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Jan 2023

Last Updated: 17/01/2023

Community

Council to consider creating public path in Crimple valley

by Vicky Carr

| 17 Jan, 2023

Bridleway 61 (blue) and bridleway 129 (orange) could be joined by a stretch of former railway line on the Rudding Park estate (green) despite objections over a short stretch of land (red).

Plans to join two public footpaths separated by five metres of land could take a step forward on Friday.

North Yorkshire County Council is looking at whether a public path creation order could be used in the Crimple valley in south Harrogate.

It aims to link up bridleways 61 and 129 via a stretch of former railway line on the Rudding Park estate, creating a circular route near the viaduct.

Although its owners agreed in 2014 the land could be used as a bridleway, the owners of a small stretch of land required to complete the route have objected to the plans.

However, a consultation last year received more than 100 responses in support, including from nearby parish councils. A second consultation, carried out after an error in legal referencing was found in the first, received support from 58 of the same people, as well as four new.

Now, a proposal will go before the county council's corporate director for highways and transportation, Karl Battersby, and executive member Cllr Keane Duncan, to consider making a public path creation order, which could have to be approved by the Secretary of State.

The report, to be considered on Friday afternoon, said:

"The creation agreement envisaged that the two routes would connect to make a circular route.

"The ‘need’ for the route is satisfied in that it acts to connect existing routes to make a circular route, in the absence of the proposed route the existing routes end in a cul de sac which is an unsatisfactory and illogical position.

"The pre-order consultation responses clearly demonstrated public support for the making of a creation order to connect the bridleways and indicated that the route would 'add to the convenience or enjoyment of a substantial section of the public, or to the convenience of persons resident in the area'.

"The viaduct is a high value feature of the landscape and enhances the views along the length of both existing bridleways. A circular route would undoubtedly add to the convenience and enjoyment not only of persons residing in the area but also to the wider public of North Yorkshire, surrounding areas and tourists."

Controversial plan for 35 homes in Crimple Valley rejected

Consultation on bid to join bridleways in Harrogate's Crimple Valley

The landowners and tenant farmers of the affected piece of land were among four people to object to the plans during the consultation.

One pointed out that people already divert from the existing bridleways during wet weather to avoid waterlogged stretches, straying onto land used for livestock.

The objections also raised concerns about dog fouling, damage to the land and fencing, and inconsiderate parking nearby, all of which could be exacerbated by creating a new circular route, they said.

One opponent added:

"We have a situation whereby the public seem to treat the fields as parkland, literally wandering wherever they choose, which constantly damages the land by walking over grass used for grazing and twice yearly harvesting for winter feed."

However, the report due to be considered by NYCC on Friday said it does not expect there to be any "significant increase" in users of the bridleway.

The report also reveals that the Rudding Park estate has said it will withdraw consent for the bridleway on the former railway line if the circular route cannot be created.

If the county council decides to make the public path creation order, it would have to issue a notice of doing so to all local landowners and other organisations affected. If any objections are received, they would have to be considered by the Secretary of State before the order could be confirmed.

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Council to consider creating public path in Crimple valley

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