Object

Representation ID: 6693

Received: 14/09/2021

Respondent: The British Horse Society

The Society does not express any opinion as to the suitability of particular sites for development.

However, many of the proposed sites do impact on the existing rights of way network which needs to be protected through the planning process.

But they also offer opportunities to enhance the network by creating circular routes or connections to bridge gaps in the network. Such opportunities do not appear to be given much emphasis in the assessment of sites nor in the planning consent process. If greater focus were given to such ‘planning gains’ the ROWIP aim 3.2c: Identify opportunities to increase the size of the bridleway/multiuser network to provide more links and loops for circular rides might better be realised.

Although produced for another county, ‘Equestrians in Hampshire – a reference guide for Transport, Planners, Developers and other decision makers’ published by Hampshire Countryside Access Forum with support from Hampshire County Council and the BHS has been widely circulated beyond Hampshire, sparking interest from other authorities outside the county. We would like to work with you to create a similar document for Bedford Borough so that any proposed new bridleways, when implemented, will restore connectivity within the wider rights of way network in a way that will benefit all users, including equestrians.