Decision details

In 2000, an application under Schedule 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 was received for the addition of a number of public footpaths which were described by the applicant as being situated on land forming part of Ingol Golf Course, and as having been provided by the former Central Lancashire Development Corporation. Five separate sets of routes had been listed and numbered 1 to 5, and evidence in support of each route was provided.

This report considers the route referred to by the applicant as 'Route 4' – the addition of a footpath between Ingol and Walker Lane at Ingol Golf Course, Preston, as shown between points A-B-C-D on the Committee plan attached to the agenda papers.

It was reported that because the application related largely to user evidence pre-dating 2000, details of the 2005 site inspection were included in the report. This provided a better indication of what existed on the ground closer to the time that the routes were said to have been used. A further site inspection had taken place in 2019 to see what changes had occurred since the 2005 inspection.

The Committee were advised that, in addition to the user evidence, map and documentary evidence should also be considered.

Taking all of the evidence into account and noting the investigations of the Head of Service for Planning and Environment, it was suggested to Committee that on a balance of probabilities, there was sufficient evidence that the route ought to be shown as footpath.

Resolved:

(i)  That the application to add to the Definitive Map and Statement footpath lengths between Ingol and Walker Lane at Ingol Golf Course, Preston, in accordance with File No. 804-379d, be accepted.

(ii)  That an Order be made pursuant to Section 53 (2)(b) and Section 53 (3)(b) and/or Section 53 (c)(i) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to add to the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way a footpath between Ingol and Walker Lane at Ingol Golf Course, Preston as shown on Committee Plan between A-B-C-D.

(iii)  That being satisfied that the higher test for confirmation can be met the Order be promoted to confirmation.