Agenda item

Consider and comment on the representations received to an Order, made under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980, proposing to divert a section of Purton Bridleway 104. 

Public Participation:

Mr Alan Roberts spoke in objection to the item.

Dr Richard Pagett spoke in objection to the item.

Mr Brian Freegard spoke in objection to the item.

Mr Richard Moseley spoke in support of the item.

Mr George Hawkseworth spoke in support of the item.

Cllr John Crawford, Purton Parish Council, spoke in objection to the item.

The Rights of Way Officer introduced the item and presented the report, which recommended the Order be referred to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with the recommendation it be confirmed as made. Attention was also drawn to the late list of observations provided at the meeting.

The Rights of Way Officer outlined the history of the order and the current condition of the original and diverted bridleways, stressing that the diversion order had been made in the interests of the general public and the landowner, and that the legal criteria to support the order had been met.

The officer clarified that the options available for the Committee were to abandon the order, or to go with the officer’s recommendation.

Members of the public then had the opportunity to address the Committee on the item, as detailed above.

The Committee then had the opportunity to further discuss the proposals.

It was,

Resolved:

That the Order be referred to the Secretary of State for DEFRA for determination with the recommendation that it be confirmed as made.