West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version

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Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59389

Received: 28/01/2022

Respondent: Mr Andrew Morris

Representation Summary:

A good solid plan that supports the views of the residents of West Wickham.

Full text:

A good solid plan that supports the views of the residents of West Wickham.

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59411

Received: 27/01/2022

Respondent: ESP Utilities Group LTD

Representation Summary:

We don’t have any networks in this area so we are not affected by your works.

Full text:

Good afternoon,

We don’t have any networks in this area so we are not affected by your works.

Kind regards,

Plant Responses Team
ESP Utilities Group

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59412

Received: 26/01/2022

Respondent: Natural England

Representation Summary:

Natural England does not have any specific comments on this public consultation submission

Attachments:

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59413

Received: 21/01/2022

Respondent: Sport England

Representation Summary:

Provides advice on role of Sport England in planning.

Full text:

Thank you for consulting Sport England on the above neighbourhood plan.

Government planning policy, within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), identifies how the planning system can play an important role in facilitating social interaction and creating healthy, inclusive communities. Encouraging communities to become more physically active through walking, cycling, informal recreation and formal sport plays an important part in this process. Providing enough sports facilities of the right quality and type in the right places is vital to achieving this aim. This means that positive planning for sport, protection from the unnecessary loss of sports facilities, along with an integrated approach to providing new housing and employment land with community facilities is important.

It is essential therefore that the neighbourhood plan reflects and complies with national planning policy for sport as set out in the NPPF with particular reference to Pars 98 and 99. It is also important to be aware of Sport England’s statutory consultee role in protecting playing fields and the presumption against the loss of playing field land. Sport England’s playing fields policy is set out in our Playing Fields Policy and Guidance document.
https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/facilities-and-planning/planning-for-sport#playing_fields_policy

Sport England provides guidance on developing planning policy for sport and further information can be found via the link below. Vital to the development and implementation of planning policy is the evidence base on which it is founded.
https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/facilities-and-planning/planning-for-sport#planning_applications

Sport England works with local authorities to ensure their Local Plan is underpinned by robust and up to date evidence. In line with Par 99 of the NPPF, this takes the form of assessments of need and strategies for indoor and outdoor sports facilities. A neighbourhood planning body should look to see if the relevant local authority has prepared a playing pitch strategy or other indoor/outdoor sports facility strategy. If it has then this could provide useful evidence for the neighbourhood plan and save the neighbourhood planning body time and resources gathering their own evidence. It is important that a neighbourhood plan reflects the recommendations and actions set out in any such strategies, including those which may specifically relate to the neighbourhood area, and that any local investment opportunities, such as the Community Infrastructure Levy, are utilised to support their delivery.

Where such evidence does not already exist then relevant planning policies in a neighbourhood plan should be based on a proportionate assessment of the need for sporting provision in its area. Developed in consultation with the local sporting and wider community any assessment should be used to provide key recommendations and deliverable actions. These should set out what provision is required to ensure the current and future needs of the community for sport can be met and, in turn, be able to support the development and implementation of planning policies. Sport England’s guidance on assessing needs may help with such work.
http://www.sportengland.org/planningtoolsandguidance

If new or improved sports facilities are proposed Sport England recommend you ensure they are fit for purpose and designed in accordance with our design guidance notes.
http://www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning/tools-guidance/design-and-cost-guidance/

Any new housing developments will generate additional demand for sport. If existing sports facilities do not have the capacity to absorb the additional demand, then planning policies should look to ensure that new sports facilities, or improvements to existing sports facilities, are secured and delivered. Proposed actions to meet the demand should accord with any approved local plan or neighbourhood plan policy for social infrastructure, along with priorities resulting from any assessment of need, or set out in any playing pitch or other indoor and/or outdoor sports facility strategy that the local authority has in place.

In line with the Government’s NPPF (including Section 8) and its Planning Practice Guidance (Health and wellbeing section), links below, consideration should also be given to how any new development, especially for new housing, will provide opportunities for people to lead healthy lifestyles and create healthy communities. Sport England’s Active Design guidance can be used to help with this when developing planning policies and developing or assessing individual proposals.

Active Design, which includes a model planning policy, provides ten principles to help ensure the design and layout of development encourages and promotes participation in sport and physical activity. The guidance, and its accompanying checklist, could also be used at the evidence gathering stage of developing a neighbourhood plan to help undertake an assessment of how the design and layout of the area currently enables people to lead active lifestyles and what could be improved.

