mr Van Mierlo said:
“I welcome the forthcoming rural design guidance, which will be helpful for the Thame-Haddenham Greenway and I am pleased that Oxfordshire County Council have responded to the consultation.”
The new guidance, currently being developed by Active Travel England, will confirm that Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) can be used to assemble land for active travel routes. It will also provide high-level principles and best practice for local authorities, covering everything from negotiating with landowners to preparing the business case for new routes.
Active Travel England confirmed that a wide range of organisations are being consulted on the guidance, including the British Horse Society, Cycling UK, the Canal & River Trust, the Department for Transport, and Disabled Ramblers, alongside Oxfordshire County Council and other local authorities.
Mr Van Mierlo highlighted that the guidance will help move forward the Thame-Haddenham Greenway project, a much-anticipated walking and cycling route that will improve connectivity between the two towns while encouraging sustainable travel.
Further rounds of consultation on the Rural Design Guidance are expected to involve additional organisations such as the National Trust, Natural England, Sustrans, and Network Rail.
