North York Moors National Park Authority Access and Rights of Way Panel
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Item 4 North York Moors National Park Authority Access and Rights of Way Panel 21 February 2013 Proposed Definitive Map Modification Order, The Green, Cold Kirby Addition of New Bridleway: Cleveland Way National Trail, 1. Purpose of the Report 1.1 To set out the circumstances relating to a proposed Definitive Map Modification Order in respect of a claimed bridleway, part of the Cleveland Way National Trail in light of objections having been received. 1.2 To seek Members’ approval to make a Definitive Map Modification Order and if objections remain un-withdrawn to submit the matter to the Secretary of State for determination. 2. Legal Introduction 2.1 The National Park Officer has delegated responsibility to authorise the making of a definitive map modification order under section 53(3)(c) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 unless a statutory consultee objects to the proposal. 2.2 In this case, the relevant test under S53 (c) that the Access and Rights of Way Panel needs to consider is: (i) ”that a public right of way which is not shown in the map and statement subsists or is reasonably alleged to subsist over land in the area to which the map relates 2.3 The level of proof required in order to show that a right of way subsists, is the balance of probabilities i.e. it is more likely to subsist than not. 2.4 If an order is made and any remaining objections are not withdrawn, the matter would probably be resolved by a public inquiry at which an inspector must weigh up whether on the balance of probabilities a public bridleway subsists over the claimed route. 2.5 It would therefore be appropriate for Members to be aware of these considerations in reaching their decision. "Members should note that whilst the Inspector must base his decision upon an assessment of the evidence on the balance of probabilities, the test for assessing whether a right of way is reasonably alleged to subsist is lower than that. To make an order Members must be satisfied that looking at the case reasonably an Inspector may reject the objector’s claims. If it is possible after a reasonable assessment of all of the evidence that an Inspector may reject the objectors case then the order should be made." 3. Background 3.1 The Cleveland Way established in 1969 is one of Britain’s premier National Trails. The National Park Authority (NPA) makes a significant contribution towards its management and through a programme of continuous improvement strives to maintain a top quality route. Proposed Definitive Map Modification Order, Cleveland Way The Green, Cold Kirby /1 Quality Standards for National Trails are currently under review, but the latest version, published by the Countryside Agency in 2004 includes the expectation that the route will follow legally defined rights of way Appendix 2. The NPA has therefore been working towards this goal and this section of path at Cold Kirby is the latest to be addressed. 3.2 A site inspection on 12 May 2010 showed the claimed bridleway to commence on the unclassified road U13/2 Low Field Lane near the eastern, lower end of Main Street in the village of Cold Kirby (as shown Point A on the plan at Appendix 1) and proceed in a generally easterly direction down a grass slope to the north of The Old School House for approximately 64 metres to cross a spring and continue down a valley with water running in open channels to both the north and the south of the path. The northern channel feeds a field water trough before disappearing underground and the southern channel continues further east before it too goes underground where the path turns south to climb back out of the valley bottom and swing south-east to climb more steeply through ash trees to re-join Low Field Lane. The route was designated as part of the Cleveland Way by the Countryside Commission in 1969 and has been promoted for long-distance walking ever since. It is a total distance of 267 metres. 3.3 A further inspection on 18 October 2012 after a particularly wet year and very recent flooding in the Vale of Mowbray found capacity of the northern water channel to be restricted by vegetation and some water was flowing down the path for a short distance below the spring. Water was also coming out onto the path below the water trough and yet more was flowing down the northern field below the trough. The path surface appeared to be sound below the water, with bedrock clearly visible in places. The water continued to the lowest corner of the route where it ponded to a depth of approximately 20 cm over a distance of about 5 metres. Beyond this the way was free from surface water. Photographs taken on 12 May 2010 and 18 October 2012 will be presented at the meeting. 