NPPF Section 8: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework/8-promoting-healthy-communities

PPG Health and wellbeing section: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/health-and-wellbeing

Sport England’s Active Design Guidance: https://www.sportengland.org/activedesign

(Please note: this response relates to Sport England’s planning function only. It is not associated with our funding role or any grant application/award that may relate to the site.)

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59414

Received: 18/01/2022

Respondent: Transport for London

Representation Summary:

Thank you for consulting Transport for London (TfL). I can confirm that we have no comments to make on the West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan

Full text:

Thank you for consulting Transport for London (TfL). I can confirm that we have no comments to make on the West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan

Object

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59415

Received: 11/03/2022

Respondent: Mr P Coulson

Agent: Richard Markland Architects

Representation Summary:

The current plan identifies there is an imbalance of homes in the area and that smaller more homes suitable for older residents need to be provided. However the plan does not identify where these homes could be delivered, therefore the plan does not meet it's objectives. South Cambs Local Plan suggests it is the responsibility of the neighbourhood plan to identify suitable sites. We would propose amending the Development Framework Boundary to include the garden area adjacent to 104 High Street as a site suitable for smaller housing for downsizers.

Full text:

The current plan identifies there is an imbalance of homes in the area and that smaller more homes suitable for older residents need to be provided. However the plan does not identify where these homes could be delivered, therefore the plan does not meet it's objectives. South Cambs Local Plan suggests it is the responsibility of the neighbourhood plan to identify suitable sites. We would propose amending the Development Framework Boundary to include the garden area adjacent to 104 High Street as a site suitable for smaller housing for downsizers.

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59417

Received: 10/03/2022

Respondent: Cambridgeshire Local Access Forum

Representation Summary:

The Cambridgeshire Local Access Forum welcomes opportunity to provide input into West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan and how it might be revised and improved to better reflect the existing and potential future use of the non-motorised transport network across the Parish of West Wickham.
We recognise that it's a very comprehensive plan, with a lot of concern for biodiversity, historical sites, and conservation. We are also pleased to see and support policies that aim to protect, enhance and develop the rights of way network providing a network of routes to promote walking, cycling and riding and to point out that circular routes, or routes that link with others, are particularly recommended.

Attachments:

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59418

Received: 14/03/2022

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Representation Summary:

Figure 8 West Wickham policy map overview – The wording of the allotment gardens and the recreation ground on the map are barely visible because of the dark green local green space background layer. It would help future users of the Plan who are not familiar with the parish to be able to read these locations. We see this as a minor amendment outside the Basic Conditions

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59419

Received: 14/03/2022

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Representation Summary:

WWK/1 Settlement patterns and identity

This policy and its supporting text have been much revised since the Regulation 14 consultation which we welcome as this makes for a clearer policy with the justification set out in the supporting text illustrated by photographs and diagrams.

Bullet d – We had previously suggested additional wording to this policy which we still consider would help in its implementation – ‘…not adversely impact the key features of locally distinctive and locally valued views….’

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59420

Received: 14/03/2022

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Representation Summary:

Policy WWK/2 Built environment characteristics.

A full description has been added to the supporting text to this policy about the different character areas within the parish. We support this inclusion.

However, our historic environment team remains of the view that the Platts Farm site is sufficiently prominent in the core section of the village that it merits a more specific reference in the description of Character Area 1.

Second part of policy - We welcome the references to new boundary treatments and to paving, which are absolutely consistent with policy NH/14 of the local plan and the objective of protecting the historic environment. However, we consider that the wording of the policy could place greater emphasis on the specific issue of the impact inappropriate kerbstones, kerb heights and footways might have on the settings of listed buildings and the character of the conservation area. It would have been helpful to have more explanation within the supporting text on this issue.

For clarity we suggest that the following wording is added to the final sentence of the policy ‘...incorporating where necessary, appropriate boundary treatment to mitigate detracting impacts on to the street scene and public realm.’

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59421

Received: 14/03/2022

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Representation Summary:

Policy WWK/3 Heritage Assets

We suggest that the policy refers to preserve or enhance as is used in the NPPF.

Our historic environment team considers that the reference to non-designated assets should not limit the application of the policy to those identified on Policy Map 4. Other assets might be identified in the future and the policy would have greater strength if it left open the possibility of other buildings or features being considered to be NDHAs.

