Foxton Neighbourhood Plan - Submission Consultation 2021

Cambridgeshire BHS Access would like to comment on Foxton NP as follows:

Foxton NP
Improve the extent of the non-motorised path network
Background and Justification
7.19 The local path network is a key component of Foxton’s green infrastructure network. Some paths provide essential links with formal and informal recreation areas. The parish-wide public footpath network, maintained by Cambridgeshire County Council in partnership with landowners, is highly valued by the community. There is however a need to create additional permissive footpaths linking with existing public rights of way to form more circular routes. There are no public bridleways or byways in the parish. Opportunities for walking and cycling will be encouraged, including the creation of new permissive footpaths through negotiation with landowners, and cycleways in partnership with local authorities. A priority, and recommended in the Melbourn Greenways consultation by the Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership in 2019, is a cycle route linking Foxton with Melbourn Village College. This would enable pupils from Foxton to safely cycle to school, rather than having to cross the busy A10 twice.
This report acknowledges the lack of bridleways in the area but there is no recommendation within this report to improve the situation. It is morally, socially, economically and environmentally correct that public money should be spent to benefit the widest possible groups and the maximum number of people. Restrictive footpaths do not meet this objective. The BHS supports the creation of additional permissive only where it is not possible to create public rights of way which can be protected in perpetuity for future generations. Paths linking with existing public rights of way to form more circular routes are the most useful, however any off road paths should include equestrians as they are recognised as the most vulnerable road user. There is also the potential for upgrading existing footpaths to Bridleways, which would help to join up the fragmented Bridleway network, as well as providing links to neighbouring villages such as Fowlmere and Barrington and be available to more users. Footpaths with the potential to be upgraded to Bridleways are 94/3 and 94/4. In addition there used to be a path that connected Footpath 94/3,93/1 to Green Lane in Fowlmere.....could this be reinstated as a Bridleway? Similarly could the path beside Mortimers Farm up to Rowleys Hill and back along Hoffers Brook be reinstated and upgraded to a Bridleway?
The fact that Foxton has no Bridleways or Byways certainly needs addressing!
Equestrians must be included in this section to meet local and national policies.
Cyclists, walkers and equestrians have shared successfully Bridleways and Byways since 1968 when cyclists were granted access to them. To date, there has been no report ever of a horse injuring a third party on a public right of way.

Foxton NP
9. Transport
9.1 The purpose of the policies in this section is to help realise the following NP objectives:
Objective 10i: To reduce the impact of traffic in the village and improve safety of all road users. Including equestrians.
Objective 10ii: To encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport in preference to cars.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

Policy intent
9.7 The purpose of policy FOX/17 is to improve the quality of life in Foxton by reducing the impact of traffic in the village and improve safety of all road users. In meeting this objective any measures should ensure the rural character of the village is retained and ‘urbanisation’ is avoided.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

New Development and Connectivity
9.8 There is good pedestrian connectivity in Foxton, with pavements and paths providing access to all key facilities. However, in a number of locations there is a pavement on only one side of the road that can hinder safe access to properties, bus stops, etc. (Figure 27), and not all routes are fully accessible to those with reduced mobility. While there are no dedicated crossing points on any road, there are few hazards to crossing the main thoroughfares in the village centre and visibility lines are generally good. This is not the case for the A10: The recent creation of a shared pedestrian/cycle path along the route of the A10 has provided a refuge crossing point, but pedestrians and cyclists are largely reliant on the level crossing closing in order to safely cross the road. Difficulty crossing the A10 acts as a significant barrier to the coherence of the village, hindering access to services and facilities such as Foxton School and the village shop for residents who live north of the railway line/A10.

Equestrians also have difficulty crossing the A10 and whilst ideally they would not choose to do so, they are forced to by the fragmented Bridleway network if they want to access other areas. Provision for a safe crossing should also be provided for equestrians. The fragmentation of the existing bridleway network in this area is partly due to the failure of previous planning and transport projects to include provision for equestrians – this can be seen in the bridleways and byways severed by past A10 improvements. This failure should not be allowed to continue. Equestrians need the same access and provision as cyclists.

9.9 In June 2019, the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) consulted on proposals to create the Melbourn Greenway, with new and improved cycling and walking routes between Cambridge and Royston via Melbourn (with its Village College, attended by Foxton pupils). The consultation included specific proposals relating to Foxton: reducing speed limits on the A10 in the vicinity of the level crossing; introducing a 20 mph limit and a public realm scheme in the centre of Foxton village; and a continuous shared use path on the northern side of the level crossing. Foxton Parish Council supported the proposals as they would improve cycling and walking connectivity with neighbouring villages, Cambridge and Royston. Decisions on how best to progress the project are awaited.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies. The Greenways also include equestrians.

9.12 Foxton has an uninterrupted, off-road, segregated pedestrian/cycle route that connects it north through Harston to the outskirts of Cambridge and the Addenbrookes Biomedical Campus, and south towards Melbourn. This may be improved if the GCP proposals for the Melbourne Greenway are implemented.

The path alongside the A10 is a multi user path including access for equestrians. Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies. The Greenways also include equestrians.

9.13 Cross-country public footpaths connect Foxton to Shepreth, Newton and Fowlmere (Figure 24), but there is no off-road cycle connectivity with neighbouring villages.

Any off road paths should also include equestrians as one of the most vulnerable road users. There is the potential for upgrading footpaths to Bridleways, which would help to join up the fragmented Bridleway network, as well as providing links to neighbouring villages such as Fowlmere and Barrington. Footpaths with the potential to be upgraded are mentioned in Section 7.19 above ie footpaths 94/3 and 94/4.

9.16 Local Plan policy T1/2 Planning for Sustainable Travel covers many of the local aspirations to ensure provision for sustainable transport in any future developments in Foxton but the wording is generic whereas Policy FOX/18 provides local context. Policy TI/8 Infrastructure and New Development in the Local Plan covers the need to ensure that when new developments come forward, opportunities will be sought to improve the network of footpaths and cycle links and infrastructure through additional provision and/or upgrading existing pavements/paths. To achieve this, financial contributions may be sought via S106 agreements/Community Infrastructure Levy.
Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

S106 agreements/Community Infrastructure Levy should be used for all Non Motorised Users to get the best value from this funding. As mentioned below equestrians contribute a lot to the local economy.

9.17 Policy FOX/18 aims to ensure that any future development provides adequate pedestrian and cycle connectivity through a Transport Statement.
Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.


Equestrians are the most vulnerable road user group.
Because of the fragmented nature of the bridleway network in this country, equestrians have no choice but to use the roads, which of course are becoming more and more busy as new houses are built, and with this brings more accidents and near misses on the roads affecting equestrians. Horse riders are the most vulnerable road users.
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 rates.

Horse riders currently only have access to 22% of public rights of way.
The provision of safe off road hacking for equestrians has many benefits.
Horse riders are mostly female making them a Protected Characteristic Group in terms of the Equality Act. A lot of older women also ride, a group who are known not to engage in traditional exercise such as going to the gym however, horse riding and all the related horse care provides regular exercise, along with the benefits of mental well-being, as horse therapy is well known for relieving stress. Councils should therefore be encouraging this group, along with all other horse riders to get out into the countryside and enjoy this rural pursuit, but this becomes less attractive if the only place to ride is on the roads, which brings me onto my next point regarding creation of additional Bridleways.

Other NPs that the BHS has reported on, have included the creation of additional Bridleway access, either by upgrading footpaths to Bridleways or by creating new Bridleway paths. They have also tried to improve links with surrounding villages, and thus helping to link up the fragmented Bridleway network as I have mentioned in Section 9.13 above.

