brentwood.gov.uk

To make this Plan fully inclusive and to not discriminate against any user group, and therefore sound, we suggest that the term 'multi-user route' is used rather than singling out pedestrians and cyclists. After all, a route that is accessible on horseback is also accessible to all other users - especially the disabled in wheelchairs/mobility scooters and parents with double buggies.

Policy BE13: we note that in point B that where appropriate, bridleway connections will also be considered; however, we feel that there is a need to ensure that ALL users are catered for rather than equestrians being added as a possible afterthought which is how this policy appears to be written. Whilst the aspiration of the Plan is to encourage sustainable transport and reduce peoples' dependence on the private car, if safe off-road routes are being provided then they should be open to all users - including equestrians. It costs no more to provide a multi-user route than a footway/cycleway and this Plan should provide for both utility/commuting journeys as well as recreational ones. This point is also relevant in paragraph 5.115 where the aim is to increase cycling - this is welcome, but it is important that the concept of multi-user routes is embedded within the Plan rather than routes specifically for one user group.