Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025

Comment

Representation ID: 12211

Received: 09/01/2026

Respondent: British Horse Society

Close proximity to Bridleway 10 Marks Tey and Bridleway 28 Copford. Care should be taken to maximise accessibility links to both PRoWs within any new development. Equestrian interests and infrastructure in both Copford, Marks Tey and Greay Tey. A more inclusive, linked network should be focused on within the development. Bridleways are not just for horses and do not require any additional infrastructure beyond that of a cycleway. They do not cost more money. A lack of knowledge about equestrian user groups is not a sufficient basis for discrimination.

Comment

Representation ID: 12212

Received: 09/01/2026

Respondent: British Horse Society

Several equestrian interests in the Copford, Marks Tey and Easthorpe area. Restricted Byway 24 Copford, Restricted Byway 42 Birch, Bridleway 28 Copford and Restricted Byway 43 Birch are all in close proximity and riding/driving distance. Any additional infrastructure in this area must increase accessibility to the network and be at least of bridleway status to not exclude horses from any new infrastructure that will ultimately increase traffic on the roads and the business of other PRoW with users. A restricted byway offers the best accessibility, including access for pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, and users of non-motorised vehicles (e.g., carriages).

Comment

Representation ID: 12213

Received: 09/01/2026

Respondent: British Horse Society

Strong indication to include equestrians due to the semi-rural and rural location of this site. Ensure provision of green infrastructure connections and recreational access to the countryside. Horses stabled and ridden out at Peldon, Abberton, Langenhoe and Fingringhoe. Close links to Donyland Woods and restricted byway Byway 19 Fingringhoe is regularly used. Infrastructure 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.

Comment

Representation ID: 12214

Received: 09/01/2026

Respondent: British Horse Society

PRoW 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. New development will impact on Restricted Byway 65 Great Tey Restricted Byway 29 Chappel. Any new links should have the same status to ensure consistent access for all users.

Comment

Representation ID: 12268

Received: 09/01/2026

Respondent: British Horse Society

Strong indication to include equestrians due to the semi-rural and rural location of this site. Ensure provision of green infrastructure connections and recreational access to the countryside that includes equestrians. Horses stabled and ridden out at Langham. Close to Bridleway 20 Langham and Bridleway 40 Langham. Infrastructure must be designed as multi-user routes (MURs) to ensure inclusivity for all non-motorised users, at a minimum, to Bridleway status. 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.

Comment

Representation ID: 12269

Received: 09/01/2026

Respondent: British Horse Society

Strong indication to include equestrians due to the semi-rural and rural location of this site. Ensure provision of green infrastructure connections and recreational access to the countryside that includes equestrians. Horses stabled and ridden out at Langham. Close to Bridleway 20 Langham and Bridleway 40 Langham. Infrastructure must be designed as multi-user routes (MURs) to ensure inclusivity for all non-motorised users, at a minimum, to Bridleway status. 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.

Comment

Representation ID: 12270

Received: 09/01/2026

Respondent: British Horse Society

Direct impact on Bridleway 45 Langham. Provisions should be made to minimise disruption to pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders, such as additional green spaces and new PRoWs within the development, and to aim for circular multi-user routes (MURs) to ensure inclusivity for all non-motorised users, at a minimum, to Bridleway status. 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. Need to preserve the area's rural character and bridleway access.

Comment

Representation ID: 12271

Received: 09/01/2026

Respondent: British Horse Society

Strong equestrian presence within the village. Traffic volumes on the Folley have already increased significantly, as has vehicle size, reducing rider safety and accessibility around the village. The designated field has long been used for riding by the local community; therefore, any additional enhancements to green space or connectivity must accommodate equestrians and, at a minimum, meet bridleway standards. Routes that link to the other side of the village or through the estate are beneficial, as riding is becoming more limited, and roadwork is now essential for exercising the horses. Proposed upgrade of Footpath 3 to BR status.

Comment

Representation ID: 12273

Received: 09/01/2026

Respondent: British Horse Society

Strong equestrian presence within the village. Traffic volumes on The Folley have already increased significantly, as has vehicle size, reducing rider safety and accessibility around the village. The designated field has long been used for riding by the local community; therefore, any additional enhancements to green space or connectivity must accommodate equestrians and, at a minimum, meet bridleway standards. Proposed MUR as a pavement or circular route either through or on the perimeter of the development to enable safer access. The Folley is part of a circular riding route around the village; contractors should be aware of the associated hazards.

Comment

Representation ID: 12275

Received: 09/01/2026

Respondent: British Horse Society

Birch is rural in character and has key equestrian interests in both riding and stabling facilities. Restricted Byway 41 Birch is regularly used by local riders and the community, and any open space or PRoW enhancement should maintain its Byway status to ensure inclusive access for all residents. Ensure the provision of green infrastructure connections and recreational access to the countryside, and secure active travel links to the settlement; these must not exclude equestrians, as they are a key part of this rural community.