Footpath to Bridleway?

 

Start of new surface

FOOTPATH 29 – Could it be a Bridleway?

With the resurfacing of the lower few metres of Footpath 29 at Webbs Farm Close to Mill Springs Bus Bay and the rear Testbourne school gate, the question arises again as to whether the designation of the Public Right of Way should be amended from Footpath to Bridleway.

Archaic law

Currently Footpath 29 is restricted to foot use only and those using cycles or horses are prohibited. The law on the right of way is archaic and it can be argued not fit for purpose. 

Cyclists do not have a 'right of way' on public footpaths, but they are not committing a crime. They are committing the tort of trespass against the landowner, who is the only person who can seek a judicial remedy -– i.e. damages. 

The newly surfaced section of FP29

If you aren't doing any damage then all the landowner can do is ask you to leave. Should you refuse they can call the police and argue a case to have you removed. Realistically this doesn't very often happen!

And then? 

It will still remain a civil matter and the owner would have to pursue you for damages through the civil courts, a very expensive option.

However, regarding Footpath 29, there is a very strong historical case including some clear evidence that it served as a Bridleway in the past, serving local farms. This has led to a current application to have Footpath 29 officially, some would say correctly, designated as a Bridleway. 

Networks and links

From a cycling point of view designating the lower newly resurfaced part as a bridleway, or even as a shared use path, would make a lot of sense. The short resurfaced section joins into the new cycle route to Nun's Walk and Tufton and would provide a link for cycling to school (or even by horse should you wish to travel that way!).  Nun's Walk could also be designated as a Green Lane with access for light local traffic only, providing a safer access to the Test valley, Longparish and the National Cycle Network Route 246.

In addition if the upper unsurfaced section of Footpath 29 were designated as a bridleway, it could create a direct link to the Mill Springs sports pitches/open space as well as providing a route out into the countryside, again promoting active travel and tourism.

Winchester Road

This needs improvement
along Winchester Road

As a supplementary issue, some have called for the footway on Winchester Road between Webbs Farm Close and Micheldever Road to be improved.
Again this makes much sense and provide a much safer pedestrian and cycle route link to the town centre as well as to the Primary School. If the additional Mill Springs housing development takes place such a route would be highly beneficial, as well as it linking directly to the Tufton path.

Summary

In summary, development of a safer network for walking and cycling would greatly benefit the town. It would encourage use of 'greener' and 'active' travel for local school, shopping and business journeys, promote tourism and leisure activity, assist the climate emergency, reduce pollution and assist in reducing the congestion on the roads. These would also relate to some of the Neighbourhood Plan policies.

Designation of FP29 as a Bridleway would help enable all this.

And on horse use

Whilst this 'article' has focussed on cycling, a lot of recognition for the equestrian fraternity should be given particularly for their excellent work in making a case to Hampshire County Council for Footpath 29 to be officially designated as a Bridleway. Their strong case has been submitted to Hampshire County Council for consideration. Unfortunately it is a very long drawn out process. 

Let us hope it happens sooner rather than later.

A map showing suggested links and proposals to improve network:

Tranquil Nun's Walk to become a Rat run?

MILL SPRINGS WHITCHURCH – Effect on Countryside access

The tranquil single track Nun’s Walk country lane is one of the most popular routes for cyclists who as individuals, families and groups use it to access the lovely countryside and the valley of the River Test south west of Whitchurch.
It is at threat of being overrun with motor vehicles, increasing danger for all, and destroying the tranquility of a beautiful area of our countryside.

Nun’s Walk – a narrow, pleasant green lane

The narrow rural lane is a direct access to Sustrans National Cycle Route NCN246, was part of the Jubilee Cycle Trail introduced this year and is regularly used by both cycle events and cycling groups to visit the town bringing trade and custom.

It is also a popular walking link to local footpaths joining with the Test Way and towards Longparish and used by local farm vehicles.

The new cycle route to Nun’s Walk

Safe access under threat
The importance of this single track road was recognised by this year’s welcome construction of a new cycle path link by Hampshire County Council to make access safer for walking and cycling between Whitchurch and the River Test and surrounding area.

Improvements were also made to ease access through the dangerous A34 slip roads. was that superfluous? The safety implications at the Tufton junction are now very concerning as many more vehicles will be turning into Nun’s Walk towards Tufton/Hurstbourne Priors/Longparish. The potential for serious collisions has multiplied massively.

200+ houses
Yet that safety is now under serious threat of being compromised by a proposal to build a further 200+ houses and associated facilities at Mill Springs on the southern edge of Whitchurch, right where that new cycle route starts.

A Dangerous Rat Run
Approval of this application would encourage Nun’s Walk and Tufton to become a drivers’ rat run through to Andover and the B3400.

It would become the shortest route and reduce the distance by nearly a mile as Mill Springs homeowners will be seeking avoid the already heavily congested and restricted Whitchurch town centre.

There are no plans in the application deal with the traffic generation on this narrow rural lane.

• To the motorist using Nun’s Walk would be a no-brainer – shorter, cheaper on fuel, faster, with no school runs, HGVs, refuse collections, supermarket lorries or buses to contend with. And it misses the notorious Micheldever Road junction and the clogged roundabout.
  
  
• To those cycling, walking, riding horses or who live and work in the countryside, it will mean suffering increased danger, pollution, speeding drivers, noise and road damage.

Single track lane

Increased traffic
In addition, a new medical facility is also proposed on the land which will also encourage use of Nun’s Walk from the surrounding areas, further increasing pressure on this narrow green lane. Meanwhile villages such as Longparish are also likely to affected as drivers use it as a shortcut to access the A303 to avoid the Bullington interchange.

Local Council representations
Longparish and Hurstbourne views:
It is notable and pleasing that both Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors Parish Councils have lodged official objections both citing the effect the detrimental proposals would have on Nun’s Walk.
Whitchurch views:
Whitchurch Town Council‘s Development Committee took a decision not to object although it is not a preferred site in the local Neighbourhood Plan. This Plan which was adopted by a 93% in favour Referendum also supports ‘Access to the River Test’ which Nun’s Walk provides so this view is bewildering.

However there is still the opportunity to raise these issues with the planners as the ultimate decisions are made by Basingstoke and Deane.

Do we want Nun’s Walk and this access to the Test to be overrun by traffic?

PLEASE OBJECT
The application (ref: 22/03219/FUL) can be seen here and comments should be registered with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council:


https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=RM5MFRCR0AQ00&activeTab=summary

Next stage
The planning application now rests with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.
This proposal in its current form will adversely affect the safety, enjoyment and biodiversity of a large area of beautiful sensitive Hampshire countryside.
Let them know how you feel and let’s hope they make the right decision – and reject this application.

The River Test, off Nun’s Walk