The Regulatory Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday 12 November 2025, approving recommendations on several public rights of way matters. The committee considered applications to upgrade footpaths to bridleways in Whalley and Read, and on Green Lane in Morecambe, as well as an investigation into a footpath at Stoneleigh, Dalton. Additionally, decisions were made regarding the extinguishment and creation of footpaths at Carraway Green, Goosnargh, and the diversion of a footpath at Bowker's Green, Aughton.

Upgrading Footpath to Bridleway along Old Coal Staithe, Whalley and Read

The committee approved the recommendation to upgrade a footpath along Old Coal Staithe, in the parishes of Whalley and Read, to a bridleway. The application, supported by historical map and documentary evidence, suggested the route had been capable of use by the public on horseback since at least the 1830s. While the route was historically a through route, potentially used for coal mining activities and providing a link between Morton Hall and Read Hall, the evidence for actual public use on horseback was not conclusive. The public rights of way officer described the matter as finely balanced but concluded there was insufficient evidence to dedicate the route as a bridleway.

Upgrading Footpath to Bridleway on Green Lane, Morecambe

The committee also approved the recommendation to upgrade the public footpath known as Green Lane, in Morecambe, to a bridleway. Historical maps and documents indicated that the route existed as a through route from the late 1700s or early 1800s, forming part of the public vehicle highway network. Despite being recorded as a footpath in the 1950s, highway adoption records suggested it was historically considered a route carrying public vehicle rights. A handwritten note on a Section 38 agreement referred to the route as an ancient highway. The evidence strongly suggested the route was dedicated as a public carriageway and had been used by vehicles, horses, and pedestrians.

Investigation into Public Footpath at Stoneleigh, Dalton

The committee approved the recommendation to investigate and correct the particulars of the public footpath at Stoneleigh, Dalton. An investigation revealed that the line of the footpath on the definitive map and statement was recorded along the western edge of a field boundary, whereas historical evidence indicated the route ran along the eastern side of the field boundary, passing through the curtilage of Stoneleigh. Officers concluded that the revised definitive map appeared to be in error, and a definitive map modification order was necessary to record the footpath correctly.

Extinguishment and Creation of Footpaths at Caraway Green, Goosnargh

The committee approved the recommendations for the concurrent extinguishment and creation of footpaths around Caraway Green, Goosnargh, Preston. This proposal aims to remove public rights of way through ten private dwellings on the Carraway Green housing estate, a school field, and across three fields. These will be replaced by new footpaths connecting the housing estate to Mill Lane, a footpath at the end of Chingle Hall Crescent, and a footpath along a farm access track. It was noted that parts of existing footpaths southwest of point B and between points B and C are currently impassable and not affected by this proposal, with discussions ongoing to resolve these issues. Councillor Cottenham raised a pertinent point regarding houses being built over public footpaths, which was acknowledged by David Goode, who stated that the developer was covering the costs of rectifying the situation.

Diversion of Footpath at Bowker's Green, Aughton

The committee approved the recommendations for the diversion of part of Footpath FP0804018 at Bowker's Green, Aughton, West Lancashire. The proposed diversion involves altering the route from a solid black line (AB) to a new line (ACD). The existing route was described as overgrown and difficult to pass through, particularly near a wooded area. The alternative route is a clear walked line, meeting an access track that is partly built for an electricity substation. Concerns had been raised regarding the proposed diversion, but the committee's decision indicates these were addressed.

Progress Report on Previous Committee Items

The committee received and approved the progress report on previous committee items. This report provided an update on definitive map modification orders and public path orders since the previous Regulatory Committee meeting in September. Councillor Shaw raised a question regarding an objection received for a matter at Mellinmore, which was clarified by an officer.