In Foxton there are several local equestrians as well as the large livery yards South Cambs Equestrian Centre at Barrington, which accommodates equestrians who will ride out in the Foxton area. The equestrians should be considered in the same way as other Non-motorised users. There are approx. 25,500 horses in Cambridgeshire, contributing £91.8 million pa to the local economy (figures exclude the racing industry). A joined up, safe off road access network is essential for the Cambridgeshire equestrian industry to continue to input positively into the local economy.

Local and national policies and statistics, referred to above to inform the Foxton NP, are set out in more detail below.

Please get in touch with me if you need any further information. I very much look forward to working with the Foxton NP Group to improve safe access to the countryside and ensure safe access for all non-motorised users.

Kind regards,

Lesley Golding
BHS Access & Bridleways Officer

The economic case
• Estimated £5,548 pa per horse to the economy
• £4.7 billion economic value of the equestrian sector
• 847,000 horses in Britain (25,500 horses in Cambs excluding the racing industry)
• 1.8 million regular riders of 3 million total
• Estimated 67% of riders are female (the proportion is likely much higher for hacking)
• Lack of access to horses and riding facilities is a barrier for 22% of lapsed riders returning
https://www.beta-uk.org/pages/news-amp-events/news/national-equestrian-survey-2019-provides-optimistic-view-of-industry.php

• ‘Rights of way and other forms of off-road access are essential facilities for this industry to flourish, and to save riders from having to risk their lives riding on the roads. The lack of a comprehensive rights of way network is inhibiting the horse industry’s growth.’
o ‘equestrian access is a form of sustainable recreation… gives more people the chance to participate in sport and leisure activities… equestrian rights of way are especially needed in urban areas … where there are many riders and drivers who are totally dependent on them for exercise many women and children feel safer when riding alone than they do when walking or cycling alone.
o Failure to provide for horse riders and carriage drivers ‘… calls into question present policies on gender, health and wellbeing, welfare, equality of opportunity, discrimination and personal freedom’
http://www.rightsofway.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/DOWNLOAD-Making-Ways-For-Horses-HERE.pdf
The East has one of the worst records for road accidents involving equestrians (NHS Hospital Episodes Statistics)
National and Local Policies supporting equestrian access provision:
• The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Transport Plan refers throughout to the need to provide for Active Travel which is defined as ‘walking, cycling and horse riding’. https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/about-us/programmes/transport/ltp/
• Highways England Accessibility Strategy states:
‘Our vision focuses on supporting our road users’ journeys, pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, those with disabilities (such as users with mobility or sensory impairments) and other vulnerable users – while delivering longer-term benefits for communities and users alike.’https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/526226/S150749_Accessibility_Strategy_4pp_V3.pdf
• NPPF
Policy 58 Requiring Good design
Create safe and accessible environments.
Paragraphs 73 and 81 of the NPPF require Local Authorities to plan positively for access to high quality open spaces for sport and recreation which can make important contributions to the health and wellbeing of communities and to plan positively to enhance the beneficial use of the Green Belt, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation.
NPPF Section 8 Promoting healthy communities
Policy 73 access to high quality open spaces for sport and recreation and can make important contribution to the health and wellbeing of communities.
Policy 75 Planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of way and access. Local authorities should seek opportunities to provide better facilities for users. For example by adding links to existing rights of way networks.
Policy 81 local planning authorities should plan positively to enhance the beneficial use of the Green Belt, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/810197/NPPF_Feb_2019_revised.pdf

• The Cambridgeshire Rights of Way Improvement Plan published by the Cambridgeshire County Council in 2016 contains the following statements of action and guiding principles.
Guiding Principle 2 “Countryside Access provision should be safe for users and encourage healthy activities….’
Statement of Action 5 'Filling in the gaps'
Statement of Action 8 'A better countryside environment' and relates to guiding principle GP8 (page 22) "The countryside access experience in Cambridgeshire should be straightforward, enjoyable and inspiring."
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/asset-library/imported-assets/Cambridgeshire_ROWIP_update___April_2016%20(1).pdf
• Appendix 11 of The Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure Network clearly states that walking, horse riding and cycling access is now required and should incorporate the linking of existing permissive access and rights of way network for walkers, cyclists AND horseriders. https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/2557/green-infrastructure-strategy.pdf
• The British Horse Society's report Making Ways for Horses – off-road Equestrian Access in England – Equestrian Access Forum August 2012, highlights the importance of horse riding for health and well being. http://www.rightsofway.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/DOWNLOAD-Making-Ways-For-Horses-HERE.pdf

Cambridgeshire BHS Access would like to comment on Foxton NP as follows:

Foxton NP
Improve the extent of the non-motorised path network
Background and Justification
7.19 The local path network is a key component of Foxton’s green infrastructure network. Some paths provide essential links with formal and informal recreation areas. The parish-wide public footpath network, maintained by Cambridgeshire County Council in partnership with landowners, is highly valued by the community. There is however a need to create additional permissive footpaths linking with existing public rights of way to form more circular routes. There are no public bridleways or byways in the parish. Opportunities for walking and cycling will be encouraged, including the creation of new permissive footpaths through negotiation with landowners, and cycleways in partnership with local authorities. A priority, and recommended in the Melbourn Greenways consultation by the Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership in 2019, is a cycle route linking Foxton with Melbourn Village College. This would enable pupils from Foxton to safely cycle to school, rather than having to cross the busy A10 twice.
This report acknowledges the lack of bridleways in the area but there is no recommendation within this report to improve the situation. It is morally, socially, economically and environmentally correct that public money should be spent to benefit the widest possible groups and the maximum number of people. Restrictive footpaths do not meet this objective. The BHS supports the creation of additional permissive only where it is not possible to create public rights of way which can be protected in perpetuity for future generations. Paths linking with existing public rights of way to form more circular routes are the most useful, however any off road paths should include equestrians as they are recognised as the most vulnerable road user. There is also the potential for upgrading existing footpaths to Bridleways, which would help to join up the fragmented Bridleway network, as well as providing links to neighbouring villages such as Fowlmere and Barrington and be available to more users. Footpaths with the potential to be upgraded to Bridleways are 94/3 and 94/4. In addition there used to be a path that connected Footpath 94/3,93/1 to Green Lane in Fowlmere.....could this be reinstated as a Bridleway? Similarly could the path beside Mortimers Farm up to Rowleys Hill and back along Hoffers Brook be reinstated and upgraded to a Bridleway?
The fact that Foxton has no Bridleways or Byways certainly needs addressing!
Equestrians must be included in this section to meet local and national policies.
Cyclists, walkers and equestrians have shared successfully Bridleways and Byways since 1968 when cyclists were granted access to them. To date, there has been no report ever of a horse injuring a third party on a public right of way.

Foxton NP
9. Transport
9.1 The purpose of the policies in this section is to help realise the following NP objectives:
Objective 10i: To reduce the impact of traffic in the village and improve safety of all road users. Including equestrians.
Objective 10ii: To encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport in preference to cars.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

Policy intent
9.7 The purpose of policy FOX/17 is to improve the quality of life in Foxton by reducing the impact of traffic in the village and improve safety of all road users. In meeting this objective any measures should ensure the rural character of the village is retained and ‘urbanisation’ is avoided.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

New Development and Connectivity
9.8 There is good pedestrian connectivity in Foxton, with pavements and paths providing access to all key facilities. However, in a number of locations there is a pavement on only one side of the road that can hinder safe access to properties, bus stops, etc. (Figure 27), and not all routes are fully accessible to those with reduced mobility. While there are no dedicated crossing points on any road, there are few hazards to crossing the main thoroughfares in the village centre and visibility lines are generally good. This is not the case for the A10: The recent creation of a shared pedestrian/cycle path along the route of the A10 has provided a refuge crossing point, but pedestrians and cyclists are largely reliant on the level crossing closing in order to safely cross the road. Difficulty crossing the A10 acts as a significant barrier to the coherence of the village, hindering access to services and facilities such as Foxton School and the village shop for residents who live north of the railway line/A10.

