The Regulatory Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday 3 June 2026, addressing numerous applications concerning public rights of way. Key decisions included ratifying an administrative error regarding a bridleway order, rejecting an application to add a bridleway across Farrington Moss, and rejecting an application to upgrade footpaths to bridleways in Lathom. The committee also approved multiple footpath diversion orders across various locations in Lancashire.

Ratification of Bridleway Order near Flensburg Way

The committee ratified a previous decision to confirm the Lancashire County Council Bridleway between Bannister Lane and Moss Lane adjacent to Flensburg Way Farington Definitive Map Modification Order 2025 . This decision was made following an administrative error where the order had been confirmed without returning to the committee for a final decision, as was initially intended. Councillor Mark Clifford moved the ratification, noting the lack of objections since the order was made and signage was put in place. Councillor Fred Cottam seconded the motion, which was approved by the committee.

Rejection of Bridleway Application on Farrington Moss

An application to add a bridleway across Farrington Moss, west of Flensburg Way, was rejected. Jane Turner presented the findings, stating that while Ordnance Survey maps showed the route existed and linked to other routes, there was insufficient map and documentary evidence, coupled with a lack of user evidence, to infer public bridleway or footpath rights. Simon Moore, providing legal observations, concurred that the evidence was likely insufficient to assert that a bridleway subsists. The committee, on the recommendation of officers, voted to reject the application and not make a definitive map modification order. Councillor Graeme Austin and Councillor Jones moved and seconded this decision respectively.

Rejection of Footpath to Bridleway Upgrade in Lathom

An application to upgrade footpaths along Cranes Lane and Lady Alice's Drive in Lathom to bridleways was also rejected. Jane Turner explained that despite the routes being shown on early commercial maps as significant routes, and later Ordnance Survey maps depicting them as roads, there was conflicting information regarding their status. The Tithe Award listed them as occupation roads, and crucially, no user evidence was submitted. Simon Moore concluded that the evidence was too finely balanced, particularly with references to them being private occupation roads, and therefore insufficient to make an order. Councillor Fred Cottam moved, and Councillor Jones seconded, the rejection of the application.

Diversion of Footpaths Approved Across Multiple Locations

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to approving proposed diversions of footpaths under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 and Section 53A of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. These diversions were primarily requested due to new housing developments or to address issues of privacy and security for landowners.

• Extinguishment of Footpath FP0802019 at Eavesdale, Skelmersdale: The committee approved the extinguishment of part of Footpath FP0802019. Adrian Ibison presented the case, highlighting that the path was no longer needed for public use as it passed through the playing field of the Eavesdale Family Hub. Councillor Mark Clifford moved the approval, stating it was an eminently sensible decision, and Councillor Maria Jones seconded.

• Diversion of Footpaths at The Cross Keys Inn, Whitechapel, Preston: An order was approved to divert footpaths at The Cross Keys Inn. Adrian Ibison explained the diversion was sought for privacy and security reasons for the holiday accommodation. Councillor Jones moved, and Councillor Graeme Austin seconded, the approval.

• Diversion of Footpath at Quilter Close, Accrington: A diversion of Footpath FP1105303 at Quilter Close was approved. Adrian Ibison noted this diversion was necessary due to a new housing development. Councillor David Howarth expressed frustration that such diversions were not addressed during the planning stage. Councillor Graeme Austin highlighted the insistence on a tarmac path over a cheaper option. Councillor Fred Cottam echoed concerns about developers ignoring public footpaths. Councillor Sohail Asghar declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item. Councillor David Howarth moved, and Councillor Graeme Austin seconded, the approval.

• Diversion of Footpath at De Tabley Mews, Ribchester: A footpath diversion at De Tabley Mews was approved. Adrian Ibison explained the diversion was requested due to a property sale and the creation of gardens over the public right of way. Councillor Graeme Austin noted that additional signage would be installed. Councillor Mark Clifford sought clarification on gate removal, and David Goode clarified that the pedestrian gate would be removed to create a gap. Councillor David Howarth questioned the usage of the path, and David Goode confirmed that the path continued across fields. Councillor Fred Cottam raised concerns about removing gates and the precedent of approving diversions after construction. Councillor Graeme Austin and Councillor Mark Clifford moved and seconded the approval respectively.

• Diversion of Footpath at Woodside Crescent, Newchurch, Rossendale: A footpath diversion at Woodside Crescent was approved. Adrian Ibison noted that the right-of-way had been built on and the application arose from a proposed house sale. He also raised the question of modifying steps on the alternative route. Councillor Mark Clifford proposed accepting the modification, arguing it would be harsh to impose costs on the current owner for an issue that had persisted for decades. Councillor Fred Cottam seconded.

• Diversion of Footpath at Swallows Barn, Pendleton, Ribble Valley: A footpath diversion at Swallows Barn was approved. Adrian Ibison explained the diversion was to move the route away from the farmyard and closer to the garden periphery due to concerns about dogs and young children. Councillor Mark Clifford expressed doubt about the route's usage, while Adrian Ibison clarified the applicants' concerns about dogs. Councillor Fred Cottam commented on the convenience for the landowner. David Goode provided a corrected grid reference for point B. Councillor Graeme Austin and Councillor Liam Thomson moved and seconded the approval.

• Diversion of Footpaths at Wholaw Tongue Farm, Whitewell Bottom, Rossendale: A diversion of footpaths at Wholaw Tongue Farm was approved. Adrian Ibison explained the proposal aimed to move the rights of way away from the working farmyard for safety reasons. Councillor Graeme Austin supported the diversion, citing safety as paramount in an agricultural setting. Councillor Mark Clifford moved, and Councillor Graeme Austin seconded, the approval.

Other Business

The committee noted the date of the next meeting would be Wednesday, 9 September 2026. Item 17, concerning a Definitive Map Modification Order near Flensburg Way, was dealt with at the beginning of the meeting in relation to item 8. No urgent business was raised.