Consultation on Draft Simister Bowlee Development Framework

The following was a letter sent to both Bury and Rochdale Councils regarding the draft Simister Bowlee Development Framework. Although on the border of our Area we felt the same input we made to the Atom Valley Development Framework was equally as valid to this framework.

Email sent to Bury and Rochdale Councils on 15/2/26

Thank you very much for including our organisation on the consultation database. It is though disappointing that despite pointing out to you, during consultation for the Heywood and Pilsworth Scheme, the large number of horses in the area that these large documents do not appear to address provisions for improving rights of way routes in the two Boroughs and ensuring existing routes are not affected by the proposals. All the points raised in our letter of the 6/12/24 apply equally to this second proposed development at Simister and Bowlee. 

There is very little more we can say apart from what was contained in our letter sent to you on the 6/12/24.In email (a pdf is attached to this email for your ease) we expressed our readiness and eagerness to talk with you and work with you to establish an Active transport system available to all vulnerable road users not just pedestrians and cyclists. As stated in our letter of  6/12/24 there are many examples in the country where collaboration, at an early stage of such developments, have resulted in wins for all. 

Why is it that these two Boroughs are so intent on ignoring the very large population of horses and horse riders in the area and are unwilling to consider their needs. We attended an consultation held in Number One Riverside over a year ago and the gentleman we spoke to admitted that there was no consideration of horses but it was a good point and he would feed that back into the process. What happened? NOTHING. 

The horse community contributes strongly to the local economy and local jobs (farriers, feed merchants, farmers to name but a few). By listening to our relatively simple requests and requirements there would be a great benefit to the local economy, the well being of the community (walkers, cyclists and horse riders). Why are you so intent on ignoring us?

There is an example on our doorstep in Greater Manchester which clearly demonstrates the advantages of multi use routes. The Medlock way. Initially there was concerns that motor bikers would be attracted to the flat surfaces of the route. In contrast local residents have found that, by opening up to all vulnerable users, the paths have become well used and illegal motorised transport has decreased substantially due to a large part on the number of legitimate users using the paths.

A little thought early on, results in minimal changes to plans, yet opens up the network of rights of ways helping to keep vulnerable users off the ever increasingly busy and dangerous road network.

We implore you to take notice and take up our offer to work collaboratively with developers to put in active travel routes for all users which supplement and help to connect the existing network of rights of way. You have to remember that Bridleways not only support the horse community but also support cyclists and ramblers too and thus careful thought regarding the network is an easy, and relatively cheap, way for the Councils to hit their commitment to the well being of the residents of the area.  

Please Please Please take the horse community seriously and help us work with you to gain the maximum benefit from your plans. If done well you could quite easily be one of the pioneering councils to forward think for the sake of all your residents.

Kind regards

Pat Tough

Chair of NBH Bridleways Association