Decision details

A report was presented on the proposed diversion of part of Coppull Bridleway 22, Chorley Borough.

The Committee noted that a request had been received from Miller Homes North West for an Order to be made under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 to divert part of Coppull Bridleway 22 in the vicinity of the Coppull Enterprise Centre, Mill Lane, Coppull, PR7 5BW.

The proposed diversion was in connection with a planned development of residential properties on disused land to the west and north of the Coppull Enterprise Centre.  The diversion, if successful, would alter the point at which the bridleway crossed the access road.

David Goode pointed out an error on page 33 of the agenda papers which read 'in the interests of the owner of the land……..'.  The Committee noted that this should have read 'in the interests of the public'……  and the reasons for this were that the proposed route would provide a safer crossing of the access road by crossing it straight rather than obliquely and at a point with better visibility. Furthermore new houses would be built and therefore the derelict land would be put to use and increase the housing stock. 

The Committee noted that the necessary consultation with the statutory undertakers had been carried out and that no adverse comments or objections to the proposal had been received.  In addition, Chorley Borough Council, Coppull Parish Council, The British Horse Society, Peak and Northern Footpaths Society and Chorley Ramblers had not objected to the proposals.

Resolved:

The Committee agreed, subject to changes being made to the report about the proposal being in the public's interest:

(i)  That an Order be made under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 to divert part of Coppull Bridleway 22, from the route shown by a bold continuous line and marked A-B to the route shown by a bold dashed line and marked A-C-B on the attached plan;

(ii)  That in the event of no objections being received, the Order be confirmed and in the event of objections being received and not withdrawn, the Order be sent to the Secretary of State and the Authority take a neutral stance with respect to its confirmation;

(iii)  That provision be included in the Order such that it is also made under Section 53A of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, to amend the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way in consequence of the coming into operation of the diversion.