The Development Control and Regulatory Board of Leicestershire Council met on Thursday, 8 October 2026, to consider applications for modifications to public rights of way. The Board decided to refuse the proposed upgrading of Public Footpath F18 to a bridleway at Goadby Marwood. The Board also resolved that an order should be made to add a restricted byway from Goadby Marwood to White Lodge Farm.

Proposed Upgrading of Public Footpath F18 to a Bridleway at Goadby Marwood

The Board considered an application to upgrade a section of Public Footpath F18 in Goadby Marwood to a bridleway. The application was made by the Leicestershire and Rutland Bridleways Association, who presented evidence suggesting that the path had been used by horse riders for over 20 years. This evidence included 37 user statements, with 19 of those claiming use for 20 years or more prior to 2020, when No Bridleway signs were erected.

However, significant objections were raised by landowners, local residents, and Eaton Parish Council. Concerns included the historical status of the path as a footpath, the unsuitability of the terrain for horses, potential damage to crops and wildlife, and the fear that upgrading the path would encourage increased use by the hunt. Ruth Knight, speaking on behalf of the landowner, highlighted the steep and potentially dangerous nature of the path, the risk of soil erosion, and the impact on a developing nature reserve. Mark Griesley, a local resident and parish councillor, echoed these concerns, questioning the validity of the user evidence and pointing to alternative, more suitable routes for horse riders.

After hearing from the public speakers and board members, a motion was put forward to refuse the application, contrary to the officer's recommendation. This motion was carried, meaning the footpath will remain as a footpath. The applicant may appeal this decision to the Secretary of State.

Proposed Addition of a Restricted Byway from Goadby Marwood to White Lodge Farm

The Board also considered an application from Eaton Parish Council to add a restricted byway to the Definitive Map, running from Goadby Marwood to White Lodge Farm. A restricted byway is a public carriageway that cannot be used by mechanically propelled vehicles.

The application was supported by extensive historical mapping evidence dating back to 1777, which indicated the route was a public highway, and potentially a public carriage road or cross road, with a status higher than a footpath or bridleway. While ironstone workings in the mid-20th century disrupted the route, evidence suggested it was restored to its original line. User evidence also supported the claim, with 11 out of 17 valid witnesses reporting use for 20 years or more prior to the route being ploughed out and a gate installed in 2023.

An objection was received from the landowner, Shoby Priory Agriculture Ltd, who proposed a diversion order as an alternative to the restricted byway. They suggested moving the existing bridleway F27a onto the line of the proposed restricted byway, which would remain a bridleway. The Trail Riders Fellowship also objected, arguing that the route should be classified as a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) rather than a restricted byway, due to historical evidence of vehicular use and its connection to other BOATs.

Despite these objections, the Board was satisfied that the evidence, on balance, supported the existence of a public right of way for foot, horseback, and non-motorised vehicles. The officer's report concluded that any historical vehicular rights would have been extinguished under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, making a restricted byway the appropriate classification. The Board resolved that an Order should be made under the provisions of Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, to add a restricted byway to the Definitive Map.