Equestrians also have difficulty crossing the A10 and whilst ideally they would not choose to do so, they are forced to by the fragmented Bridleway network if they want to access other areas. Provision for a safe crossing should also be provided for equestrians. The fragmentation of the existing bridleway network in this area is partly due to the failure of previous planning and transport projects to include provision for equestrians – this can be seen in the bridleways and byways severed by past A10 improvements. This failure should not be allowed to continue. Equestrians need the same access and provision as cyclists.

9.9 In June 2019, the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) consulted on proposals to create the Melbourn Greenway, with new and improved cycling and walking routes between Cambridge and Royston via Melbourn (with its Village College, attended by Foxton pupils). The consultation included specific proposals relating to Foxton: reducing speed limits on the A10 in the vicinity of the level crossing; introducing a 20 mph limit and a public realm scheme in the centre of Foxton village; and a continuous shared use path on the northern side of the level crossing. Foxton Parish Council supported the proposals as they would improve cycling and walking connectivity with neighbouring villages, Cambridge and Royston. Decisions on how best to progress the project are awaited.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies. The Greenways also include equestrians.

9.12 Foxton has an uninterrupted, off-road, segregated pedestrian/cycle route that connects it north through Harston to the outskirts of Cambridge and the Addenbrookes Biomedical Campus, and south towards Melbourn. This may be improved if the GCP proposals for the Melbourne Greenway are implemented.

The path alongside the A10 is a multi user path including access for equestrians. Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies. The Greenways also include equestrians.

9.13 Cross-country public footpaths connect Foxton to Shepreth, Newton and Fowlmere (Figure 24), but there is no off-road cycle connectivity with neighbouring villages.

Any off road paths should also include equestrians as one of the most vulnerable road users. There is the potential for upgrading footpaths to Bridleways, which would help to join up the fragmented Bridleway network, as well as providing links to neighbouring villages such as Fowlmere and Barrington. Footpaths with the potential to be upgraded are mentioned in Section 7.19 above ie footpaths 94/3 and 94/4.

9.16 Local Plan policy T1/2 Planning for Sustainable Travel covers many of the local aspirations to ensure provision for sustainable transport in any future developments in Foxton but the wording is generic whereas Policy FOX/18 provides local context. Policy TI/8 Infrastructure and New Development in the Local Plan covers the need to ensure that when new developments come forward, opportunities will be sought to improve the network of footpaths and cycle links and infrastructure through additional provision and/or upgrading existing pavements/paths. To achieve this, financial contributions may be sought via S106 agreements/Community Infrastructure Levy.
Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

S106 agreements/Community Infrastructure Levy should be used for all Non Motorised Users to get the best value from this funding. As mentioned below equestrians contribute a lot to the local economy.

9.17 Policy FOX/18 aims to ensure that any future development provides adequate pedestrian and cycle connectivity through a Transport Statement.
Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.


Equestrians are the most vulnerable road user group.
Because of the fragmented nature of the bridleway network in this country, equestrians have no choice but to use the roads, which of course are becoming more and more busy as new houses are built, and with this brings more accidents and near misses on the roads affecting equestrians. Horse riders are the most vulnerable road users.
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 rates.

Horse riders currently only have access to 22% of public rights of way.
The provision of safe off road hacking for equestrians has many benefits.
Horse riders are mostly female making them a Protected Characteristic Group in terms of the Equality Act. A lot of older women also ride, a group who are known not to engage in traditional exercise such as going to the gym however, horse riding and all the related horse care provides regular exercise, along with the benefits of mental well-being, as horse therapy is well known for relieving stress. Councils should therefore be encouraging this group, along with all other horse riders to get out into the countryside and enjoy this rural pursuit, but this becomes less attractive if the only place to ride is on the roads, which brings me onto my next point regarding creation of additional Bridleways.

Other NPs that the BHS has reported on, have included the creation of additional Bridleway access, either by upgrading footpaths to Bridleways or by creating new Bridleway paths. They have also tried to improve links with surrounding villages, and thus helping to link up the fragmented Bridleway network as I have mentioned in Section 9.13 above.

In Foxton there are several local equestrians as well as the large livery yards South Cambs Equestrian Centre at Barrington, which accommodates equestrians who will ride out in the Foxton area. The equestrians should be considered in the same way as other Non-motorised users. There are approx. 25,500 horses in Cambridgeshire, contributing £91.8 million pa to the local economy (figures exclude the racing industry). A joined up, safe off road access network is essential for the Cambridgeshire equestrian industry to continue to input positively into the local economy.

Local and national policies and statistics, referred to above to inform the Foxton NP, are set out in more detail below.

Please get in touch with me if you need any further information. I very much look forward to working with the Foxton NP Group to improve safe access to the countryside and ensure safe access for all non-motorised users.

Kind regards,

Lesley Golding
BHS Access & Bridleways Officer

The economic case
• Estimated £5,548 pa per horse to the economy
• £4.7 billion economic value of the equestrian sector
• 847,000 horses in Britain (25,500 horses in Cambs excluding the racing industry)
• 1.8 million regular riders of 3 million total
• Estimated 67% of riders are female (the proportion is likely much higher for hacking)
• Lack of access to horses and riding facilities is a barrier for 22% of lapsed riders returning
https://www.beta-uk.org/pages/news-amp-events/news/national-equestrian-survey-2019-provides-optimistic-view-of-industry.php

• ‘Rights of way and other forms of off-road access are essential facilities for this industry to flourish, and to save riders from having to risk their lives riding on the roads. The lack of a comprehensive rights of way network is inhibiting the horse industry’s growth.’
o ‘equestrian access is a form of sustainable recreation… gives more people the chance to participate in sport and leisure activities… equestrian rights of way are especially needed in urban areas … where there are many riders and drivers who are totally dependent on them for exercise many women and children feel safer when riding alone than they do when walking or cycling alone.
o Failure to provide for horse riders and carriage drivers ‘… calls into question present policies on gender, health and wellbeing, welfare, equality of opportunity, discrimination and personal freedom’
http://www.rightsofway.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/DOWNLOAD-Making-Ways-For-Horses-HERE.pdf
The East has one of the worst records for road accidents involving equestrians (NHS Hospital Episodes Statistics)
National and Local Policies supporting equestrian access provision:
• The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Transport Plan refers throughout to the need to provide for Active Travel which is defined as ‘walking, cycling and horse riding’. https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/about-us/programmes/transport/ltp/
• Highways England Accessibility Strategy states:
‘Our vision focuses on supporting our road users’ journeys, pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, those with disabilities (such as users with mobility or sensory impairments) and other vulnerable users – while delivering longer-term benefits for communities and users alike.’https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/526226/S150749_Accessibility_Strategy_4pp_V3.pdf
• NPPF
Policy 58 Requiring Good design
Create safe and accessible environments.
Paragraphs 73 and 81 of the NPPF require Local Authorities to plan positively for access to high quality open spaces for sport and recreation which can make important contributions to the health and wellbeing of communities and to plan positively to enhance the beneficial use of the Green Belt, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation.
NPPF Section 8 Promoting healthy communities
Policy 73 access to high quality open spaces for sport and recreation and can make important contribution to the health and wellbeing of communities.
Policy 75 Planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of way and access. Local authorities should seek opportunities to provide better facilities for users. For example by adding links to existing rights of way networks.
Policy 81 local planning authorities should plan positively to enhance the beneficial use of the Green Belt, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/810197/NPPF_Feb_2019_revised.pdf

