Agenda item

Public Participation

Antonia Waddington spoke in objection to the application

Peter Durtnall spoke in objection to the application

Matthew Fry spoke in objection to the application.

Pamela Fisher spoke in support to the application.

Georgie Green spoke in support to the application.

Norman Beardsley spoke in support to the application.

Cllr David Scott spoke on behalf of Teffont Parish Council in support to the application. 

The Rights of Way Officer presented her report to the Committee which recommended that the Order be forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for determination, with a recommendation from Wiltshire Council that the Order be confirmed without modification.

Members of the Committee then had the opportunity to ask technical questions of the officer. Questions were asked in regards to the historic width of the bridleway. 

The Local Member, Cllr Bridget Wayman, recommended that the decision be forwarded to the Secretary of State for determination and that the order be confirmed without modification. Cllr Wayman deemed the officer’s report to be thorough and had no further comments to make. 

Members discussed the width of the path and the background information that was provided by the officer. The need to ensure access to the countryside was discussed, as well as the variety of uses for such a path. The need for a suitable width to allow passing on either side was discussed. Members debated whether the 8ft path was adequate for its purpose as a bridleway. The importance of such a path for access for villagers was emphasised and the modern use of the path was discussed. Road safety and the impact of off-road vehicles were raised. 

Resolved:

To forward the application to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for determination, with a recommendation from Wiltshire Council that the Order be confirmed without modification.