Decision details

A report was presented on an application for the addition of a bridleway and upgrade to bridleway of Footpaths Bacup 651 and 527 (part) from Blackwood Road and Newchurch Road to Acre Mill Road, Bacup, Rossendale Borough on the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way, in accordance with File No. 804-520.

The Committee noted that substantial user evidence had been provided by the applicant and that some changes had been made to the site since the application had been submitted.  The route in question was a very long route with lots of different access points.

A site inspection had been carried out in February 2017.  The Committee noted that the application route consisted of a network of paths exiting onto public vehicular highways at 5 separate points, with parts of the route following alongside the River Irwell.  The route was signed and promoted as part of Stacksteads Riverside Park and part was also recognised as the Irwell Sculpture trail.

It was reported that part of the route was recorded as a public footpath (between points B-C and points N-O-J-K-L-M, as shown on the Committee plan attached to the agenda papers).  The remainder of the route had no publicly recorded status.  Part of the route (between points A-B-C-H-I-J-K-L-M) had been identified as part of the East Lancashire Cycleway but was not currently recorded as a cycleway or bridleway.

Resolved: 

(i)  That the application for the addition of and upgrade to bridleway, in

accordance with File No. 804-565, be accepted in part.

(ii)  That an Order(s) be made pursuant to Section 53(2)(b) and Section 53(3)(b) and Section 53(3)(c)(i) and (ii) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to add a bridleway and upgrade to bridleway Footpaths Bacup 651 and 527 (part) on the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way, as shown on the Committee Plan between points A-B-C-D-E-G, C-H-I-J-K-L-M and J-ON.

(iii)  That, being satisfied that the test for confirmation can be met the said Order(s) be promoted to confirmation if necessary by submission to the Secretary of State.

(iv)  That the application for sections D-H and E-F be not accepted.