The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel met on Friday 12 June 2026 to discuss applications for public rights of way. The panel approved the addition of a public bridleway along Bridle Road in Stafford and a public footpath between Park Lane and Bonehill Canal Bridge in Fazeley Parish. However, an application for a public footpath from Salts Lane to Drayton Brick Bridge in Drayton Bassett was rejected.

Addition of a Public Bridleway along Bridle Road, Stafford

The panel approved the addition of a public bridleway along an unmade section of Bridle Road in Stafford. The application, originally submitted in August 1995, was based on evidence of public use and historical documentation. Officers concluded that the legal test for a public right of way had been satisfied, with user evidence supporting the existence of a public footpath and historical evidence suggesting higher rights. Councillor Anne Eagler raised concerns about the maintenance and safety of the route, and the potential impact on private vehicle access rights. Officers clarified that the Highway Authority would be responsible for maintenance and that private vehicle access rights would not be affected. The panel voted six in favour of the recommendation to add the public bridleway.

Application to Add a Public Footpath Between Unadopted Section of Park Lane and Bonehill Canal Bridge, Fazeley Parish

The panel approved the addition of a public footpath between the unadopted section of Park Lane and Bonehill Canal Bridge in Fazeley Parish. The application, submitted in November 2021, was supported by 31 user evidence forms. Despite objections from landowners' solicitors regarding the fairness of the process and the sufficiency of evidence, officers recommended approval based on the reasonable allegation test under Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Councillor Farrell, who declared an interest as a resident of Park Lane, supported the officer's recommendation but highlighted concerns about the current route passing through a landowner's garden and swimming pool. He suggested that a diversion might be necessary in the future. Stephanie, an officer, explained that the current process focused on establishing whether the rights existed in 2021, and a diversion could be considered later if the rights were confirmed. The panel voted six in favour of making an order to add the public footpath.

Application for the Addition of a Public Footpath from the A4091 (Opposite Salts Lane) to Drayton Brick Bridge and Access to Canal Towpath, Drayton Bassett

The panel rejected an application for a public footpath along Salts Lane track in Drayton Bassett. The application was initially recommended for acceptance, but further evidence led officers to reverse their recommendation. The primary evidence against the claim was the existence of a locked gate on the route from at least 2001, which rendered subsequent user evidence invalid. Landowner evidence also indicated verbal challenges and the granting of permissions, suggesting use was not as of right . Despite over 100 user evidence forms supporting the application, officers concluded that the landowner had provided sufficiently strong evidence to demonstrate a lack of intention to dedicate the route as a public right of way. Councillor Farrell, the local member for Drayton Bassett, argued that the route had been walked by local residents for many years and that its rejection would leave the village without sufficient footpaths, especially given the closure of other routes. He also raised concerns about the safety of alternative routes. However, the panel ultimately voted unanimously to reject the application, agreeing with the officers' recommendation. The panel noted that details of impassable routes in the area would be passed to colleagues in rights of way for potential enforcement or access issues.

Deferral of Application to Upgrade Public Footpath 17 Dilhorne and Part of Public Footpath 8 Dilhorne to a Byway Open to All Traffic

The panel decided to defer an application to upgrade Public Footpath 17 Dilhorne and part of Public Footpath 8 Dilhorne to a Byway Open to All Traffic, as not all relevant information had been received.