• The Cambridgeshire Rights of Way Improvement Plan published by the Cambridgeshire County Council in 2016 contains the following statements of action and guiding principles.
Guiding Principle 2 “Countryside Access provision should be safe for users and encourage healthy activities….’
Statement of Action 5 'Filling in the gaps'
Statement of Action 8 'A better countryside environment' and relates to guiding principle GP8 (page 22) "The countryside access experience in Cambridgeshire should be straightforward, enjoyable and inspiring."
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/asset-library/imported-assets/Cambridgeshire_ROWIP_update___April_2016%20(1).pdf
• Appendix 11 of The Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure Network clearly states that walking, horse riding and cycling access is now required and should incorporate the linking of existing permissive access and rights of way network for walkers, cyclists AND horseriders. https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/2557/green-infrastructure-strategy.pdf
• The British Horse Society's report Making Ways for Horses – off-road Equestrian Access in England – Equestrian Access Forum August 2012, highlights the importance of horse riding for health and well being. http://www.rightsofway.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/DOWNLOAD-Making-Ways-For-Horses-HERE.pdf

Cambridgeshire BHS Access would like to comment on Foxton NP as follows:

Foxton NP
Improve the extent of the non-motorised path network
Background and Justification
7.19 The local path network is a key component of Foxton’s green infrastructure network. Some paths provide essential links with formal and informal recreation areas. The parish-wide public footpath network, maintained by Cambridgeshire County Council in partnership with landowners, is highly valued by the community. There is however a need to create additional permissive footpaths linking with existing public rights of way to form more circular routes. There are no public bridleways or byways in the parish. Opportunities for walking and cycling will be encouraged, including the creation of new permissive footpaths through negotiation with landowners, and cycleways in partnership with local authorities. A priority, and recommended in the Melbourn Greenways consultation by the Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership in 2019, is a cycle route linking Foxton with Melbourn Village College. This would enable pupils from Foxton to safely cycle to school, rather than having to cross the busy A10 twice.
This report acknowledges the lack of bridleways in the area but there is no recommendation within this report to improve the situation. It is morally, socially, economically and environmentally correct that public money should be spent to benefit the widest possible groups and the maximum number of people. Restrictive footpaths do not meet this objective. The BHS supports the creation of additional permissive only where it is not possible to create public rights of way which can be protected in perpetuity for future generations. Paths linking with existing public rights of way to form more circular routes are the most useful, however any off road paths should include equestrians as they are recognised as the most vulnerable road user. There is also the potential for upgrading existing footpaths to Bridleways, which would help to join up the fragmented Bridleway network, as well as providing links to neighbouring villages such as Fowlmere and Barrington and be available to more users. Footpaths with the potential to be upgraded to Bridleways are 94/3 and 94/4. In addition there used to be a path that connected Footpath 94/3,93/1 to Green Lane in Fowlmere.....could this be reinstated as a Bridleway? Similarly could the path beside Mortimers Farm up to Rowleys Hill and back along Hoffers Brook be reinstated and upgraded to a Bridleway?
The fact that Foxton has no Bridleways or Byways certainly needs addressing!
Equestrians must be included in this section to meet local and national policies.
Cyclists, walkers and equestrians have shared successfully Bridleways and Byways since 1968 when cyclists were granted access to them. To date, there has been no report ever of a horse injuring a third party on a public right of way.

Foxton NP
9. Transport
9.1 The purpose of the policies in this section is to help realise the following NP objectives:
Objective 10i: To reduce the impact of traffic in the village and improve safety of all road users. Including equestrians.
Objective 10ii: To encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport in preference to cars.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

Policy intent
9.7 The purpose of policy FOX/17 is to improve the quality of life in Foxton by reducing the impact of traffic in the village and improve safety of all road users. In meeting this objective any measures should ensure the rural character of the village is retained and ‘urbanisation’ is avoided.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

New Development and Connectivity
9.8 There is good pedestrian connectivity in Foxton, with pavements and paths providing access to all key facilities. However, in a number of locations there is a pavement on only one side of the road that can hinder safe access to properties, bus stops, etc. (Figure 27), and not all routes are fully accessible to those with reduced mobility. While there are no dedicated crossing points on any road, there are few hazards to crossing the main thoroughfares in the village centre and visibility lines are generally good. This is not the case for the A10: The recent creation of a shared pedestrian/cycle path along the route of the A10 has provided a refuge crossing point, but pedestrians and cyclists are largely reliant on the level crossing closing in order to safely cross the road. Difficulty crossing the A10 acts as a significant barrier to the coherence of the village, hindering access to services and facilities such as Foxton School and the village shop for residents who live north of the railway line/A10.

Equestrians also have difficulty crossing the A10 and whilst ideally they would not choose to do so, they are forced to by the fragmented Bridleway network if they want to access other areas. Provision for a safe crossing should also be provided for equestrians. The fragmentation of the existing bridleway network in this area is partly due to the failure of previous planning and transport projects to include provision for equestrians – this can be seen in the bridleways and byways severed by past A10 improvements. This failure should not be allowed to continue. Equestrians need the same access and provision as cyclists.

9.9 In June 2019, the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) consulted on proposals to create the Melbourn Greenway, with new and improved cycling and walking routes between Cambridge and Royston via Melbourn (with its Village College, attended by Foxton pupils). The consultation included specific proposals relating to Foxton: reducing speed limits on the A10 in the vicinity of the level crossing; introducing a 20 mph limit and a public realm scheme in the centre of Foxton village; and a continuous shared use path on the northern side of the level crossing. Foxton Parish Council supported the proposals as they would improve cycling and walking connectivity with neighbouring villages, Cambridge and Royston. Decisions on how best to progress the project are awaited.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies. The Greenways also include equestrians.

9.12 Foxton has an uninterrupted, off-road, segregated pedestrian/cycle route that connects it north through Harston to the outskirts of Cambridge and the Addenbrookes Biomedical Campus, and south towards Melbourn. This may be improved if the GCP proposals for the Melbourne Greenway are implemented.

The path alongside the A10 is a multi user path including access for equestrians. Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies. The Greenways also include equestrians.

9.13 Cross-country public footpaths connect Foxton to Shepreth, Newton and Fowlmere (Figure 24), but there is no off-road cycle connectivity with neighbouring villages.

Any off road paths should also include equestrians as one of the most vulnerable road users. There is the potential for upgrading footpaths to Bridleways, which would help to join up the fragmented Bridleway network, as well as providing links to neighbouring villages such as Fowlmere and Barrington. Footpaths with the potential to be upgraded are mentioned in Section 7.19 above ie footpaths 94/3 and 94/4.

9.16 Local Plan policy T1/2 Planning for Sustainable Travel covers many of the local aspirations to ensure provision for sustainable transport in any future developments in Foxton but the wording is generic whereas Policy FOX/18 provides local context. Policy TI/8 Infrastructure and New Development in the Local Plan covers the need to ensure that when new developments come forward, opportunities will be sought to improve the network of footpaths and cycle links and infrastructure through additional provision and/or upgrading existing pavements/paths. To achieve this, financial contributions may be sought via S106 agreements/Community Infrastructure Levy.
Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

S106 agreements/Community Infrastructure Levy should be used for all Non Motorised Users to get the best value from this funding. As mentioned below equestrians contribute a lot to the local economy.

