The Regulatory Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, to discuss and make decisions on several matters relating to public rights of way. The committee approved recommendations for the addition of bridleways and footpaths in various locations, including Higher Simpson Fold, Eyes Lane, Arkmere Lane, and Coronation Field, and also considered a progress report on previous committee items.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Definitive Map Investigation: Higher Simpson Fold, Higher Wheelton

The committee considered an investigation into the line and width of public footpaths at Higher Simpson Fold, Higher Wheelton, following applications from local residents. The decision was made to approve recommendations that would modify the definitive map and statement to add a public footpath along a specific line (A-C), delete a section of an existing footpath (A-B), record the full width of the footpath rights along a particular section (A to X), and note a limitation for a gate at point X. This decision was based on a thorough examination of historical map and documentary evidence, concluding that the original recording of the footpath's line and width was incorrect in places.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Definitive Map Investigation: Addition of Bridleway over Eyes Lane, Newburgh and Parbold

An application to record bridleway rights over Eyes Lane, from Culvert Lane, Newburgh, to Chorley Road, Parbold, was discussed. The committee approved recommendations to accept the application in part, recording footpath rights across a railway crossing (A-X) and restricted byway rights along another section (X-B). A Definitive Map Modification Order was to be made to reflect these findings and promoted for confirmation. The decision was based on historical map and documentary evidence, which indicated that while a public road existed along part of the route (A-B), a through route along the entire length was not established until the early 1960s.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Definitive Map Investigation: Addition of Bridleway from Arkmere Lane to Higher Lane via Sands Bottom, Nether Wyresdale

The committee considered an application to add a bridleway from Arkmere Lane to Higher Lane via Sands Bottom, Nether Wyresdale. The decision was to accept the application with a modification to recognise carriageway rights, and to make a Definitive Map Modification Order to add a restricted byway. This decision was supported by historical map and documentary evidence, including early commercial maps and tithe maps, which suggested the route existed as a substantial bounded route capable of vehicular use until at least the mid-1800s.

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Definitive Map Investigation: Public Footpaths at Coronation Field, Lancaster City Definitive Map Modification Order 2015

The committee was asked to make a further decision on the confirmation of an order to add public footpaths at Coronation Field, Lancaster City. Following further investigations and consideration of the evidence, including user evidence submitted in 2012, the committee agreed that there was sufficient evidence to confirm the order. This decision was made after an initial concern in 2014 that the higher test for confirmation might not be met, but with the landowner's objection subsequently withdrawn and the applicants now owning the land, the committee was satisfied that the routes exist as public footpaths.

Progress Report on Previous Committee Items

A progress report on previous committee items was presented and noted by the committee. This report provided an update on the status of definitive map modification orders and public path orders since the previous meeting. It was highlighted that two paralegals had recently been appointed, which was seen as beneficial for the procedures undertaken by the committee.

Highways Act 1980 - Section 119 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 - Section 53A Diversion of Footpath at Written Stone Farm, Longridge

An application for the diversion of part of Footpath FP0302021 at Written Stone Farm, Longridge, was considered. The committee approved the making of an Order to divert the footpath, with the intention that if no objections were received, the Order would be confirmed. If objections were received, the Order would be submitted to the Secretary of State, with the authority taking a neutral stance. The diversion was deemed expedient in the interests of the owners for privacy and security, providing a route considered safe and convenient for public use.

Highways Act 1980 - Section 119 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 - Section 53A Diversion of Footpath at The Weald, Cottam

The committee also approved an application for the diversion of part of Footpath FP0608003 at The Weald, Cottam. Similar to the Written Stone Farm diversion, an Order would be made, and if unopposed, confirmed. If objections arose, the Order would be submitted to the Secretary of State with the authority remaining neutral. This diversion was considered expedient for the privacy and security of residents, with the proposed alternative route deemed safe and convenient for public use.

The meeting concluded with a note on the date of the next meeting.