The justification for the NDHA’s identified would probably benefit from being still more robust. Some of the assets have been given explanations of their architectural or historic significance, but for others the comment is still only a statement of age and function.

Policy Map 4 – This identifies the non-designated heritage assets in the parish which are numbered. We consider that it may be helpful for future users of the plan if the key included a list of these assets.

The Roman Road is included in the policy, but it is not shown on Policy Map 4. The extent of the feature is shown in Policy Map 8- this could be referenced in this policy to help those not familiar with the ‘road’.

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59422

Received: 14/03/2022

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Representation Summary:

Policy WWK/4 Local Green Space

We welcome that Policy Map 6 now clearly shows the boundary of the Local Green Space and that safeguarded for future development of the village hall.

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59423

Received: 14/03/2022

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Representation Summary:

Policy WWK/7 Biodiversity and green infrastructure

Paragraph 4.76 – The council’s ecologist has indicated that species rich and /or important hedgerows can be referred to as Habitats of Principal Importance under S41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. We see this as a minor amendment outside the Basic Conditions.

We welcome that the terms used in the earlier version of this policy have now been defined in the glossary. As regards ‘notable trees ‘the council’s ecologist has checked the Ancient Trees Inventory and there do not appear to be any veteran trees logged in West Wickham as is suggested in paragraph 4.77.

Paragraph 4.81 - Within this supporting text mention could be made to the new Environment Act 2021 which makes 10% biodiversity net gain mandatory on all developments from November 2023. In February 2022 SCDC adopted the Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document and it would be useful to reference this in the Plan to provide support to the delivery of Policy WWK/7

Second section of policy – We suggest that in the first sentence ‘them ‘is changed to the identified asset or similar for clarity. Also, within this sentence the term ‘substantially outweigh’ should be defined so that a development management officer would know how to determine a planning application using this policy.

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59424

Received: 14/03/2022

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Representation Summary:

Policy WWK/8 Access to the countryside

We suggest that there needs to be an indication of what scale of development proposals would need to take account of this policy – as currently written it would expect all development including extensions. Should it be only those above a certain size? We would also suggest that it should perhaps relate to the development of new dwellings because they would result in potential increased usage.

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59425

Received: 14/03/2022

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Representation Summary:

Policy WWK/9 Delivering smaller homes in West Wickham

Figure 34 shows the number of bedrooms in dwellings sold within the parish indicating there were none sold that were one bedroomed. As there are no one bedroomed dwellings in the parish as is explained in paragraph 4.93 we consider that the graph could highlight that such dwellings have not been available as an option. We see this as a matter that could be addressed in the Plan without impacting on the Basic Conditions.

We would suggest in the second part of the policy that rather than ‘… through reference to…’ the following words are added ‘… through having regard to...’.

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59426

Received: 14/03/2022

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Representation Summary:

Policy WWK/11 The Village Hall site

It is noted that Policy WWK/11 covers the area identified in red on Policy Map 11 and that it does not include the existing recreation space which is designated Local Green Space in Policy WWK/4. On this basis it is presumed that criterion a) does not apply? Further, does "adjacent to the existing Village Hall" mean only that area identified in red?

Bullet (a) - If the open space is retained or re-provided elsewhere this would be good but if it is to be only enhanced could this not lead to the loss of this space? What enhancement would be acceptable?

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59427

Received: 14/03/2022

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Representation Summary:

Glossary

We had previously suggested that the definition of affordable housing within the glossary be expanded so that it more closely aligns with that in the NPPF which covers a wider range of tenure types, as well as the changes to Government Planning Policy requiring First Homes as part of the delivery of affordable housing. The definition has remained in a shortened view.

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59428

Received: 15/03/2022

Respondent: Cambridgeshire County Council

Representation Summary:

Requesting that neighbourhood plan should include mention of flood risk or surface water management. Provides information on all the links to relevant policies and documents.

Full text:

Thank you for consulting us on the Draft v4.0 West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan, I have reviewed the plan and have the following comments:

• The Neighbourhood Plan does not include any detail relating to surface water flood risk or surface water management, with reference to new developments and how to mitigate this going forward. Information on surface water flood risk can be found in the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment for South Cambridgeshire and reference should also be made to the Cambridgeshire Flood and Water Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This information should be included to ensure that development coming forward is considered in all aspects, including flood risk and strive to further promote sustainable drainage techniques (SuDS).

