Upgrading (to bridleway) footpaths nos. 124 and 126 to bridleways at Craig yr Allt in the Community of Goetre Fawr
I have received, from Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, a consultation letter, plan and aerial photograph for the application to modify the Definitive Map and Statement by upgrading footpaths nos. 124 and 126 to bridleways at Craig yr Allt in the Community of Goetre Fawr, County of Monmouthshire. In order for the Authority to consider this application with the benefit of as much background information as possible, they invite observations you wish to make before 18 May, 2018. The notice I have received includes too much information to replicate here. If you would like further information, please e-mail me at [email protected]. If you could let me have your comments by 11th May, it will give me time to collate and reply. Phil O’Shea
| Upgrading (to bridleway) of footpaths nos. 124 and 126 to bridleways at Craig yr Allt in the Community of Goetre Fawr.
Response to BNPA on 9.5.18 Some sections of the current FP that would be problematic as a bridal way in that it is narrow and muddy and not very suitable for mixed riding and walking use. Some sections appear satisfactory, whilst other sections could be problematic if walkers and riders have to pass each other. Additionally, it would not take much horse traffic to make it impassable for walkers. Consequently, we would like assurances that the current FP will remain usable for walkers if the route were to become a bridal way. The response from BBNP on 10.5.18 As this application is for a Definitive Map Modification Order the basis for the application is that horses are already using the route and have been doing so for several decades. So, whatever the condition of the route at the present time, it already includes horse traffic. Eifion has not walked the whole route but the section that he has walked is sufficiently wide to take mixed use. As this is an application based on evidence of use, the Authority will have to decide if the route has already become a bridleway (through prescriptive use). It will not be able to take into account the effect (if any) that horses are having on the route or the suitability of the route for mixed traffic. It will be concerned with the question of whether rights for equestrians have already been accrued or not. Whilst the Authority cannot address your final request as part of its deliberations it would appear, given the historic use of the footpath by horses, that there is no conflict between walkers and horses and, that the use of horses is not making the footpath less suitable for walkers. Clearly, the Authority cannot give assurances that the situation will not change in future but, given the length of time that horses have already been using the footpath, it would seem unlikely that the position would change.
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