3.4 Low Field Lane continues generally east from Point C as an un-metalled road on North Yorkshire County Council’s List of Streets for approximately 980 metres. Only public footpath rights are recorded beyond this point and so for public use by pedal cycle or on horse-back Low Field Lane is only a cul-de-sac. 4. Ownership 4.1 Despite extensive research, it has not been possible to identify an owner of most of the land crossed by the route: between points A and B on the plan Appendix 1. Notices of the proposed addition to the definitive map of the way as a bridleway were therefore posted on site addressed to the owner/occupier of the land. Appendix 3 They were erected on 14 August 2012 and maintained until their removal on 15 November 2012. 4.2 The claimed bridleway lies within a wider area of Registered Common Land within the village as shown on the plan Appendix 4. The Commons Registration Authority, North Yorkshire County Council confirms that there are no common rights registered and that there is no landowner recorded. Appendix 5 4.3 The south-eastern section of the way between Points B and C appears to belong to the nearby Coronation Farm whose owner and occupier, Mr Jones, has been consulted and who opposes the proposal: see paragraph 7.3 below. Proposed Definitive Map Modification Order, Cleveland Way The Green, Cold Kirby /2 5. Initial Investigations 5.1 A site inspection by the Head of Recreation and Access Officer on 12 May 2010 confirmed the way to have the appearance of a public right of way. It is not in itself enclosed, but passes between what appear to be ancient, walled enclosures and forms a convenient link across a long bend in Low Field Lane. 5.2 Signage associated with the Cleveland Way was in place: • At Point A; old wooden finger post with a single yellow footpath waymark arrow pointing east and a National Trail acorn. The single finger pointing east read “Cleveland Way Rievaulx 3 ½ miles” (photo…003) • Near point B: newer wooden finger post “Cleveland Way” with acorn logo on arms pointing north and south-east along the claimed bridleway (photo…008) • At Point C: newer wooden finger post “Cleveland Way” with acorn logo on arms pointing north-west onto the claimed bridleway and east along Low Field Lane (photo…010) From the absence of tall grasses, the section A-B appeared to have been maintained by mowing. On a subsequent inspection on 18 October 2012 the ground was much softer and there were clear footprints showing evidence of pedestrian use, but no sign of use by horses, bicycles or vehicles was evident. 5.3 Looking at the documents associated with the 1965 North Riding Definitive Map reveals that in 1952 the way in the parish of Cold Kirby was claimed to be a public bridleway with the reason being “Public Usage”. It appears as though this was not recorded on the definitive map at the time because the then highway records had this section, rather than the longer, more sustainable route around the curve of Low Field Lane shown as the highway maintainable at public expense. 6. Consultations 6.1 Informal consultation to obtain the views of statutory consultees and other interested parties began on 27 July 2012 with the letter and plan at Appendix 6. 7. Observations of Consultees 7.1 The Ramblers’ Appendix 7, British Horse Society, Byways and Bridleways Trust, Open Spaces Society and Ryedale Bridleways Group Appendix 8 support the application. No objections were received from statutory undertakers, Natural England or local councils. No reply was received from the Cyclists’ Touring Club or from Ryedale Walkers are Welcome Group. 7.2 Cold Kirby is unique amongst communities in the National Park in that it has neither a Parish Council, nor a Parish Meeting, so an offer from the Secretary of the Village Hall committee to let local people know about the proposal was welcomed. Notice of the proposal also appeared on site for three months. 7.3 The owner of part of the land crossed by the way, Mr Jones, having received a direct consultation letter commented in a telephone conversation with the Head of Recreation and Access on 3 August 2012: Proposed Definitive Map Modification Order, Cleveland Way The Green, Cold Kirby /3 • The route is very wet so he does not even take a quad bike along it when it’s like that, but does take a pasture topper through once a year to keep on top of the rubbish that grows up • No local riders use it and as a bridleway it would be of no benefit to the community • He does not want cyclists or horses on there – why would they use it if they can go round by the road? • Concern that increased use would make the surface worse for walkers and that opening it up would encourage illegal 4x4 and quad users • He sees no reason to change anything.