Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025

Brickwall Farm is an equestrian household with livestock that uses the adjacent PRoW network. Any active travel links must include equestrians. It is a densely populated area for horse riders and carriage drivers. There is a road crossing from BR 214 to BR 213, which runs adjacent to the Gosbecks car park. There is a road crossing further along Maldon road from BR 17 to BR 17, which is already difficult to navigate for walkers, cyclists and equestrians. This will be further complicated by increased traffic and must be taken into account. Proposals are to include two Pegasus crossings to cater for the increase in population and density of traffic, to preserve the semi-rural character of the area, and safe access to green space for all users. To expand or provide additional parking for the Gosbecks archaeological site, including horsebox parking, as the car park is continually full and has height barriers which restrict horses. Riders are continually trying to visit the site, but have no access to parking. I propose that this be catered for in the new development; it could be a chargeable car park and would increase tourism to the area. Cycleways must be designed as multi-user routes (MURs) to ensure inclusivity for all non-motorised users. MURs function as public highways and are best defined as restricted byways—open to pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, and users of non-motorised vehicles—or as bridleways, which permit access for pedestrians, horse riders, and cyclists.

Armoury Farm Livery Stables offers horse-riding lessons, stabling, and other equine facilities, including dressage, saddlery, and livery, allowing visitors to Colchester, Essex, to learn to ride horses. It is located on the other side of the A12. Any impact on the existing green space must take into account equestrians. The riding school will need supportive infrastructure to enable riding out 'hacking' of its liveries and clients. There is strong tourism potential here, with benefits for health and physical activity of horse riding among new residents. It could also encourage residents with horses to move into the area.
Cycleways or new active travel links should be designed as multi-user routes (MURs) to ensure inclusivity for all non-motorised users. MURs function as public highways and are best defined as restricted byways—open to pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, and users of non-motorised vehicles—or as bridleways, which permit access for pedestrians, horse riders, and cyclists. Bridleways are not just for horses and do not require any additional infrastructure beyond that of a cycleway. They do not cost more money. England has 117,250 miles of recorded Public Rights of Way, of which only 22% are bridleways and just 5% are byways.

Direct impact on equestrians. Over 4000 horses are stabled in the Colchester area, with a high concentration in the CO2 area due to the extensive riding network at Gosbecks Archaeological Park, Friday Woods and Berechurch MOD land. Direct impact on road safety and accessibility. Horses use Layer Road, Berechurch Road and Bounstead Road to access the above-named sites. Construction workers should be made aware of any potential hazards. To link the development to Gosbecks, a bridleway already exists at the top of Layer Road; it is popular and frequently used by horses, walkers, and cyclists. It passes directly by a livery yard (Oaklyn Stables) and is the route used by their liveries to access hacking (riding out) and horse exercise around the park. To access Friday Woods by bike, the nearest entrance will be public bridleway 171. It would therefore make sense to have all linking routes as bridleways or multi-user routes MURS. As this development directly impacts equestrians and local riding opportunities, expanding the riding network will enable the equestrian community to support the development and encourage new residents to be healthy, fit, and active by providing equal access to green space. There is a local business, Colchester Riding School, that is directly opposite the development. A community arena will help the riding school cope with Colchester's growing population and new residents, providing good tourism opportunities. They rely on Friday Woods to exercise the horses and hack out for clients; therefore, adding a horse-friendly linking path will help them access more riding routes and safeguard the business. A multi-user, circular, off-road route around the development perimeter is ideal for linking all users. There are multiple livery yards down Oliver's Lane that would also benefit from this increased accessibility.

Direct impact on equestrians. Known rural area with several private riding establishments bordering Easthope Road. Any connection within and throughout the site to Public Rights of Way to provide green infrastructure and recreational access to the countryside, including active travel connections to Copford Green, must include equestrians. Direct impact on bridleway 171, which is a popular, circular right of way for residents. Proposal to expand this into continuous circular off-road routes to access green space. Perimeter tracks are ideal. There are several restricted byways in the area that could be incorporated. Additional riding opportunities will be required due to population growth and increased traffic. East Thorpe Road is a narrow road with a national speed limit that adjoins the A12; any increase in off-road access for equestrians is considered essential and positive.

Direct impact on equestrians. Known rural area with several private riding establishments and farms. Any connection within and throughout the site to Public Rights of Way for green infrastructure and recreational access to the countryside, including active travel connections, must include equestrian access. Direct impact on bridleway 10 and bridleway 20. Proposal to expand this into continuous circular off-road routes to access green space. Perimeter, circular, tracks are ideal. Additional riding opportunities will be required due to population growth and increased traffic. Riding opportunities will help offset population growth and demand for green space. PRoW connectivity should aim to connect villages and communities, thereby expanding the green corridor network. Additional riding opportunities are essential to protect the area's rural character. Horses can be easily incorporated into cycleways; there is no need for user segregation or additional costs.

Correction to my previous comment- the bridleway affected is 28 Copford

Officer Note: This has been addressed and incorporated into representation ID 12172

Potential to impact BR 28. PRoW should be easily accessible and expanded to ensure continued access to green space for new and existing residents.

Given the proximity of equestrian facilities (Armoury Farm and further into West Bergholt), we encourage any new PRoW connectivity additions to include multi-user routes (MURs) to ensure inclusivity for all non-motorised users. MURs function as public highways and are best defined as restricted byways—open to pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, and users of non-motorised vehicles—or as bridleways, which permit access for pedestrians, horse riders, and cyclists. Bridleways are not just for horses and do not require any additional infrastructure beyond that of a cycleway. They do not cost more money.

Direct impact on Bridleway 233 Myland and Bridleway 233 Myland. Riding is already severely limited on this side of Colchester, and these bridleways must be preserved at all costs. Suggest to upgrade Footpath 231 Myland to create a safe crossing point for walkers, cyclists and equestrians. PRoW should be linked to Bridleway 232 Myland, which will result in another crossing point that is linked by road to Bridleway 45 Langham to create a continuous, off-road, safe network to encourage access to green space and the countryside. Cycleways must be designed as multi-user routes to ensure inclusivity for all non-motorised users.

Given the proximity and extent of the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community, and the presence of equestrian interests and infrastructure in Crockleford, Elmstead Market, Rowhedge, Wivenhoe, and Alresford, we recommend that all new infrastructure be designed as multi-user routes (MURs) to ensure inclusivity for all non-motorised users. MURs function as public highways and are best defined as restricted byways—open to pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, and users of non-motorised vehicles—or as bridleways, which permit access for pedestrians, horse riders, and cyclists.