• We advise that policies such as CC/7 - Water Quality, CC/8 - Sustainable Drainage Systems and CC/9 - Managing Flood Risk of the 2018 South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) Local Plan are referenced within the Neighbourhood Plan.

• In relation to the Cambridgeshire Flood and Water SPD, which has been adopted by South Cambridgeshire District Council, reference should be made regarding the principle of designing surface water drainage into a development.

• The neighbourhood plan should particularly reference water quality and quantity, to protect chalk streams, and to ensure development does not increase flood risk within the parish.

• Reference should be made to Chapter 14 of the NPPF, as this relates to flood risk.

• With reference to the flood risk, it is noted that the Parish of West Wickham is made up of areas of low, medium and high risk of surface water flood risk. There is some useful information on the gov.uk website on surface water flood risk, as well as in the South Cambridgeshire Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.


In addition to the above, links to documents referenced and other useful information have been included below:

o Cambridgeshire Flood and Water SPD: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/asset-library/imported-assets/Cambridgeshire_Flood_and_Water_Suplementary_Planning_Document.pdf

o Surface water and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) planning webpage: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/business/planning-and-development/flood-and-water/flood-risk-management/sustainable-drainage-systems-suds

o Surface Water Drainage Guidance for Developers: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/asset-library/imported-assets/SWGFD%20FINAL%20-%20November%202019.pdf

o Surface water flood maps: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/long-term-flood-risk/map

o South Cambridgeshire Strategic Flood Risk Assessment: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/planning/local-plan-and-neighbourhood-planning/the-adopted-development-plan/stages-in-the-preparation-of-the-local-plan-2018/strategic-flood-risk-assessment-september-2010/

Attachments:

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59429

Received: 16/03/2022

Respondent: Historic England

Representation Summary:

Welcome neighbourhood plan and consider it contains a positive strategy for conservation and enjoyment of historic environment in West Wickham parish. Pleased that comments made at Regulation 14 stage have been taken into account, and policy relating to heritage assets adjusted accordingly. We consider that the plan meets the Basic Conditions in relation to the historic environment.

We would refer you also to any comments made at Regulation 14 stage, as well for general advice to our detailed guidance on successfully incorporating historic environment considerations into a neighbourhood plan, which can be found here: <https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/planning/plan-making/improve-your-neighbourhood/>.

Full text:

Thank you for inviting Historic England to comment on the Regulation 16 Submission Draft of the West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan.

We welcome the production of this neighbourhood plan, and consider that it contains a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment in West Wickham parish. We are pleased to note that the comments we made at Regulation 14 stage have been taken into account, and policy relating to heritage assets adjusted accordingly. We consider that the plan meets the Basic Conditions in relation to the historic environment.

We would refer you also to any comments made at Regulation 14 stage, as well for general advice to our detailed guidance on successfully incorporating historic environment considerations into a neighbourhood plan, which can be found here: <https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/planning/plan-making/improve-your-neighbourhood/>.

To avoid any doubt, this letter does not reflect our obligation to provide further advice on or, potentially, object to specific proposals which may subsequently arise as a result of the proposed plan, where we consider these would have an adverse effect on the historic environment.

Support

West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan - submission version January 2022

Representation ID: 59430

Received: 16/03/2022

Respondent: British Horse Society

Representation Summary:

Pleased that comments to the previous version of plan have been taken into account.

Important for needs of equestrians to be considered in all future Active Travel proposals

Full text:

British Horse Society (BHS) comments on West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan March 2022

Firstly we would like to note our appreciation that our comments on the previous version of West Wickham NP have been taken into account.

