Rights of Way Panel Item 3

19 July 2001

Site Visit held on 9 July 2001 - Crawley Bridleway No. 7 and Littleton Bridleway No. 2

Report of the Chief Executive

Contact: Christine Blunt, ext 5751

Present:

J.V. Bryant (Vice-Chairman), E. Gale, Mrs. P.G.E. Holden-Brown, Mrs. C.A. Laversha, A.W. Rice TD.

The Local Member, Councillor Mrs. A. Bailey, attended for the visit.

Crawley Bridleway No. 7 and Littleton Bridleway No. 2 - Claim to Upgrade to Byway Open to All Traffic

At their meeting on 25 January 2001, Members gave consideration to the application to upgrade Bridleway No. 7 in the Parish of Crawley and Bridleway No. 2 in the Parish of Littleton to Byway Open to all Traffic. (A copy of the report is attached). Members resolved that before coming to a decision a site visit should be held to view the bridleways. Due to the onset of Foot and Mouth Disease the visit had had to be postponed until the precautions placed upon the rights of way network had been lifted.

Members visited the bridleways on Monday, 9 July 2001 accompanied by the applicant, landowners, representatives from Winchester City Council; Crawley Parish Council; Littleton and Harestock Parish Council; the Ramblers' Association; Trail Riders Fellowship; All Wheel Drive Club; and the ACU (Southern Region).

The Rights of Way Officer reminded those present of the factual details of the case which were set out in the report to the Panel in January, and the applicant Mr. D. Tilbury, representing LARA, explained the reasons for submitting his application.

Concerns were expressed by the Local Member, Councillor Mrs. A. Bailey and the Parish Council representatives at the implications of the change of status of the bridleways as they feared it would lead to a substantial reduction in the enjoyment of the path by having a detrimental affect upon the flora and fauna. They considered the path, in the wooded area, to be too narrow to accommodate four-wheeled vehicles. Councillor Mrs. Bailey also expressed concern at the loss of the field margin when so few of the type remained. Users of the path drew attention to its tranquil surroundings. The representative from Littleton and Harestock Parish Council requested that in the event of the confirmation of the upgrading of the route to B.O.A.T. status, traffic restrictions be considered for the route.

4DR500701