This week, the Preston Council held two meetings, with one significant decision-making session. Here’s a breakdown of what happened:

Full Council Meeting - Cancelled

The Full Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, 27 June 2024, was cancelled. No further details were provided about the cancellation.

Regulatory Committee - Modification of Public Rights of Way

The Regulatory Committee meeting on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, focused on several key decisions regarding public rights of way across Lancashire.

Footpath Diversions at Ellel Quarry

The Committee approved the diversion of footpaths FP0113036 and FP0113037 at Ellel Quarry. The diversion aims to enhance privacy, security, and safety for the quarry, which is an active site. The new route will take walkers away from the quarry's perimeter and through a safer and more convenient path.

The diverted footpath would start at the same point but enter woods adjacent to the access track, then would divert onto an existing track away from the perimeter edge of the quarried site, before returning to the existing route, to then divert across pasture, removing it from the vicinity of the quarried site and property. This would significantly increase the privacy, security and safety of the quarry, whilst providing a route that was safe, convenient and more direct for public use.

An alternative route was proposed by the Chair but was rejected by the Committee in favour of the original recommendation.

Upgrading a Footpath to a Bridleway in Warton

The Committee also approved upgrading part of footpath 1-35-FP8 to a bridleway at Threagill Lane, Warton. Historical evidence from maps dating back to 1830 supported this decision, showing that the route had long been used as a public highway.

The evidence presented was consistent with a way that carried at least a public bridleway.

Guidance on Public Rights of Way

The Committee reviewed and approved guidance on the continuous review of the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way. This includes adhering to laws under the Highways Act 1980 and the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. Notably, Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 was updated to ensure public bodies consider and enhance biodiversity in their decisions.

These decisions reflect the council’s ongoing commitment to managing public rights of way effectively while balancing the needs of landowners and the public.