9.17 Policy FOX/18 aims to ensure that any future development provides adequate pedestrian and cycle connectivity through a Transport Statement.
Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.


Equestrians are the most vulnerable road user group.
Because of the fragmented nature of the bridleway network in this country, equestrians have no choice but to use the roads, which of course are becoming more and more busy as new houses are built, and with this brings more accidents and near misses on the roads affecting equestrians. Horse riders are the most vulnerable road users.
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 rates.

Horse riders currently only have access to 22% of public rights of way.
The provision of safe off road hacking for equestrians has many benefits.
Horse riders are mostly female making them a Protected Characteristic Group in terms of the Equality Act. A lot of older women also ride, a group who are known not to engage in traditional exercise such as going to the gym however, horse riding and all the related horse care provides regular exercise, along with the benefits of mental well-being, as horse therapy is well known for relieving stress. Councils should therefore be encouraging this group, along with all other horse riders to get out into the countryside and enjoy this rural pursuit, but this becomes less attractive if the only place to ride is on the roads, which brings me onto my next point regarding creation of additional Bridleways.

Other NPs that the BHS has reported on, have included the creation of additional Bridleway access, either by upgrading footpaths to Bridleways or by creating new Bridleway paths. They have also tried to improve links with surrounding villages, and thus helping to link up the fragmented Bridleway network as I have mentioned in Section 9.13 above.

In Foxton there are several local equestrians as well as the large livery yards South Cambs Equestrian Centre at Barrington, which accommodates equestrians who will ride out in the Foxton area. The equestrians should be considered in the same way as other Non-motorised users. There are approx. 25,500 horses in Cambridgeshire, contributing £91.8 million pa to the local economy (figures exclude the racing industry). A joined up, safe off road access network is essential for the Cambridgeshire equestrian industry to continue to input positively into the local economy.

Local and national policies and statistics, referred to above to inform the Foxton NP, are set out in more detail below.

Please get in touch with me if you need any further information. I very much look forward to working with the Foxton NP Group to improve safe access to the countryside and ensure safe access for all non-motorised users.

Kind regards,

Lesley Golding
BHS Access & Bridleways Officer

The economic case
• Estimated £5,548 pa per horse to the economy
• £4.7 billion economic value of the equestrian sector
• 847,000 horses in Britain (25,500 horses in Cambs excluding the racing industry)
• 1.8 million regular riders of 3 million total
• Estimated 67% of riders are female (the proportion is likely much higher for hacking)
• Lack of access to horses and riding facilities is a barrier for 22% of lapsed riders returning
https://www.beta-uk.org/pages/news-amp-events/news/national-equestrian-survey-2019-provides-optimistic-view-of-industry.php

• ‘Rights of way and other forms of off-road access are essential facilities for this industry to flourish, and to save riders from having to risk their lives riding on the roads. The lack of a comprehensive rights of way network is inhibiting the horse industry’s growth.’
o ‘equestrian access is a form of sustainable recreation… gives more people the chance to participate in sport and leisure activities… equestrian rights of way are especially needed in urban areas … where there are many riders and drivers who are totally dependent on them for exercise many women and children feel safer when riding alone than they do when walking or cycling alone.
o Failure to provide for horse riders and carriage drivers ‘… calls into question present policies on gender, health and wellbeing, welfare, equality of opportunity, discrimination and personal freedom’
http://www.rightsofway.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/DOWNLOAD-Making-Ways-For-Horses-HERE.pdf
The East has one of the worst records for road accidents involving equestrians (NHS Hospital Episodes Statistics)
National and Local Policies supporting equestrian access provision:
• The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Transport Plan refers throughout to the need to provide for Active Travel which is defined as ‘walking, cycling and horse riding’. https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/about-us/programmes/transport/ltp/
• Highways England Accessibility Strategy states:
‘Our vision focuses on supporting our road users’ journeys, pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, those with disabilities (such as users with mobility or sensory impairments) and other vulnerable users – while delivering longer-term benefits for communities and users alike.’https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/526226/S150749_Accessibility_Strategy_4pp_V3.pdf
• NPPF
Policy 58 Requiring Good design
Create safe and accessible environments.
Paragraphs 73 and 81 of the NPPF require Local Authorities to plan positively for access to high quality open spaces for sport and recreation which can make important contributions to the health and wellbeing of communities and to plan positively to enhance the beneficial use of the Green Belt, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation.
NPPF Section 8 Promoting healthy communities
Policy 73 access to high quality open spaces for sport and recreation and can make important contribution to the health and wellbeing of communities.
Policy 75 Planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of way and access. Local authorities should seek opportunities to provide better facilities for users. For example by adding links to existing rights of way networks.
Policy 81 local planning authorities should plan positively to enhance the beneficial use of the Green Belt, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/810197/NPPF_Feb_2019_revised.pdf

• The Cambridgeshire Rights of Way Improvement Plan published by the Cambridgeshire County Council in 2016 contains the following statements of action and guiding principles.
Guiding Principle 2 “Countryside Access provision should be safe for users and encourage healthy activities….’
Statement of Action 5 'Filling in the gaps'
Statement of Action 8 'A better countryside environment' and relates to guiding principle GP8 (page 22) "The countryside access experience in Cambridgeshire should be straightforward, enjoyable and inspiring."
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/asset-library/imported-assets/Cambridgeshire_ROWIP_update___April_2016%20(1).pdf
• Appendix 11 of The Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure Network clearly states that walking, horse riding and cycling access is now required and should incorporate the linking of existing permissive access and rights of way network for walkers, cyclists AND horseriders. https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/2557/green-infrastructure-strategy.pdf
• The British Horse Society's report Making Ways for Horses – off-road Equestrian Access in England – Equestrian Access Forum August 2012, highlights the importance of horse riding for health and well being. http://www.rightsofway.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/DOWNLOAD-Making-Ways-For-Horses-HERE.pdf

Cambridgeshire BHS Access would like to comment on Foxton NP as follows:

Foxton NP
Improve the extent of the non-motorised path network
Background and Justification
7.19 The local path network is a key component of Foxton’s green infrastructure network. Some paths provide essential links with formal and informal recreation areas. The parish-wide public footpath network, maintained by Cambridgeshire County Council in partnership with landowners, is highly valued by the community. There is however a need to create additional permissive footpaths linking with existing public rights of way to form more circular routes. There are no public bridleways or byways in the parish. Opportunities for walking and cycling will be encouraged, including the creation of new permissive footpaths through negotiation with landowners, and cycleways in partnership with local authorities. A priority, and recommended in the Melbourn Greenways consultation by the Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership in 2019, is a cycle route linking Foxton with Melbourn Village College. This would enable pupils from Foxton to safely cycle to school, rather than having to cross the busy A10 twice.
This report acknowledges the lack of bridleways in the area but there is no recommendation within this report to improve the situation. It is morally, socially, economically and environmentally correct that public money should be spent to benefit the widest possible groups and the maximum number of people. Restrictive footpaths do not meet this objective. The BHS supports the creation of additional permissive only where it is not possible to create public rights of way which can be protected in perpetuity for future generations. Paths linking with existing public rights of way to form more circular routes are the most useful, however any off road paths should include equestrians as they are recognised as the most vulnerable road user. There is also the potential for upgrading existing footpaths to Bridleways, which would help to join up the fragmented Bridleway network, as well as providing links to neighbouring villages such as Fowlmere and Barrington and be available to more users. Footpaths with the potential to be upgraded to Bridleways are 94/3 and 94/4. In addition there used to be a path that connected Footpath 94/3,93/1 to Green Lane in Fowlmere.....could this be reinstated as a Bridleway? Similarly could the path beside Mortimers Farm up to Rowleys Hill and back along Hoffers Brook be reinstated and upgraded to a Bridleway?
The fact that Foxton has no Bridleways or Byways certainly needs addressing!
Equestrians must be included in this section to meet local and national policies.
Cyclists, walkers and equestrians have shared successfully Bridleways and Byways since 1968 when cyclists were granted access to them. To date, there has been no report ever of a horse injuring a third party on a public right of way.

