Landowner set to win right to stop footpath
A PUBLIC right of way was set to be removed in Rochdale last night, following an application by the landowner.
The owner of Black Dad Farm, Norden, has requested that Rochdale Borough Council stop up a footpath that runs from the farm to Black Dad lane, and on to Shepherds Hey.
The application refers to the footpath that leads from the rear of the farm to a bridleway.
A report stated that the Council may proceed with this request by implementing Section 118 Highways Act 1980 as the footpath does not appear to connect to the network leading south from Black Dad Farm, and there is a route of better quality that leads to Black Dad Farm and the network of rights of way in the area.
In addition, it does not appear that the footpath is needed for public use, officers said.
The legal costs, and advertising costs would be covered by the landowner, if the application was approved at Rochdale Borough Council’s Rochdale North Township Delegated SubCommittee last night, Wednesday, November 30.
If the order was opposed an application may have to be submitted to the Secretary of State, although it was recommended that the council approve the order because: “There are no historical features along this route that may indicate that it should be in existence and the general public appear to always use the bridleway leading to Black Dad as it connects with other rights of way in the area.”
The report presented to last night’s meeting for discussion added: “An informal consultation was carried out with representatives of the Council’s Rights of Way Forum members, the views and comments provided were mixed while some had no opinion, others were against it.
“There is also a formal consultation with the Statutory Consultees during the order, and an objection period during which any member of the public may submit an objection, the Council will decide whether these are relevant and a point of law, any relevant objections received will deem the matter to be referred to Secretary of State.”