The Regulatory Committee of Lancashire Council met on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, to discuss various matters concerning public rights of way and highway diversions. Key decisions included the modification of a bridleway application in Wennington to a restricted byway, the rejection of an application to upgrade a footpath to a bridleway in Longton, and the approval of diversions for a footpath at Bramblewood and a bridleway at Kirk House Farm.

Guidance for Members

The committee reviewed updated guidance for its members, particularly concerning the law relating to the continuous review of the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way and orders made under the Highways Act 1980. This guidance incorporates considerations laid out by DEFRA, which Councillor David Howarth noted aligned with the council's existing approach. The updated guidance aims to ensure decisions are made based on a thorough analysis of admissible evidence, which can be subject to challenge at public inquiries.

Annual Progress Report

An update was provided on the progress of definitive map modification orders and public path orders. This report, a continuation of a request made in September 2020, summarises the status of all applications and investigations. It was noted that cases are not always dealt with chronologically, with priority given to those that have a greater impact on the public or landowners.

Definitive Map Investigations and Diversions

Addition of Bridleway from Wennington Road to Old Moor Road, Wennington

The committee considered an application to add a bridleway between Wennington Road and Old Moor Road. After reviewing extensive historical map and documentary evidence, the recommendation was to accept the application with a modification to recognise carriageway rights. This led to a decision to make a Definitive Map Modification Order to record the route as a restricted byway¹. This decision was proposed by Councillor Howard Hartley and seconded by Councillor Liam Thomson.

Hall Lane, Longton, South Ribble

An application to upgrade a section of Hall Lane from a footpath to a bridleway was reviewed. Despite some historical maps showing the route as a through route, the evidence was considered finely balanced. The presence of gates, the route being recorded as a footpath on the Definitive Map, and the lack of clear evidence of use beyond that of a footpath led to the recommendation to reject the application and not make a Definitive Map Modification Order. This recommendation was accepted by the committee.

Proposed Diversion of Footpath at Bramblewood, Barnacre

The committee approved an order to divert part of Footpath FP0205027 at Bramblewood. The diversion is intended to move the footpath away from the immediate vicinity of the residential property of Bramblewood for reasons of privacy and security, while providing a safe and convenient alternative route for the public. The proposed diversion was deemed expedient in the interests of the landowner and would not be substantially less convenient for the public. The order will be confirmed if there are no objections, otherwise, it will be sent to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with the authority taking a neutral stance.

Diversion of Bridleway at Kirk House Farm, Over Kellet

An application to divert part of Bridleway BW0124027 at Kirk House Farm was approved. The diversion aims to move the bridleway away from the curtilage of Kirk House Farm for privacy and security reasons, while providing a safe and convenient alternative route. The proposed diversion was considered expedient in the interests of the landowner and would not be substantially less convenient for the public. Similar to the Bramblewood diversion, the order will be confirmed if unopposed, or sent to the Secretary of State if objections are received, with the authority adopting a neutral stance.