Issue - meetings

This report seeks a decision on whether to make a legal order to create Public Bridleway No.120 (Caterham Valley) on Public Footpath No.120 (Caterham Valley). One objection has been received.

The officer’s recommendation is that an Order should be made on the grounds that it is needed for public use.

(Report and 3 annexes attached).

The Local Committee (Tandridge)  RESOLVED to agree that:

i. A creation order is made under section 26 of the Highways Act 1980, to create Public Bridleway No.120 (Caterham Valley) onto the line of Public Footpath No. 120 (Caterham Valley),shown A – B on Drg. No. 3/1/325/H5 as dated 27/10/2016 and that if any objections are received and maintained to the Order that it is submitted to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for determination.

Officers attending: Debbie Prismall, Senior Countryside Access Officer, Joanne Porter, Countryside Access Assistant.

Speaking in support:

Mrs Avril Sleeman, Access Officer, British Horse Society, had registered to speak in support of the proposal. Mrs Sleeman spoke for 3 minutes, during which time she outlined her reasons for supporting the proposals, including:

·         Have used the route for many years because there are no barriers to deter horse riders.

·         Bridge was designated a bridleway in 2004 and a new bridge built in 2007.

·         Horses get frightened by the cars if you take them along the A22 embankment.

·         The Horse Society has offered to pay compensation to the landowner.

·         The route is an important link and much needed for safety.

The Senior Countryside Access Officer stated that the current route along the A22 embankment is not safe for horses, and is a long way around.

Member discussion – key points:

·         The Divisional Member for Caterham Valley stated that the decision was an obvious one that he fully supports. No signage is required, and the current signage incorrectly indicates it is a cycle route already.

·         The Ward Member for Harestone asked about what would happen to the embankment if the recommendation is approved. The Senior Countryside Access Officer confirmed that this would remain as highway verge.

·         In response to a question about the reasons why the landowner had objected, the Senior Countryside Access Officer confirmed that the landowner had indicated the reason for objecting to the proposals was that he did not want horseriders to have formal use of the route.

·         Mr Hodge proposed an amendment to the recommendation, as detailed below, and this was seconded by Mr McIntosh, and agreed by the committee.

Vote:

The committee held a vote with a show of hands, and all 8 members present voted FOR the officer’s recommendation. 

Resolution:

The Local Committee (Tandridge)  RESOLVED to agree that:

i. A creation order is made under section 26 of the Highways Act 1980, to create Public Bridleway No.120 (Caterham Valley) onto the line of Public Footpath No. 120 (Caterham Valley),shown A – B on Drg. No. 3/1/325/H5 as dated 27/10/2016 and that if any objections are received and maintained to the Order that it is submitted to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for determination.

Reasons:

Officers are of the view that the criteria for making a creation order have been met.

The new route will benefit the public by providing a useful, safer link in the rights of

way network for horse riders and cyclists.