Foxton NP
9. Transport
9.1 The purpose of the policies in this section is to help realise the following NP objectives:
Objective 10i: To reduce the impact of traffic in the village and improve safety of all road users. Including equestrians.
Objective 10ii: To encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport in preference to cars.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

Policy intent
9.7 The purpose of policy FOX/17 is to improve the quality of life in Foxton by reducing the impact of traffic in the village and improve safety of all road users. In meeting this objective any measures should ensure the rural character of the village is retained and ‘urbanisation’ is avoided.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

New Development and Connectivity
9.8 There is good pedestrian connectivity in Foxton, with pavements and paths providing access to all key facilities. However, in a number of locations there is a pavement on only one side of the road that can hinder safe access to properties, bus stops, etc. (Figure 27), and not all routes are fully accessible to those with reduced mobility. While there are no dedicated crossing points on any road, there are few hazards to crossing the main thoroughfares in the village centre and visibility lines are generally good. This is not the case for the A10: The recent creation of a shared pedestrian/cycle path along the route of the A10 has provided a refuge crossing point, but pedestrians and cyclists are largely reliant on the level crossing closing in order to safely cross the road. Difficulty crossing the A10 acts as a significant barrier to the coherence of the village, hindering access to services and facilities such as Foxton School and the village shop for residents who live north of the railway line/A10.

Equestrians also have difficulty crossing the A10 and whilst ideally they would not choose to do so, they are forced to by the fragmented Bridleway network if they want to access other areas. Provision for a safe crossing should also be provided for equestrians. The fragmentation of the existing bridleway network in this area is partly due to the failure of previous planning and transport projects to include provision for equestrians – this can be seen in the bridleways and byways severed by past A10 improvements. This failure should not be allowed to continue. Equestrians need the same access and provision as cyclists.

9.9 In June 2019, the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) consulted on proposals to create the Melbourn Greenway, with new and improved cycling and walking routes between Cambridge and Royston via Melbourn (with its Village College, attended by Foxton pupils). The consultation included specific proposals relating to Foxton: reducing speed limits on the A10 in the vicinity of the level crossing; introducing a 20 mph limit and a public realm scheme in the centre of Foxton village; and a continuous shared use path on the northern side of the level crossing. Foxton Parish Council supported the proposals as they would improve cycling and walking connectivity with neighbouring villages, Cambridge and Royston. Decisions on how best to progress the project are awaited.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies. The Greenways also include equestrians.

9.12 Foxton has an uninterrupted, off-road, segregated pedestrian/cycle route that connects it north through Harston to the outskirts of Cambridge and the Addenbrookes Biomedical Campus, and south towards Melbourn. This may be improved if the GCP proposals for the Melbourne Greenway are implemented.

The path alongside the A10 is a multi user path including access for equestrians. Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies. The Greenways also include equestrians.

9.13 Cross-country public footpaths connect Foxton to Shepreth, Newton and Fowlmere (Figure 24), but there is no off-road cycle connectivity with neighbouring villages.

Any off road paths should also include equestrians as one of the most vulnerable road users. There is the potential for upgrading footpaths to Bridleways, which would help to join up the fragmented Bridleway network, as well as providing links to neighbouring villages such as Fowlmere and Barrington. Footpaths with the potential to be upgraded are mentioned in Section 7.19 above ie footpaths 94/3 and 94/4.

9.16 Local Plan policy T1/2 Planning for Sustainable Travel covers many of the local aspirations to ensure provision for sustainable transport in any future developments in Foxton but the wording is generic whereas Policy FOX/18 provides local context. Policy TI/8 Infrastructure and New Development in the Local Plan covers the need to ensure that when new developments come forward, opportunities will be sought to improve the network of footpaths and cycle links and infrastructure through additional provision and/or upgrading existing pavements/paths. To achieve this, financial contributions may be sought via S106 agreements/Community Infrastructure Levy.
Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

S106 agreements/Community Infrastructure Levy should be used for all Non Motorised Users to get the best value from this funding. As mentioned below equestrians contribute a lot to the local economy.

9.17 Policy FOX/18 aims to ensure that any future development provides adequate pedestrian and cycle connectivity through a Transport Statement.
Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.


Equestrians are the most vulnerable road user group.
Because of the fragmented nature of the bridleway network in this country, equestrians have no choice but to use the roads, which of course are becoming more and more busy as new houses are built, and with this brings more accidents and near misses on the roads affecting equestrians. Horse riders are the most vulnerable road users.
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 rates.

Horse riders currently only have access to 22% of public rights of way.
The provision of safe off road hacking for equestrians has many benefits.
Horse riders are mostly female making them a Protected Characteristic Group in terms of the Equality Act. A lot of older women also ride, a group who are known not to engage in traditional exercise such as going to the gym however, horse riding and all the related horse care provides regular exercise, along with the benefits of mental well-being, as horse therapy is well known for relieving stress. Councils should therefore be encouraging this group, along with all other horse riders to get out into the countryside and enjoy this rural pursuit, but this becomes less attractive if the only place to ride is on the roads, which brings me onto my next point regarding creation of additional Bridleways.

Other NPs that the BHS has reported on, have included the creation of additional Bridleway access, either by upgrading footpaths to Bridleways or by creating new Bridleway paths. They have also tried to improve links with surrounding villages, and thus helping to link up the fragmented Bridleway network as I have mentioned in Section 9.13 above.

In Foxton there are several local equestrians as well as the large livery yards South Cambs Equestrian Centre at Barrington, which accommodates equestrians who will ride out in the Foxton area. The equestrians should be considered in the same way as other Non-motorised users. There are approx. 25,500 horses in Cambridgeshire, contributing £91.8 million pa to the local economy (figures exclude the racing industry). A joined up, safe off road access network is essential for the Cambridgeshire equestrian industry to continue to input positively into the local economy.

Local and national policies and statistics, referred to above to inform the Foxton NP, are set out in more detail below.

Please get in touch with me if you need any further information. I very much look forward to working with the Foxton NP Group to improve safe access to the countryside and ensure safe access for all non-motorised users.

