Essex Bridleways Association exists to try to create and enhance safe off-road paths for horseriders to use because of the increasing level of traffic and the danger that this brings to vulnerable road users, including horse riders but also cyclists, pedestrians and the disabled. Approximately 3,000 reported road accidents a year involve horses, often with fatal consequences.
Our input on this consultation, by the nature of it, is limited to Green Infrastructure provision as much of the consultation is related to strategic housing locations and employment areas, and where any growth should be located. However, there are advantages to our input at this early stage as by taking account of the likely infrastructure needs before planning becomes too detailed is far more useful and cost effective than if it is left to outline planning stage. Therefore, we appreciate that some of our comments may not be relevant for this current consultation but it is reasonable to assume that these comments can be taken into account also at a later stage in the drafting of the final Local Plan.
Brentwood District is reasonably well-served by bridleways but they are in isolated areas; there is no real connectivity between these pockets and this is something that should be addressed within any Green Infrastructure Plan. I note that there is a Green Infrastructure Study in progress at the moment and would welcome a copy of this when it is available. If this is still in the fact finding stage, then we would be very pleased to have an input into this with regard to the enhancement of the public rights of way network. We note point 6.9 of the consultation document states '...The links between and access to this network need to be maximised to improve their wider use. Existing green infrastructure should be protected and enhanced and where opportunities arise, in conjunction with new development, additional provision made'. We very much support this statement, and are also pleased to note that in point 6.11 that you intend to enhance and protect existing network of open spaces, and that you will seek to secure additional provision where deficiencies are identified. Essex Bridleways Association would be prepared to meet with Planning Officers to help identify this deficiency within the District if this would be of help in planning future infrastructure needs.
We note that in point 6.2 that previous consultation responses have indicated the need to have infrastructure in place before development is completed. We fully support this statement and request that Essex Bridleways Association is able to contribute to the planned infrastructure in the initial stages rather than being presented with a 'fait accompli'.
We note that in point 6.7 you state that 'Development proposals will need to consider transport infrastructure...and impact on Public Rights of Way (PRoW) and propose mitigation as necessary'. It is reasonable to assume that this covers all rights of way rather than those just for pedestrians and cyclists. Point 6.6 only mentions pedestrian, cycle and vehicular transport and we request that safe equestrian access is included within the overall transport strategy.
It is noted that overall Brentwood places a significant importance on the provision of open spaces, and this is welcomed; however it is important to ensure that access is made available to all users, not just pedestrians and cyclists. As far as Rights of Way law is concerned, bridleways can be legally used by walkers, cyclists, riders and people with mobility problems i.e. the sections of society who are recognised as vulnerable road users. From an economic point of view, it would obviously make sense to provide the public with one multi user path rather than seeking to construct a separate provision. Improvements to the infrastructure such as this can be funded by S106 contributions from any new development.
Mr Richard Benyon MP, former Minister for Natural Environment and Fisheries showed his support for multi user tracks in a letter to Anne Main MP in 2011 when he stated:
"Multi-user routes have been shown to be readily adopted and well appreciated by local people. Where they are done well they bolster community cohesion and create a better understanding between users."
Mr Benyon stated further:
"Horse riders are particularly vulnerable road users, and cycle routes can provide appropriate and important opportunities to avoid busy roads. There is potential for conflict in any situation where people share a public space, but the possibility of conflict is not reason enough to disregard ridden access; actual conflict could be resolved and any misplaced concerns reduced over time"
A recent letter from Mr Dan Rogerson, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Water, Forestry, Rural Affairs and Resource Management to Local Access Forum Chairs stated that '...I am particularly keen that you ensure that revised ROWIPScover access to woodland, as well as other land types, and consider how to provide increased provision for horse riders.' The further provision of bridleways is therefore supported by Central Government, as well as in the Rights of Way Improvement Plan currently in force.
It should be noted that horse riding is an activity that is hugely popular with women and children, two groups that are often targeted to increase their level of physical activity, and safe, off road riding would encourage this; being involved with horses and equestrian sport has immense physical and psychological benefits for all participants. It also encourages young people to become self sufficient, early risers, capable, caring, active and healthy, to take an interest in the environment, and committed to regular routines. The physical and psychological benefits of horse riding for the disabled have also been well documented. The creation of bridleways will therefore help to support and enhance the promotion of health and well being, for all sections of society.
The equestrian industry makes one of the largest financial contributions towards the local economy of any sport. It makes no demands for a built environment to be provided at taxpayers' expense, unlike swimmers, footballers, gymnasts etc. All horse riders need are safe off road tracks that form part of a network of bridleways that they can enjoy with their horse, whilst viewing the countryside and participating in invigorating exercise. One of the main benefits of bridleways is that they can be used and enjoyed not only by horse riders but also by walkers, cyclists and the disabled.
The proposal for the Dunton Garden Suburb (subject to another consultation process) refers to proposed bridleway and other links between Thorndon and Langdon Hills Country Parks, and this proposed link is very much welcomed as this will serve to enhance the connectivity between pockets of bridleway provision, opening up further areas for access by all. Again, we would very much appreciate it if Essex Bridleways Association can have some input into this at the initial planning stages. We will be responding separately in more detail on this particular individual consultation.
We therefore request that consideration at this early stage be given to the creation and enhancement of bridleways within the district, especially to link in with the other outlying rural areas outside of the district. Essex Bridleways Association would welcome the opportunity to work with the Council to fulfil this.