Sustainable Travel & Road Safety
2.9 The Parish also suffers from persistent speeding, which adds to the perception of risk when travelling on foot or by bicycle or horse. It is very pleasing to see that horse riders have been included.
Conclusions from Community Engagement & Analysis
Weaknesses
2.11
g) The village lacks sustainable transport routes for safe walking, cycling and horse riding. It is very pleasing to see that horse riders have been considered.
h) The roads are perceived to be unsafe for non-motorised users due to volume and speed of through traffic, especially in Streetly End. It is very pleasing to see all non-motorised users have been considered.
Opportunities for our Neighbourhood Plan
d) The aspirations for improving routes for non-motorised users and increased amenity space in the village have been recorded for future funding opportunities. It is very pleasing to see all non-motorised users have been considered.
2.12
5. The re-classification of existing rights of way is not within the scope of the Neighbourhood Plan unless directly related to new development. There are legal implications and it would involve extensive consultation with statutory authorities, landowners and users. Ideally it would have been nice to upgrade some of the many existing footpaths to bridleways to benefit horse riders and cyclists, giving them additional safe off road routes, but we understand that this is not within the scope of this plan.
2.13 There are some areas where the evidence gathered during the forming of this Neighbourhood Plan can be used to guide and support other organisations in targeting improvements in the Parish.
2. There is a desire to reduce the speed of vehicles travelling through the Parish. Excellent initiative.
3. A safe route for non-motorised users between West Wickham, Streetly End and Horseheath is a community priority to encourage sustainable travel and recreation. This is great news and so refreshing to see that you are considering non-motorised users, including horse riders.

Policy WWK/8 Access to the countryside: context and rationale
4.82 Objective 4 of the Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure Strategy 2011 states that green infrastructure, of which public rights of way are a part, ‘can support healthy and active lifestyles, support good mental health, inspire learning and create a sense of community’. The public right of way network in the Parish is well used. It allows people to enjoy the historic rural landscape of cultivated fields, meadows, hedgerows and ancient woodland along with extensive views to the surrounding countryside and historic settlements (including West Wickham and Streetly End). The varied nature of the countryside that rights of way cross, go through or pass alongside allows for an appreciation of the local flora and fauna and the rights of way in themselves provide a green corridor and habitat for wildlife. Comments during the Character Assessment and Neighbourhood Plan consultation process show that they are highly valued for their contribution to well-being and sense of identity. Could not agree more.
4.83 Although the public rights of way network is accessible from all the settlement areas and relatively well connected, there are areas where connectivity could be improved, for example, by providing new access to the rights of way network through any development or by linking rights of way laterally and parallel to the linear settlement patterns. This would provide greater access and more possibilities for use over both short and long distances. The BHS is continuously striving to join up the fragmented Rights of Way network, particularly the bridleways and byways. We would ideally like all new access to have the higher rights of bridleways or byways to enable it to be used by horse riders and other non-motorised users who cannot use footpaths. If there is any chance to upgrade footpaths to bridleways to improve connectivity this would be beneficial to all non-motorised users.
4.84 The intent of Policy WWK/8 is to protect or enhance the quantity and quality of the existing public rights of way network in the Parish. To enhance the Rights of way network it would be great to upgrade some of the footpaths to bridleways to provide better connectivity for horse riders and other non-motorised users who cannot use footpaths.

Policy WWK/8: Access to the countryside
The existing network of public rights of way, footpaths and bridleways will be retained and enhancements to this network will be encouraged from development proposals located within 300 metres of a public right of way. Proposals which will impact adversely on the public enjoyment of rights of way will not normally be supported. Opportunities to link two or more public rights of way or enhance existing rights of way as part of a development will be supported.

Active Travel Routes
5.5 The village has a good footpath network and it is well used for recreation. However, it was felt that access from West Wickham to Streetly End and on to Horseheath is currently unsatisfactory. Current options for non-motorised users are unpaved paths and field edges or a narrow, unlit, national speed limit section of rural road. The conditions underfoot and the dangers to non-motorised users on the highway present substantial barriers to sustainable travel between Streetly End and West Wickham.
5.7 It is proposed that it should be a priority for the Parish Council to provide a paved route for non-motorised users from West Wickham to Streetly End and, in conjunction with Horseheath Parish Council, on to Horseheath. This is great news and so refreshing to see that you are considering non-motorised users, including horse riders. Any changes must comply with the new Highways Code requirements. Presumably the new route will be classified as a bridleway or a byway so that all non-motorised users can use it. It is essential that the surface of any such path is suitable for all users.



