The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel of Staffordshire Council met on Friday 12 June 2026 to discuss applications for public rights of way. The panel approved the addition of a public bridleway along Bridle Road in Stafford and a public footpath in Faisley Parish. However, an application to add a public footpath from the A4091 to Drayton Brick Bridge in Drayton Bassett was rejected.

Addition of Public Bridleway along Bridle Road, Stafford

The panel approved the addition of a public bridleway along an unmade section of Bridle Road in Stafford. The application, originally submitted in August 1995, was based on evidence of public use and historical documentation. Officers concluded that the legal test for a public right of way had been satisfied, with sufficient evidence to support the claim under the reasonable allegation test . While user evidence primarily supported a public footpath, historical evidence, including an 1832 quarter session order for a diversion of a public right of way, suggested higher rights. Councillor Anne Eagler raised concerns about the maintenance and safety of the route, and the potential impact on private vehicle access rights. Officers clarified that the Highway Authority would be responsible for maintenance once the order was confirmed, and that private access rights would not be affected. The panel voted six in favour of accepting the officers' recommendation to make an order adding the route as a public bridleway.

Application to Add a Public Footpath in Faisley Parish

The panel approved the addition of a public footpath between an unadopted section of Park Lane and Bonehill Canal Bridge in Faisley Parish. The application, submitted in November 2021, was supported by 31 user evidence forms, with 22 users reporting use on foot during the relevant 20-year period. Officers determined that the statutory test under Section 31 of the Highways Act 1980 had been met. However, three affected landowners, represented by Anson's solicitors, lodged a detailed objection, citing unfair process, insufficient evidence, and issues with the route's definition and continuity. Councillor Farrell, who declared an interest as a resident of Park Lane, supported the officers' conclusions but noted that the claimed route now passes through a landowner's garden and swimming pool due to changes on the ground since the application. He suggested that a diversion might be necessary in the future. Stephanie, an officer, explained that the current process focuses on establishing whether the rights existed in 2021, and a diversion could be considered if the rights are confirmed. The panel voted six in favour of making an order to add the public footpath to the definitive map and statement.

Rejection of Public Footpath Application in Drayton Bassett

The panel rejected an application for the addition of a public footpath from the A4091 opposite Salts Lane to Drayton Brick Bridge and access to the canal towpath in Drayton Bassett. The application was initially recommended for acceptance, with over 100 witness statements supporting the claim. However, further evidence, particularly concerning the presence of a locked gate on the route since at least 2001, led officers to reverse their recommendation. This gate, along with prohibitive signage and verbal challenges from the landowner, was deemed to have rendered subsequent user evidence ineffectual. Officers concluded that the use of the route was not as of right during the relevant 20-year period, and that the landowner had demonstrated a clear intention not to dedicate the route. Councillor Farrell, representing the division, expressed sympathy for Drayton Bassett residents, stating that the rejection would leave the village without three accessible footpaths. He argued that on the balance of probability, there was no sufficient gate prior to 1990 and that the route was the only safe way out of the village for pedestrians. Despite these concerns, the panel voted unanimously to reject the application based on the evidence presented. Officers noted that details regarding impassable routes would be passed to colleagues in rights of way for potential enforcement or access issue investigation.