The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel of Staffordshire Council met on Friday 13 March 2026. The panel authorized the confirmation of a definitive map modification order for a public footpath at Gamesley Bridge and voted to reject an application to add a public footpath between Forge Lane and Little Aston Lane in Shenstone parish.

Confirmation of Definitive Map Modification Order

The panel considered a report seeking authority to confirm a definitive map modification order under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This order adds a public footpath at Gamesley Bridge along a route previously authorized by the panel on 18 July 2025. The order was made and published, and no objections were received, allowing for its confirmation without modification.

Application to Add Public Footpath from Forge Lane to Little Aston Lane, Shenstone

An application to add a public footpath, locally known as the Fieldway, between Forge Lane and Little Aston Lane in the parish of Shenstone was considered. The application was submitted by Shenstone Parish Council based on evidence of public use.

The route in question runs alongside Aston Wood Golf Course and includes a section known as the Turning Circle near Little Aston Primary School. The application was assessed under Section 31 of the Highways Act 1980 and common law.

Evidence presented included 58 user evidence forms, with 15 users providing plans detailing their use of the route. Officers noted that the probity of the evidence was weakened as the majority of users did not provide plans, making it difficult to ascertain the exact line of the route used.

Conflicting evidence emerged regarding landowner actions to prevent public use. Users reported the route was unhindered until January 2019, when access was blocked by Little Aston Primary School with a locked gate and fencing. However, there was also evidence of private property signs erected by Aston Wood Golf Club from 2005. Furthermore, barriers were installed at Forge Lane in 1998, which the school stated were locked at certain times, potentially hindering access from that end.

Officers concluded that, on balance of probabilities, the evidence did not meet the legal tests to establish the existence of a public footpath. The panel voted unanimously to accept the officer's recommendation to reject the application and not make an order to add the route to the definitive map and statement of public rights of way.