Further Comments and information from the British Horse Society
I welcome the opportunity to comment on the West Wickham Neighbourhood Plan, and to be able to put forward an equestrian point of view which can often be overlooked by Councils when considering Active Travel proposals.
Safe routes for equestrians are desperately needed because the accident statistics in respect of horses on the roads are horrific. There have been 5,784 incidents reported to the British Horse Society since 2010, 44 people have lost their lives, 1350 have been injured, 441 horses have been killed, 1,198 horses injured, and 75% of these incidents involved vehicles passing too close to the horse and/or too fast.
The British Horse Society is the UK’s largest equestrian Charity, with over 119,000 members representing the UK’s 3 million equestrians. Nationally horse riders have access to just 22% of the rights of way network and carriage drivers to just 5%. This network has become increasingly fragmented by roads, which were once safe rural routes, but have now often become busy thoroughfares.
Whilst the Society supports the national initiative to encourage more cycling and walking as part of Active Travel Plans, it is imperative that the Council recognises that Active Travel also includes equestrians.
Central government support for including horses
The government's Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy Safety Review says: "1.2 But safety has particular importance for vulnerable road users, such as walkers, cyclists and horse riders. All road users have an equal right to use the road, and safety and the perception of safety are key factors in determining how far people use these modes of transport. The safer they feel, the more they will use these active modes of travel. The more people who use Active Travel, the fitter and healthier they will be, and the more their communities will benefit from lower congestion and better air quality, among a host of other benefits"(Jesse Norman, Minister for Transport)
Jesse Norman in House of Commons debate on Road Safety, 5 November 2018:
“We should be clear that the cycling and walking strategy may have that name but is absolutely targeted at vulnerable road users, including horse-riders”
And final point by Jesse Norman in debate: “Horse riders are vulnerable road users—there is no doubt about that, and there never has been—and they have been included in the work we are doing.”
Newly Constructed Paths
Any physical creation of new paths to achieve Active Travel objectives within the county is to be welcomed (provided that equestrians are included, as a minimum, on those outside of large town centres), as this will enhance the ability of the public to increase its access to safe off road routes for leisure and commuting. District Authorities should take a strategic approach to Active Travel proposals within their administrative boundary - giving consideration to potential links outside their boundaries that could contribute to a more integrated network and achieve maximum benefit for all users.


Use of Existing Public Rights of Way
I recognise that some of the routes within this consultation could be in urban areas. However, many horses are kept on the urban fringe, so it is important that equestrians are not excluded from routes that exit the urban areas into the surrounding environs.
Active Travel routes should not, in any way, compromise the use of the public rights of way by making them less amenable to existing lawful users of the right of way. In particular:
• Where existing routes are considered as part of the plan, it is important that all user groups are consulted so that the impact on other lawful users can be assessed and, if necessary, alternative measures discussed.
• For each specific proposal which uses a public right of way or minor road, the width, the proposed surface and the impact of increased estimated numbers of cyclists must be considered in order to design a route suitable for all legal users in each specific location.
• Any newly constructed paths should be integrated/physically linked with the existing public rights of way network where possible and needed, clearly waymarked and recorded on either the definitive map or another publicly accessible map as appropriate.
• Where proposed new, or improved routes have crossing points or junctions with the main highway network, appropriate signal-controlled (or even grade-separated) crossings should be provided suitable for all user groups.
• Consideration should be given to the use of ‘Quiet Lanes’where the speed of traffic is reduced.
• Where motorised traffic is to be prohibited on either a right of way or minor road to facilitate cycling and walking, it must be remembered that this is likely to also benefit equestrians. Signage and structures must not impede equestrians.
Other Considerations to Note
Commuting cycling is likely to take place at times other than when recreational use takes place. Thus, a path used for commuting may well be used for recreational travel especially if it provides a circular route by connecting to other paths.
Several categories of public rights of way (bridleways, restricted byways and byways) and minor public roads are already shared by cyclists and other user groups. Thus, as a general principle, we believe that, for maximum public benefit and fairness, the reciprocal approach should be implemented, i.e. that new cycle paths should be shared with other user groups unless there is a specific, unresolvable reason not to do so.
Use of Traffic Regulation Orders to prohibit use of a public right of way by a specific user group for the benefit of cycling needs to be fully justified and take into account the rights of other lawful users. It should be noted that the Defra Statutory Guidance to local authorities on Rights of Way Improvement Plans, 2002, states in para. 2.2.21:
‘There is potential for conflict on ways carrying higher rights between different classes and types of users. Wherever possible proposals for improving rights of way should not unduly benefit one class of user at the expense of another. Improvements that are intended to benefit cyclists, harness-horse drivers, horse riders or walkers should not unduly restrict lawful MPV use of public vehicular rights of way’.
Equestrian use must be considered when Active Travel routes are proposed in new developments, so that new links can be created to the countryside beyond. Where new bridges/underpasses are proposed these should be suitable for equestrian use.
Effect of excluding Equestrians from Active Travel Routes
If equestrians are not an included user on active travel routes, the consequence is that equestrians are left on the carriageway with lorries and cars passing them on the outside and cyclists passing them on the inside, which is another accident waiting to happen. It is therefore important that this aspect is considered in the risk assessment for such routes.
The Health Benefits of Horse Riding in the UK.
(Data comes from research undertaken by the University of Brighton and Plumpton College on behalf of The British Horse Society)
• 68% of questionnaire respondents participated in horse riding and associated activities for 30 minutes or more at least three times a week. Sport England estimate that such a level of sporting activity will help an individual achieve or exceed the government’s recommended minimum level of physical activity.
• Women have been identified in government studies as a social group with relatively low levels of participation in physical activity. Some 93% of questionnaire respondents were women and 49% percent of female respondents were aged 45 or above. These are comparable figures to a major Sport England survey which found that 90 percent of those participating in equestrianism are women and 37 percent of the female participants in equestrianism are aged 45 or above. The gender and age profile of equestrianism is not matched by any other sport in the UK .
• Amongst the horse riders who took part in the survey, 39% had taken no other form of physical activity in the last four weeks. This highlights the importance of riding to these people, who might otherwise be sedentary.
• Horse riders with a long-standing illness or disability who took part in the survey are able to undertake horse riding and associated activities at the same self-reported level of frequency and physical intensity as those without such an illness or disability.
For further information, please see:
https://www.bhs.org.uk/~/media/documents/marketing/health-benefits-of-riding-in-the-uk-full-report.ashx?la=en



