Email - RMBC Development Plan 

Email To RMBC re Consultation on Development Plan

We wish to comment on what we would like to see on the local plan on behalf of all our members and other equestrians in the area.

1)There are a large number of horses in the borough and because of this we have a large number of local businesses which supply their needs. Eg Feed Suppliers, Horse friendly cafes, Livery yards etc.

If the grazing land is lost, or the Bridleways become roads used by construction and estate traffic, horse owners may choose to move their horses out of the area, forcing businesses to close down.

2) The plan needs to contain a requirement for the local ROW officer and all the Bridleway groups in the borough to be consulted on all development plans, before, during and after any development takes place. This will help the council and developers understand the huge benefits we have in the borough provided by our PROWs and how to keep them as safe, quiet routes for all vulnerable road users.

3) Require developers to put multi user tracks around new estates. This would benefit pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians, maintaining continued access, for all users, to the existing PROW network, at relatively little cost to developers

4) Make all cycle tracks in the borough into multi user tracks where possible so all vulnerable road users have safe space on the roads

5) Put Pegasus crossings  where Bridleways come onto a road where needed. eg Hopwood College exit onto Manchester Road. Currently this is only a pedestrian crossing but the woods are highly used by Horses. Jowkin Lane coming onto Norden Road as there is a blind bend.

6) Not allowing tarmac to be used anywhere in the borough on Bridleways.

7) Consider horse riders and carriage drivers when new one way systems are being considered and consult with the ROW officer and  Bridleway groups, to understand the potential danger that may be unwittingly caused.

8) Consider the current extremely congested roads, the need for schools, Doctors Dentists Hospitals, when the population of RMBC is increased, before building more and enforce the clauses put on builders.

Summary

Keep the Green belt Green by building on brown and grey field sites first.

Not using Bridleways as roads.

Improve and increase PROWs in the Borough. Thereby keeping Prows safe and encouraging use of them.

Consult and listen to the groups and residents in an area.

Pat Tough

Chair NBH Bridleways Association