Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
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Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PC2: Active and Sustainable Travel
Representation ID: 12140
Received: 08/01/2026
Respondent: Essex Bridleways Association
PC2 focuses solely on walking and cycling, with no mention of Public Rights of Way, bridleways, byways, equestrian access, or multi-user routes, despite Essex County Council's statutory duties and the requirements of the Essex Rights of Way Improvement Plan and National Planning Policy Framework for inclusive access. This omission is particularly concerning given Colchester’s rural areas. PC2 should explicitly reference the PRoW network, commit to safeguarding and developing multi-user routes, and require development proposals to improve access for all non-motorised users, including equestrians. This alignment would ensure active travel policies are inclusive and support safe, sustainable movement throughout Colchester.
PC2 focuses solely on walking and cycling, with no mention of Public Rights of Way, bridleways, byways, equestrian access, or multi-user routes, despite Essex County Council's statutory duties and the requirements of the Essex Rights of Way Improvement Plan and National Planning Policy Framework for inclusive access. This omission is particularly concerning given Colchester’s rural areas. PC2 should explicitly reference the PRoW network, commit to safeguarding and developing multi-user routes, and require development proposals to improve access for all non-motorised users, including equestrians. This alignment would ensure active travel policies are inclusive and support safe, sustainable movement throughout Colchester.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PP9: North-East Colchester
Representation ID: 12143
Received: 08/01/2026
Respondent: Essex Bridleways Association
The proposed development contains a number of existing public footpaths, including Footpaths 242, 111, 108, 109 and 110, which run through and around the site. There are also a number of nearby equestrian centres and livery yards, meaning this location could create the opportunity for these routes to be used by equestrians as well as walkers and cyclists. Designing these paths as multi‑user routes would support inclusive access and improve the wider network, creating a safer and more connected off‑road route system in this part of Colchester.
Supporting evidence on benefits of multi‑user routes is provided in the uploaded document.
The proposed development contains a number of existing public footpaths, including Footpaths 242, 111, 108, 109 and 110, which run through and around the site. There are also a number of nearby equestrian centres and livery yards, meaning this location could create the opportunity for these routes to be used by equestrians as well as walkers and cyclists. Designing these paths as multi‑user routes would support inclusive access and improve the wider network, creating a safer and more connected off‑road route system in this part of Colchester.
Supporting evidence on benefits of multi‑user routes is provided in the uploaded document.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PP14: Gas Works and Hythe Scrap Yard Site, Colchester
Representation ID: 12144
Received: 08/01/2026
Respondent: Essex Bridleways Association
The proposed development includes Public Right of Way 144, which runs through the site and provides an important east–west connection. In the surrounding area, PROWs 140 and 138 form additional links that could be integrated to create a coherent circular route. Designing PROW 144, together with 140 and 138, as multi‑user routes would support inclusive access and significantly improve the wider network, stitching together a safe, connected off‑road circular route in this part of Colchester. This would create the opportunity for use by a wider range of non‑motorised users, including equestrians, walkers and cyclists.
The proposed development includes Public Right of Way 144, which runs through the site and provides an important east–west connection. In the surrounding area, PROWs 140 and 138 form additional links that could be integrated to create a coherent circular route. Designing PROW 144, together with 140 and 138, as multi‑user routes would support inclusive access and significantly improve the wider network, stitching together a safe, connected off‑road circular route in this part of Colchester. This would create the opportunity for use by a wider range of non‑motorised users, including equestrians, walkers and cyclists.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PP19: Land North of Oak Road, Tiptree
Representation ID: 12148
Received: 08/01/2026
Respondent: Essex Bridleways Association
The proposed 66‑acre Country Park in this proposal presents a significant opportunity to enhance inclusive access for local communities. PRoW 3 runs close to the site and provides a key link into the Country Park. Designing connections to PROW 3 as multi‑user routes would support safe, accessible movement for walkers, cyclists and equestrians. A relevant precedent exists at Hole Farm in Brentwood, where a bridleway was incorporated around the perimeter of the new Country Park to act as a safe multi‑user corridor and a functional firewall. A similar approach here would help create a coherent, connected and inclusive off‑road network.
The proposed 66‑acre Country Park in this proposal presents a significant opportunity to enhance inclusive access for local communities. PRoW 3 runs close to the site and provides a key link into the Country Park. Designing connections to PROW 3 as multi‑user routes would support safe, accessible movement for walkers, cyclists and equestrians. A relevant precedent exists at Hole Farm in Brentwood, where a bridleway was incorporated around the perimeter of the new Country Park to act as a safe multi‑user corridor and a functional firewall. A similar approach here would help create a coherent, connected and inclusive off‑road network.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PP24: Land Northwest of the Fire Station, Wivenhoe
Representation ID: 12165
Received: 08/01/2026
Respondent: Essex Bridleways Association
The reference to a “community space” provides an excellent opportunity to deliver a multi‑functional community arena that could support a wide range of activities, including equestrian events, dog‑related activities, local fairs and seasonal markets. Incorporating such a space would create a genuine community hub while also strengthening the green infrastructure of the site. By linking this community arena to Footpath 21, the development could establish a circular multi‑user route around the proposed development, supporting safe, inclusive access for walkers, cyclists and equestrians and enhancing connectivity across the wider network.
The reference to a “community space” provides an excellent opportunity to deliver a multi‑functional community arena that could support a wide range of activities, including equestrian events, dog‑related activities, local fairs and seasonal markets. Incorporating such a space would create a genuine community hub while also strengthening the green infrastructure of the site. By linking this community arena to Footpath 21, the development could establish a circular multi‑user route around the proposed development, supporting safe, inclusive access for walkers, cyclists and equestrians and enhancing connectivity across the wider network.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PP31: Land North of Halstead Road and East of Wood Lane, Eight Ash Green
Representation ID: 12208
Received: 09/01/2026
Respondent: Essex Bridleways Association
There is a clear opportunity for this allocation to enhance the local access network. Bridleway 17 lies immediately north of the site, and Footpath 24 runs along the eastern boundary. A short linking section could connect these routes to create a safe, circular, multi‑user path around the development, supporting active travel and improving integration with the surrounding countryside.
