Agenda item

To consider the report of the Rights of Way Officer.

Public participation:

Mr Richard Hounslow spoke in objection to the Order

Mr Martin Clark spoke in objection to the Order

Ms Melanie Auchterlonie spoke in objection to the Order

Mr Martin Quigley spoke in support of the Order

Mr Guy Powell spoke in support of the Order

Mr Peter Mitchell spoke in support of the Order

Cllr mary Douglas, local member, spoke in objection to the Order.

The Rights of Way Officer presented the report which requested that members consider the evidence and objections relating to the Order.  She explained that in June 2011 Wiltshire Council had received an application from a member of the public for an Order to modify the Definitive Map and Statement by recording a footpath linking the Avon Valley Nature Reserve with Salisbury Footpath Number 11 at Stratford-sub-Castle.

She went on to explain that where a right of way has been used without interruption by the public for a period of 20 years then public rights are deemed to have been dedicated.  The 20 year period for this application was taken to be between 1977 and 1997.

There were three options available to the committee which were to support the Order, take a neutral stance or object to the Order.

Members debated the issue in detail and asked questions of the Rights of Way Officer. 

Resolved

That the confirmation of the Order is supported as made.