Notice of public path creation order Horsforth bridleway no. 51

This Order is made by Leeds City Council ("the Authority") under Section 26 of the Highways Act 1980 ("the 1980 Act") because it appears to the Authority that, having regard to the matters set out in Section 26(1), there is a need for a public bridleway over the land to which this Order relates, and that it is expedient that the public bridleway should be created. 

By this order: 

1. There shall be at the end of twenty-eight days from the date of confirmation of this Order a public bridleway over the land at Horsforth described in the Schedule to this Order and shown by a bold broken line on the map attached to this Order.

Schedule - description of land

Horsforth Bridleway No. 51

A public bridleway on Lee Lane, Horsforth commencing from a Point A, SE 2371 3872, at the junction with Lee Lane East and St Margaret’s Road to the north of house No. 49 Lee Lane East, and proceeding for a distance of 65 metres in a north-westerly direction with a width of 2.5 metres including a 2.0 metre wide surface of crushed stone, to a Point B, SE 2367 3877, then for a distance of 192 metres in a north-westerly direction on a 2 metre wide surface of stone flags, crushed stone and earth, to a Point C, SE 2353 3890, at the junction with Horsforth Footpath No. 50, then for a distance of 178 metres in a north-westerly direction with a width of 2.8 metres and a crushed stone surface to a Point D, SE 2339 3901, at the junction with Lee Lane West at Lee Lane Farm. 

The common seal of Leeds City Council was hereunto affixed this 1st day of July 2024 in the presence of:- 

Philippa Plumtree-Varley 

Seal no. 108053 

Under the Highways Act 1980, Leeds City Council as the Highway Authority for Leeds has the power to make orders to create, extinguish (close) or divert public rights of way. A notice that such an Order has been made has to be advertised on the site of the path(s) in question and in the local press. This provides an opportunity for objections or representations to be made to the proposed change. 

Leeds City Council has made an Order to create a public bridleway. This Statement has been prepared to explain various aspects of the Order. 

Leeds City Council has made the Creation Order because it will formally enable use of the route by horse riders and cyclists in addition to the existing pedestrian rights, thus providing an additional link in the bridleway network for leisure and commuter riding. This provides a traffic-free route supporting the implementation of Leeds Rights of Way Improvement Plan, the Travel Plan of the adjacent Leeds Trinity University and the active travel and access to green space elements of city council policies. 

Leeds City Council is satisfied that the Order complies with the following legal grounds and tests laid down in the Highways Act 1980, Section 26, namely that it is expedient, having regard to the extent to which the path would add to the convenience or enjoyment of a substantial section of the public or of persons residing in the area and the affect which the creation would have on the rights of persons interested in the land, account being taken of the provisions for compensation, the proposed footpath should be created. 

The order will come into effect only after it has been confirmed: making and advertising the Order simply provides an opportunity for objections or representations to be made. 

Objections or representations relating to the Order must be made in writing by 31 July 2024 to the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) at the address which is given in the Notice. 

The Leeds City Council will be willing to discuss the concerns of those considering objecting or making representations relating to the Order. Anyone wishing to do so may contact Charlotte Hamer in the Public Rights of Way Section on 0113 378 8625 between 9am and 4pm, Mondays to Fridays inclusive. 

The right of objection to an Order is a statutory right, but it should be exercised in a reasonable manner. The costs involved in dealing with objections to Orders may be awarded against objectors in cases of unreasonable behaviour. 

If any objections are made and not withdrawn, then the Council will have to refer the order to the Department of the Environment for determination. An Inspector from the Planning Inspectorate will then hear the objections at a Public Inquiry or Hearing, or in writing if the objectors agree. The Inspector can confirm an Order, confirm it with modifications, or refuse to confirm it. If no objections are received or if any objections received are subsequently withdrawn, the council will be able to confirm the order itself but it has no power to modify Orders. 

Where a new path is being created by a creation or diversion Order, the change will come into effect only after a specified period from the date of confirmation to allow time for any necessary works to be undertaken.