Kind regards,

Lesley Golding
BHS Access & Bridleways Officer

The economic case
• Estimated £5,548 pa per horse to the economy
• £4.7 billion economic value of the equestrian sector
• 847,000 horses in Britain (25,500 horses in Cambs excluding the racing industry)
• 1.8 million regular riders of 3 million total
• Estimated 67% of riders are female (the proportion is likely much higher for hacking)
• Lack of access to horses and riding facilities is a barrier for 22% of lapsed riders returning
https://www.beta-uk.org/pages/news-amp-events/news/national-equestrian-survey-2019-provides-optimistic-view-of-industry.php

• ‘Rights of way and other forms of off-road access are essential facilities for this industry to flourish, and to save riders from having to risk their lives riding on the roads. The lack of a comprehensive rights of way network is inhibiting the horse industry’s growth.’
o ‘equestrian access is a form of sustainable recreation… gives more people the chance to participate in sport and leisure activities… equestrian rights of way are especially needed in urban areas … where there are many riders and drivers who are totally dependent on them for exercise many women and children feel safer when riding alone than they do when walking or cycling alone.
o Failure to provide for horse riders and carriage drivers ‘… calls into question present policies on gender, health and wellbeing, welfare, equality of opportunity, discrimination and personal freedom’
http://www.rightsofway.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/DOWNLOAD-Making-Ways-For-Horses-HERE.pdf
The East has one of the worst records for road accidents involving equestrians (NHS Hospital Episodes Statistics)
National and Local Policies supporting equestrian access provision:
• The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Transport Plan refers throughout to the need to provide for Active Travel which is defined as ‘walking, cycling and horse riding’. https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/about-us/programmes/transport/ltp/
• Highways England Accessibility Strategy states:
‘Our vision focuses on supporting our road users’ journeys, pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, those with disabilities (such as users with mobility or sensory impairments) and other vulnerable users – while delivering longer-term benefits for communities and users alike.’https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/526226/S150749_Accessibility_Strategy_4pp_V3.pdf
• NPPF
Policy 58 Requiring Good design
Create safe and accessible environments.
Paragraphs 73 and 81 of the NPPF require Local Authorities to plan positively for access to high quality open spaces for sport and recreation which can make important contributions to the health and wellbeing of communities and to plan positively to enhance the beneficial use of the Green Belt, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation.
NPPF Section 8 Promoting healthy communities
Policy 73 access to high quality open spaces for sport and recreation and can make important contribution to the health and wellbeing of communities.
Policy 75 Planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of way and access. Local authorities should seek opportunities to provide better facilities for users. For example by adding links to existing rights of way networks.
Policy 81 local planning authorities should plan positively to enhance the beneficial use of the Green Belt, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/810197/NPPF_Feb_2019_revised.pdf

• The Cambridgeshire Rights of Way Improvement Plan published by the Cambridgeshire County Council in 2016 contains the following statements of action and guiding principles.
Guiding Principle 2 “Countryside Access provision should be safe for users and encourage healthy activities….’
Statement of Action 5 'Filling in the gaps'
Statement of Action 8 'A better countryside environment' and relates to guiding principle GP8 (page 22) "The countryside access experience in Cambridgeshire should be straightforward, enjoyable and inspiring."
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/asset-library/imported-assets/Cambridgeshire_ROWIP_update___April_2016%20(1).pdf
• Appendix 11 of The Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure Network clearly states that walking, horse riding and cycling access is now required and should incorporate the linking of existing permissive access and rights of way network for walkers, cyclists AND horseriders. https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/2557/green-infrastructure-strategy.pdf
• The British Horse Society's report Making Ways for Horses – off-road Equestrian Access in England – Equestrian Access Forum August 2012, highlights the importance of horse riding for health and well being. http://www.rightsofway.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/DOWNLOAD-Making-Ways-For-Horses-HERE.pdf

Cambridgeshire BHS Access would like to comment on Foxton NP as follows:

Foxton NP
Improve the extent of the non-motorised path network
Background and Justification
7.19 The local path network is a key component of Foxton’s green infrastructure network. Some paths provide essential links with formal and informal recreation areas. The parish-wide public footpath network, maintained by Cambridgeshire County Council in partnership with landowners, is highly valued by the community. There is however a need to create additional permissive footpaths linking with existing public rights of way to form more circular routes. There are no public bridleways or byways in the parish. Opportunities for walking and cycling will be encouraged, including the creation of new permissive footpaths through negotiation with landowners, and cycleways in partnership with local authorities. A priority, and recommended in the Melbourn Greenways consultation by the Greater Cambridgeshire Partnership in 2019, is a cycle route linking Foxton with Melbourn Village College. This would enable pupils from Foxton to safely cycle to school, rather than having to cross the busy A10 twice.
This report acknowledges the lack of bridleways in the area but there is no recommendation within this report to improve the situation. It is morally, socially, economically and environmentally correct that public money should be spent to benefit the widest possible groups and the maximum number of people. Restrictive footpaths do not meet this objective. The BHS supports the creation of additional permissive only where it is not possible to create public rights of way which can be protected in perpetuity for future generations. Paths linking with existing public rights of way to form more circular routes are the most useful, however any off road paths should include equestrians as they are recognised as the most vulnerable road user. There is also the potential for upgrading existing footpaths to Bridleways, which would help to join up the fragmented Bridleway network, as well as providing links to neighbouring villages such as Fowlmere and Barrington and be available to more users. Footpaths with the potential to be upgraded to Bridleways are 94/3 and 94/4. In addition there used to be a path that connected Footpath 94/3,93/1 to Green Lane in Fowlmere.....could this be reinstated as a Bridleway? Similarly could the path beside Mortimers Farm up to Rowleys Hill and back along Hoffers Brook be reinstated and upgraded to a Bridleway?
The fact that Foxton has no Bridleways or Byways certainly needs addressing!
Equestrians must be included in this section to meet local and national policies.
Cyclists, walkers and equestrians have shared successfully Bridleways and Byways since 1968 when cyclists were granted access to them. To date, there has been no report ever of a horse injuring a third party on a public right of way.

Foxton NP
9. Transport
9.1 The purpose of the policies in this section is to help realise the following NP objectives:
Objective 10i: To reduce the impact of traffic in the village and improve safety of all road users. Including equestrians.
Objective 10ii: To encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport in preference to cars.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

Policy intent
9.7 The purpose of policy FOX/17 is to improve the quality of life in Foxton by reducing the impact of traffic in the village and improve safety of all road users. In meeting this objective any measures should ensure the rural character of the village is retained and ‘urbanisation’ is avoided.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

New Development and Connectivity
9.8 There is good pedestrian connectivity in Foxton, with pavements and paths providing access to all key facilities. However, in a number of locations there is a pavement on only one side of the road that can hinder safe access to properties, bus stops, etc. (Figure 27), and not all routes are fully accessible to those with reduced mobility. While there are no dedicated crossing points on any road, there are few hazards to crossing the main thoroughfares in the village centre and visibility lines are generally good. This is not the case for the A10: The recent creation of a shared pedestrian/cycle path along the route of the A10 has provided a refuge crossing point, but pedestrians and cyclists are largely reliant on the level crossing closing in order to safely cross the road. Difficulty crossing the A10 acts as a significant barrier to the coherence of the village, hindering access to services and facilities such as Foxton School and the village shop for residents who live north of the railway line/A10.

Equestrians also have difficulty crossing the A10 and whilst ideally they would not choose to do so, they are forced to by the fragmented Bridleway network if they want to access other areas. Provision for a safe crossing should also be provided for equestrians. The fragmentation of the existing bridleway network in this area is partly due to the failure of previous planning and transport projects to include provision for equestrians – this can be seen in the bridleways and byways severed by past A10 improvements. This failure should not be allowed to continue. Equestrians need the same access and provision as cyclists.

9.9 In June 2019, the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) consulted on proposals to create the Melbourn Greenway, with new and improved cycling and walking routes between Cambridge and Royston via Melbourn (with its Village College, attended by Foxton pupils). The consultation included specific proposals relating to Foxton: reducing speed limits on the A10 in the vicinity of the level crossing; introducing a 20 mph limit and a public realm scheme in the centre of Foxton village; and a continuous shared use path on the northern side of the level crossing. Foxton Parish Council supported the proposals as they would improve cycling and walking connectivity with neighbouring villages, Cambridge and Royston. Decisions on how best to progress the project are awaited.

Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies. The Greenways also include equestrians.

9.12 Foxton has an uninterrupted, off-road, segregated pedestrian/cycle route that connects it north through Harston to the outskirts of Cambridge and the Addenbrookes Biomedical Campus, and south towards Melbourn. This may be improved if the GCP proposals for the Melbourne Greenway are implemented.

The path alongside the A10 is a multi user path including access for equestrians. Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies. The Greenways also include equestrians.

9.13 Cross-country public footpaths connect Foxton to Shepreth, Newton and Fowlmere (Figure 24), but there is no off-road cycle connectivity with neighbouring villages.

Any off road paths should also include equestrians as one of the most vulnerable road users. There is the potential for upgrading footpaths to Bridleways, which would help to join up the fragmented Bridleway network, as well as providing links to neighbouring villages such as Fowlmere and Barrington. Footpaths with the potential to be upgraded are mentioned in Section 7.19 above ie footpaths 94/3 and 94/4.

9.16 Local Plan policy T1/2 Planning for Sustainable Travel covers many of the local aspirations to ensure provision for sustainable transport in any future developments in Foxton but the wording is generic whereas Policy FOX/18 provides local context. Policy TI/8 Infrastructure and New Development in the Local Plan covers the need to ensure that when new developments come forward, opportunities will be sought to improve the network of footpaths and cycle links and infrastructure through additional provision and/or upgrading existing pavements/paths. To achieve this, financial contributions may be sought via S106 agreements/Community Infrastructure Levy.
Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.

S106 agreements/Community Infrastructure Levy should be used for all Non Motorised Users to get the best value from this funding. As mentioned below equestrians contribute a lot to the local economy.

9.17 Policy FOX/18 aims to ensure that any future development provides adequate pedestrian and cycle connectivity through a Transport Statement.
Equestrians must be included in this section as the plan needs to meet the requirements of local and national policies.


Equestrians are the most vulnerable road user group.
Because of the fragmented nature of the bridleway network in this country, equestrians have no choice but to use the roads, which of course are becoming more and more busy as new houses are built, and with this brings more accidents and near misses on the roads affecting equestrians. Horse riders are the most vulnerable road users.
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 rates.

Horse riders currently only have access to 22% of public rights of way.
The provision of safe off road hacking for equestrians has many benefits.
Horse riders are mostly female making them a Protected Characteristic Group in terms of the Equality Act. A lot of older women also ride, a group who are known not to engage in traditional exercise such as going to the gym however, horse riding and all the related horse care provides regular exercise, along with the benefits of mental well-being, as horse therapy is well known for relieving stress. Councils should therefore be encouraging this group, along with all other horse riders to get out into the countryside and enjoy this rural pursuit, but this becomes less attractive if the only place to ride is on the roads, which brings me onto my next point regarding creation of additional Bridleways.

Other NPs that the BHS has reported on, have included the creation of additional Bridleway access, either by upgrading footpaths to Bridleways or by creating new Bridleway paths. They have also tried to improve links with surrounding villages, and thus helping to link up the fragmented Bridleway network as I have mentioned in Section 9.13 above.

In Foxton there are several local equestrians as well as the large livery yards South Cambs Equestrian Centre at Barrington, which accommodates equestrians who will ride out in the Foxton area. The equestrians should be considered in the same way as other Non-motorised users. There are approx. 25,500 horses in Cambridgeshire, contributing £91.8 million pa to the local economy (figures exclude the racing industry). A joined up, safe off road access network is essential for the Cambridgeshire equestrian industry to continue to input positively into the local economy.

Local and national policies and statistics, referred to above to inform the Foxton NP, are set out in more detail below.

Please get in touch with me if you need any further information. I very much look forward to working with the Foxton NP Group to improve safe access to the countryside and ensure safe access for all non-motorised users.

Kind regards,

Lesley Golding
BHS Access & Bridleways Officer

The economic case
• Estimated £5,548 pa per horse to the economy
• £4.7 billion economic value of the equestrian sector
• 847,000 horses in Britain (25,500 horses in Cambs excluding the racing industry)
• 1.8 million regular riders of 3 million total
• Estimated 67% of riders are female (the proportion is likely much higher for hacking)
• Lack of access to horses and riding facilities is a barrier for 22% of lapsed riders returning
https://www.beta-uk.org/pages/news-amp-events/news/national-equestrian-survey-2019-provides-optimistic-view-of-industry.php

• ‘Rights of way and other forms of off-road access are essential facilities for this industry to flourish, and to save riders from having to risk their lives riding on the roads. The lack of a comprehensive rights of way network is inhibiting the horse industry’s growth.’
o ‘equestrian access is a form of sustainable recreation… gives more people the chance to participate in sport and leisure activities… equestrian rights of way are especially needed in urban areas … where there are many riders and drivers who are totally dependent on them for exercise many women and children feel safer when riding alone than they do when walking or cycling alone.
o Failure to provide for horse riders and carriage drivers ‘… calls into question present policies on gender, health and wellbeing, welfare, equality of opportunity, discrimination and personal freedom’
http://www.rightsofway.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/DOWNLOAD-Making-Ways-For-Horses-HERE.pdf
The East has one of the worst records for road accidents involving equestrians (NHS Hospital Episodes Statistics)
National and Local Policies supporting equestrian access provision:
• The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Transport Plan refers throughout to the need to provide for Active Travel which is defined as ‘walking, cycling and horse riding’. https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/about-us/programmes/transport/ltp/
• Highways England Accessibility Strategy states:
‘Our vision focuses on supporting our road users’ journeys, pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, those with disabilities (such as users with mobility or sensory impairments) and other vulnerable users – while delivering longer-term benefits for communities and users alike.’https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/526226/S150749_Accessibility_Strategy_4pp_V3.pdf
• NPPF
Policy 58 Requiring Good design
Create safe and accessible environments.
Paragraphs 73 and 81 of the NPPF require Local Authorities to plan positively for access to high quality open spaces for sport and recreation which can make important contributions to the health and wellbeing of communities and to plan positively to enhance the beneficial use of the Green Belt, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation.
NPPF Section 8 Promoting healthy communities
Policy 73 access to high quality open spaces for sport and recreation and can make important contribution to the health and wellbeing of communities.
Policy 75 Planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of way and access. Local authorities should seek opportunities to provide better facilities for users. For example by adding links to existing rights of way networks.
Policy 81 local planning authorities should plan positively to enhance the beneficial use of the Green Belt, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/810197/NPPF_Feb_2019_revised.pdf

• The Cambridgeshire Rights of Way Improvement Plan published by the Cambridgeshire County Council in 2016 contains the following statements of action and guiding principles.
Guiding Principle 2 “Countryside Access provision should be safe for users and encourage healthy activities….’
Statement of Action 5 'Filling in the gaps'
Statement of Action 8 'A better countryside environment' and relates to guiding principle GP8 (page 22) "The countryside access experience in Cambridgeshire should be straightforward, enjoyable and inspiring."
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/asset-library/imported-assets/Cambridgeshire_ROWIP_update___April_2016%20(1).pdf
• Appendix 11 of The Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure Network clearly states that walking, horse riding and cycling access is now required and should incorporate the linking of existing permissive access and rights of way network for walkers, cyclists AND horseriders. https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/2557/green-infrastructure-strategy.pdf
• The British Horse Society's report Making Ways for Horses – off-road Equestrian Access in England – Equestrian Access Forum August 2012, highlights the importance of horse riding for health and well being. http://www.rightsofway.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/DOWNLOAD-Making-Ways-For-Horses-HERE.pdf