Remember the long-running access saga at Paddock Farm near the Roaches — the crucial missing link connecting the Western Peak District? We have an update on the legal fight to upgrade the footpath to a bridleway.
Where Things Stand Right Now
Here is the summary on the legal process of this DMMO (Definitive Map Modification Order):
The Turnaround: Staffordshire County Council originally refused the application by the Staffordshire Moorlands Bridleways Group (SMBG). SMBG successfully appealed to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), and the Inspector ordered the council to make the bridleway order.
The Objections: The council published the order, but four formal objections were lodged by local landowners within the 42-day window.
The Next Step: The case has now moved into the Schedule 15 stage and is back with the Inspectorate.
We are currently waiting to hear how PINS will proceed. To challenge the Inspector’s original ruling at this point, the objectors face a high legal bar – they effectively have to prove malpractice or a massive error of judgment by the Inspectorate.
What Riders Need to Do
On the ground: The route remains legally recorded as a public footpath for now. Permissive cycle access remains revoked, and altercations still happen – please continue to avoid the footpath section and use alternative routes.
Got evidence of past use? No new evidence can be submitted right now, but if you regularly rode or rode/walked this route prior to 2019 (especially going back to the 1990s or earlier), we want to get your details logged now in case SMBG needs user statements later.
If you have evidence of long-term use, email info@peakdistrictmtb.org with your name, address, phone number, and the exact years you used the route.
“Getting a DMMO to this stage takes years of patient research and persistence behind the scenes. We’re really proud of the team’s hard work in keeping this link alive, and we’re determined to see it through to the end.” Josie Shepherd, Staffordshire Moorlands Bridleways Group
Huge thanks to Josie and the SMBG team for driving this long campaign. We’ll share the Inspectorate’s next move as soon as we have it.
Further reading
Update on Paddock Farm access issues near the Roaches ( 4 / 2024 )
Paddock Farm access issues near the Roaches ( 10 / 2019 )
Where can mountain bikes be ridden? – Peak District MTB’s guidance on off-road rights