The proposed village hall car park also provides a practical location for dedicated horse‑box parking or a small carriage stand, enabling wider community use of the improved access network and supporting inclusive rural movement.
There is a clear opportunity for this allocation to enhance the local access network. Bridleway 17 lies immediately north of the site, and Footpath 24 runs along the eastern boundary. A short linking section could connect these routes to create a safe, circular, multi‑user path around the development, supporting active travel and improving integration with the surrounding countryside.
The proposed village hall car park also provides a practical location for dedicated horse‑box parking or a small carriage stand, enabling wider community use of the improved access network and supporting inclusive rural movement.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PP32: Land North of Halstead Road and West of Fiddlers Wood Eight Ash Green
Representation ID: 12210
Received: 09/01/2026
Respondent: Essex Bridleways Association
Footpath 4 runs directly through the proposed development and forms part of a wider, well‑established network of public rights of way. Several of these routes extend around and through Fiddlers Wood, an important ecological and landscape asset that must be sensitively retained and integrated into the scheme. This existing network provides a clear opportunity to deliver high‑quality, inclusive, multi‑user routes for walkers, cyclists, and equestrians. Given the scale of development proposed, enhancing and connecting these paths would provide safe, off‑road movement options, strengthen green infrastructure, and ensure the recreational and environmental value of Fiddlers Wood is protected.
Footpath 4 runs directly through the proposed development and forms part of a wider, well‑established network of public rights of way. Several of these routes extend around and through Fiddlers Wood, an important ecological and landscape asset that must be sensitively retained and integrated into the scheme. This existing network provides a clear opportunity to deliver high‑quality, inclusive, multi‑user routes for walkers, cyclists, and equestrians. Given the scale of development proposed, enhancing and connecting these paths would provide safe, off‑road movement options, strengthen green infrastructure, and ensure the recreational and environmental value of Fiddlers Wood is protected.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PP34: Land North of Coach Road, Great Horkesley
Representation ID: 12302
Received: 09/01/2026
Respondent: Essex Bridleways Association
By creating a new connecting path through the proposed development site, Footpaths 36, 37 and 38 can be brought together into a single, continuous multi‑user route. This is a genuine opportunity to deliver a shared corridor designed for walkers, cyclists and equestrians, rather than a footpath network that serves only one group. Linking the paths in this way would maintain and enhance access to the surrounding countryside, protect the rural character of the area, and provide a safe, attractive and inclusive route for everyday movement and recreation. This multi‑user connection is the key public benefit of the proposal.
By creating a new connecting path through the proposed development site, Footpaths 36, 37 and 38 can be brought together into a single, continuous multi‑user route. This is a genuine opportunity to deliver a shared corridor designed for walkers, cyclists and equestrians, rather than a footpath network that serves only one group. Linking the paths in this way would maintain and enhance access to the surrounding countryside, protect the rural character of the area, and provide a safe, attractive and inclusive route for everyday movement and recreation. This multi‑user connection is the key public benefit of the proposal.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PP41: Rowhedge Business Park, Rowhedge
Representation ID: 12678
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: Essex Bridleways Association
Bridleway 32 enters the site directly from the south‑west and forms part of a wider, established network of footpaths and bridleways. This network provides important connectivity for walkers, cyclists, and equestrians and must be fully protected and enhanced. A Pegasus crossing on Rectory Road would allow Bridleway 32 to continue safely through the development as a landscape‑led multi‑user green corridor. This route should connect to Footpath 29 and/or Footpath 33 to create an inclusive circular walk/ride. Such provision would safeguard existing countryside access, support active travel, and deliver meaningful connectivity benefits for the whole community.
Bridleway 32 enters the site directly from the south‑west and forms part of a wider, established network of footpaths and bridleways. This network provides important connectivity for walkers, cyclists, and equestrians and must be fully protected and enhanced. A Pegasus crossing on Rectory Road would allow Bridleway 32 to continue safely through the development as a landscape‑led multi‑user green corridor. This route should connect to Footpath 29 and/or Footpath 33 to create an inclusive circular walk/ride. Such provision would safeguard existing countryside access, support active travel, and deliver meaningful connectivity benefits for the whole community.
Comment
Colchester City Council Preferred Options Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation 2025
Policy PP42: Land at White Hart Lane, West Bergholt
Representation ID: 12699
Received: 12/01/2026
Respondent: Essex Bridleways Association
The proposed allocation lies within a tree‑rich, wooded landscape that forms an important part of the area’s rural character. Two established livery yards—Scarletts and Armoury Farm—are located nearby and rely on the limited local network of off‑road routes for safe riding. These yards contribute to the rural economy and depend on the continuity of local countryside access. This development provides a clear opportunity to deliver a dedicated multi‑user route linking Footpaths 7 and 4, supporting walkers, cyclists and equestrians while retaining the site’s green character and strengthening the area’s recreational and economic value.
The proposed allocation lies within a tree‑rich, wooded landscape that forms an important part of the area’s rural character. Two established livery yards—Scarletts and Armoury Farm—are located nearby and rely on the limited local network of off‑road routes for safe riding. These yards contribute to the rural economy and depend on the continuity of local countryside access. This development provides a clear opportunity to deliver a dedicated multi‑user route linking Footpaths 7 and 4, supporting walkers, cyclists and equestrians while retaining the site’s green character and strengthening the area’s recreational and economic value.
