In May 2008 the SSBA submitted an application to have the footpath over Whitemoor Hill in Chaffcombe recorded as a restricted byway.
In December 2015 the council agreed with our evidence and made an order to record the route as a restricted byway.
There was an objection from the serial objector and so some years later, in November 2023, the Planning Inspectorate called a hearing in Chard to decide the case.
A local resident then joined with the objectors, although he freely admitted that he knew horse riders had always used the route without challenge.
Now finally we have the result, which is a confirmation of the order.
There are now restricted byway rights recorded along Whitemoor Hill and there can be no challenge to anyone riding or carriage driving, or cycling, over Whitemoor Hill. The legal process does take such a long time. Nothing has changed on the ground, it is just the legal record which is has been amended.
Every five years, the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) team create a Management Plan to help guide the work and activities of all organisations, groups and individuals with a responsibility or interest in the Blackdown Hills.
A communication from the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) directing the council to determine the three applications for routes in Chilworthy (Ilminster/Donyatt/Combe St. Nicholas area).
In theory, the council must process them by the end of 2024 (18 months from now), so at least it moves these three forward.
The bridleway, Forest Lane and Brooms Lane, path numbers CH 7/22 and CH 11/14, which runs from Combe St. Nicholas to Donyatt, has become impassable due to overgrowth of brambles, poaching around the stream crossing, and a very awkward gate.
We have agreed with the area warden that she is going to close the path until the autumn. As the path will be officially closed, it places it high up the queue for remedial works. These works will be commenced in September as soon as the bird nesting season is over. Starting from the Combe St. Nicholas end, the planned works are:
adjusting the latch on the gate going into the field
clear the brambles to give a 3 meter width on the section along the field edge that goes down to the stream. This is heavy clay, and so poached that in some areas the surface is churned up to a depth of over half a meter. Letting more sunshine and air onto the surface, and widening it so the wear will be more spread should help in the long term.
creating a sleeper bridge over the stream close to the pedestrian sleeper bridge with guard rails and a suitable surface (the bank is firmer here and it will be away from the area being poached by cattle)
moving the awkward gate a few yards back so there is more manoeuvring space and it is not on such an incline
installing a short section of post and rail fence above where the stream turns eastwards
clearing the path through the spinney
repairing or replacing the gate at the bottom of the concrete track by the road
We never like hearing that a path is going to be closed on a temporary basis, but if it means it will be put into better order sooner rather than later, we are happy to support the council. After the path is reopened, it will be added to the list for biannual vegetation clearance.