South Somerset Bridleways Association
Promoting safer routes for riders
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:
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.
We are seeking anyone willing to give evidence that two bridleways have been used for riding. Somerset Council have now refused the applications on Thornhill Drove or Ash Drove near Ash, Martock (TA12). Any user evidence from the past ten years is welcome to keep these two bridleways of the map.
We will appeal this as evidence becomes available.
The BHS has condemned the decision and has said that it puts “horse riders at increasing risk on England’s roads”.
“The British Horse Society (BHS) is extremely disappointed to learn that the UK Government has broken its commitment to abolishing the 2026 deadline for saving vital off-road routes,” said a BHS spokesman.
“This decision will mean such routes across England will be lost for ever, resulting in even more restrictions when it comes to accessing the countryside.
“For horse riders, who currently have access to just 22% of the rights of way network, this decision will be particularly damaging. In 2022 alone, 68 horses were killed on Britain’s roads and 139 riders injured, therefore the protection of safe off-road routes is critical to make sure equestrians remain safe.”
https://beta.ramblers.org.uk/news/government-breaks-promise-scrap-deadline-saving-lost-paths
https://beta.ramblers.org.uk/news/how-government-told-us-about-their-u-turn-saving-lost-paths
PINS proposes to modify the definitive map to raise Underwood Lane and Dyer’s Piece Lane to Restricted Byway status along with the northern end of Westerngate Road to Bridleway Status.
The nest step is for PINS to issue the Modification Notice.
For further information and a link to the Interim Order Decision see Alan’s post below.
Our chair has been working closely with Highways England. There will be several events where you can see what the current plans for equestrians will be and have you say.
We’re hosting some themed webinars on Microsoft Teams with out project team, focusing on different topics and specialist areas. At these, one-hour-long, events our team will give a short presentation and then take questions from attendees. You can submit your questions using the chat function (which can be used anonymously).
| Webinar theme | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Walking, cycling and horse-riding, including disabled users | Monday 1 November | 3pm |
From 23 Oct 2021 at 11:00 to 23 Oct 2021 at 18:00
From 3 Nov 2021 at 11:00 to 3 Nov 2021 at 18:00
See https://highwaysengland.citizenspace.com/he/a358-taunton-to-southfields-2021consultation/ for more information.
https://roam.somerset.gov.uk/roam/Map
The bridleway near Barrow running from Stavordale Farm to New Park Farm (WN 8/15 and WN 8/16/1) has recently been fenced with barbed wire making it potentially dangerous for horses and their riders.
We would like to hear from you if rode this route before the fence went up, if you still ride it and have experienced any issues since.
Thank you.
The Planning Inspectorate have directed Somerset County council to get on with processing the following applications and it would be very helpful if anyone who has walked or ridden these routes would fill in user evidence forms (see below).
Huish Episcopi and Drayton – Huish Drove, Frog Lane, and Park Lane.
Chaffcombe/Chard – Paintmoor Lane
Merriott – Niddons Lane and Holdfast, Ham and Middlefield Lanes (these have been blocked for many years)
Charlton Mackrell – Withybed Lane (blocked at southern end)
Please scan and email your completed form to info@southsomersetbridlewaysassociation.co.uk or let us know if you’d rather send by post.
A huge thank you to Somerset Council and our friend at Mendip Bridleways and Byways Association for organising the surface improvements of Westover lane (light green line on the map below) and Lydford Lane (dark green line). They are now looking great and accessible again for riders, cyclists and walkers. Bollards are due to be installed on the bridleway section of Lydford lane in Babcary to prevent new damage by 4×4 vehicles. Until the work can be done, part of the path will be blocked to protect the condition of the route. A suitable gap will be left to allow access for legal Rights of Way users.
Somerset County Council’s Regulation Committee turned down the SSBA’s applications for the Broadway routes on 6th February.
We would like to meet with those riders and carriage drivers that are disappointed in this decision to explain the legal process and why it is so important to save these routes.
The SSBA will appeal the decision. There is still hope that our rights to these routes may not be lost if enough riders and carriage drivers engage with the process.
Please join us on Tuesday and help us save these routes.