Benefits of catering for horses
The British Equestrian Trade Association National Equestrian Survey (2019) indicated:
• £4,174 is spent per horse which represents a significant contribution to the economy
• The value of the equestrian sector is £4.7 billion per annum
General Statistics
• 847,000 horses in Britain
• 1.8 million regular riders of 3 million total
• Lack of access to horses and riding facilities is a barrier for 22% of lapsed riders returning


REASONS TO INCLUDE EQUESTRIANS in the WWNP
 In 2017 the equestrian industry excluding the racing industry, contributed £4.3bn to the economy and is the second largest rural employer.
 The equestrian industry relies on a network of safe, off road access to the countryside.
 It was established at a Cambridgeshire County Council Planning meeting that, with good design, it costs no more to provide access for equestrians.
 Horses safely and happily share paths less than 3m wide all over the country.
 No report ever of any injury to a third party on any RoWby a horse.
 The Cambs RoWIP (Rights of Way Improvement Plan) states that the bridleway network is inadequate, fragmented and in need of improvement. Every shared pedestrian / cycle path further fragments that network.
 The majority of cyclists are male (78% : Sustrans) whereas the majority of horse riders are female (BHS).
 Horse riding has mental and physical health benefits. Older women particularly participate in this activity, where they may not otherwise exercise.
 Horse riders are a vulnerable road user, in the same way as walkers and cyclists.
Equestrian accident statistics
In the UK the period November 2010 to March 2019 road incidents involving horses :
43 humans died
315 horses died
3757 incidents were reported to the British Horse Society (BHS) although it is believed that this represents only 10% of the actual incidents.
The East of England is one of the regions with the highest accident rate.

Cambridgeshire County Council has a Local Transport Policy (LTP), which sets out their transport objectives, policies and strategy for the county. A sister document of the LTP is the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). The County Council updated its ROWIP in 2016 in line with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. You may wish to consult this document when drafting policies dealing with Non-Motorised Users (NMU) and the Public Rights of Way network.
https://cambridgeshire.gv.uk/residents/travel-road-and-parking/transport-plans-and-policies/local-transport-plan
Particular interest should be given to Policies S0A1 ‘Making the Countryside More Accessible’, S0A2 ‘A Safer Activity’, S0A3 ’57,000 New homes’, S0A4 ‘Knowing what’s out there’, S0A5 ‘Filling in the Gaps’, and S0A8 ‘A Better Countryside Environment’– all of which include the need for access for equestrians.


The needs and ambitions of equestrians and their riders is a specialised knowledge area. The BHS Cambridgeshire Access Team, together with the local bridleway groups, are able to provide this specialised knowledge. We would be very happy to provide you with any information you need.