Comment
Draft Local Plan
Representation ID: 13535
Received: 22/03/2016
Respondent: Essex Bridleways Association
In Para 10.34 ensure that the inclusion of routes for equestrians are included. It should be noted that Bridleways are the best-value multi-user path that can be created as they can be legally used by pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists.
Policy 10.5 - Public Realm
We note that in paragraph 10.34 that it is intended that the public realm will encourage walking and cycling. We request that, where practical, the inclusion of equestrians is specified within new developments rather than ignoring this specific user group. It should be noted that Bridleways are the best-value multi-user path that can be created as they can be legally used by pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists. By only creating cycle paths, a large user group (which contributes considerably to the local economy) is ignored, and equestrians are the most un-provided for when it comes to safe off-road riding. Many riders do not venture onto the ever-busy roads because of the volume and speed of traffic - after all over 3000 accidents occur within the UK with horse riders and motor vehicles