The order route - Thwaite Lane- has a long history, having first been proposed to be upgraded from a bridleway to a byway open to all traffic in 2007. For reasons which were not entirely clear the order making authority had not progressed the definitive map modification process until it was picked up again 2023. Following a written representations procedure, the Inspector first proposed the order route be confirmed as a bridleway in its full length. The British Horse Society objected to this contending the order route had historic public vehicular rights based on documentary evidence. Following a two day inquiry, the Inspector has accepted the British Horse Society’s position and has recommended the order route is confirmed as a restricted byway in its full length.

The decision can be found here.