Residents Oppose Plan to Allow Vehicles on Rural Footpaths
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Residents living along Common Lane in Boundary have formally objected to proposals that would permit motor vehicles to use two long-established public footpaths, raising concerns over legality, environmental impact and public safety.
In a letter submitted on 23rd March, Cllr Michelle Wells, supported by a group of local residents, criticising Staffordshire County Council’s handling of application Red LP609G. The proposal seeks to upgrade sections of Public Footpath 17 and Public Footpath 8 to Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs), a designation that would allow vehicular access.
The group argues that the council has failed to follow statutory procedures required under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. According to the letter, no public notices were displayed, no advertisement appeared in local newspapers, and key stakeholders — including landowners and some parish councils — were not formally notified.
Describing the application as “procedurally defective,” residents insist it should not proceed. Residents also report that other footpath upgrade notifications have recently been received by stakeholders locally, raising questions about why multiple proposals are emerging at the same time and whether there has been a broader, unpublicised review of rights of way in the area?
The proposed route would begin at Common Lane, located at the crossroads with Daisy Bank and Cheadle Road — a junction residents describe as an accident black spot. From there, the track runs through the rural landscape, passing through the Blake Hall Fisheries area before continuing towards Brookhouses and linking up with the Huntsman junction, another location locally regarded as hazardous.
Residents argue that opening this route to vehicles would significantly increase traffic along what is currently a quiet, narrow pathway, potentially exacerbating safety risks at both ends of the route.
Concerns have also been raised about the impact on recent property purchases. Several homes near the route have been sold since 2021, yet residents claim no reference to the application appeared in local authority searches during conveyancing. The group says it is now seeking legal advice over whether proper records were maintained.
Residents further contend that vehicular access has not been historically exercised, noting that the route has been blocked to vehicles for more than 50 years. A locked gate has reportedly been in place since the 1970s, casting doubt on claims that driving rights exist.
The objection also cites a court ruling from the 1980s concerning nearby land, which is said to have rejected vehicular access and required compensation for restoration. Residents believe this decision remains relevant to the current proposal.
Environmental concerns feature prominently. The route runs through countryside associated with Blake Hall Fisheries, where previous planning considerations have highlighted the sensitivity of the Green Belt and surrounding environment. Residents argue that permitting vehicle access would risk damaging local habitats and contradict earlier decisions intended to protect the area.
Advice has also been sought from the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust regarding potential ecological impacts, including disturbance to wildlife and loss of biodiversity.
The group questions whether sufficient historical evidence exists to justify reclassifying the paths. The Definitive Map currently records them as footpaths, legally restricting their use to pedestrians.
Safety is another key issue. Residents describe the route as narrow and unsuitable for vehicles, warning that shared use with walkers, families and organised groups such as ramblers could increase the risk of accidents and cause damage to the paths.
The letter concludes by urging Staffordshire County Council to formally register the objection, suspend the application process until proper procedures are followed, and ultimately reject the proposal.
COGNEWS has asked the Staffordshire County Council to comment.
Residents Oppose Plan to Allow Vehicles on Rural Footpaths - created 23rd March 2026
