PROW NEWS – August 2023 UPDATES
1 Sholden/Worth EE233 – the beaver bridleway – now open again
The very good news is that the whole bridleway is now open again. The holes were filled in, and apparently no more have been found. You might like to know that in mid-July the section from the A258 to the pumping station had been cleared of excess vegetation, although the section from the pumping station to Roaring Gutter bridge, the area with the holes, had not. But the Pinnock Wall track, to the east of the water courses at this point, is it has always been, wide and easy to use – although not an official PROW.
Incidentally, at the pumping station there is no legal connection between EE233 and restricted byway EE495, which is the track leading directly to the “Coach” pub on the A258. So tying, or even locking the gate between them is unfortunately quite legal. I climbed it!
2 Bishopsbourne footpaths officially upgraded to bridleway status
I recently mentioned the order to create bridleways from the old station for a mile southwards to Pheasant’s Hall. Also the creation of a new cul-de-sac BR just south of the “Mermaid”. All of these have now been confirmed.
3 Claim of a new restricted byway north of Ottinge (Elham parish)
This would run from Millhill Farm at GR 167 428 north-west to Mount Farm at GR 162 433. If approved this effectively makes the whole route from Canterbury Road (the main Elham Valley Road) through to Magpie Lane into a PROW – where it is not already classed as a public road.
4 Aylesham – minor diversions in connection with new house building
Following the first consultation, a different connection between footpaths EE291 and EE291A to that originally proposed in April has been adopted. It is in the area of Burgess Road and Kings Road, just north of the village centre.
5 Developments proposed in Betteshanger Country Park turned down
You have probably seen that although Council officers recommended approval with a number of conditions, the DDC Planning Committee rejected the proposed new hotel and water park by a surprisingly large majority. And since then, the hotel proposal has apparently been withdrawn altogether. But I still wouldn’t rule out an appeal by developers Quinn, despite public opinion being very much against them.
6 Proposed Waldershare Park Deer Park
This proposal caused concern amongst a significant number of people fearing a detrimental effect of the proposed fencing and gates on the usage of bridleway ER97, and more especially footpath ER96, the North Downs Way. In the last month has come news that the whole estate and its various properties are up for sale at £10.5 million! As a result, there have been rumours that the proposed deer park may be abandoned, but as yet there are no facts to back them up.
Meanwhile still no “new news” this month on any of the many other outstanding PROW change issues. Due to objections received, we do know however that the issues of (a) the creation of new byways in the Staple and Goodnestone area and (b) the upgrading to bridleway of Staple footpath EE190, have been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for a decision.
As always, if you would like more details of the PROW issues mentioned above, or any others for that matter, please contact Roger King on 01304 362730, or e-mail roger.rambler89@outlook.com
