BOATS (Byways Open to All Traffic)

The latest newsletter from the group Action for Bridleways of Chesham (ABC) tells those who lodged objections that the Planning Inspectorate will hold a Public Inquiry on Tuesday 2 December at 10.30am and it may last up to three days. Buckinghamshire County Council had difficulty in finding a large enough venue so it must be at the inconvenient Burnham Conference Centre and Football Club, Wymers Wood Road, Burnham, Bucks, SL1 8JG. BCC will be objecting to the Definitive Map Orders at the Inquiry. This is the first time that BCC has objected to an order that they have been directed to make by the Planning Inspectorate and BCC has retained a barrister to act at the Inquiry. The ABC steering committee is busy preparing a Statement of Case and Proof of Evidence for each of the three bridleways - Trapps Lane, Bunns Lane and Bottom Lane, Chesham. ABC are united in one goal - to preserve the tranquility and safety of these bridleways for the enjoyment of the majority of members of the public, be it on foot, wheelchair, pushchair, walking stick, pogo-stick, horseback or bicycle – but nothing with a petrol or diesel engine. See our earlier most recent piece .
As objectors, you will be aware from the Planning Inspectorate letter, the next key dates are the submission of Statements of Case by Thursday 23 October and Proof of Evidence by Tuesday 4 November. ABC is made up of residents and members of the Chiltern Society, Chesham Society, Chesham Environmental Group and a member of Chesham Town Council and Chiltern District Council. They hope that to be accurately representing your views and I personally am grateful for the efforts they are making. There is more information in the newsletter on the three options open to objectors, the worrying one is if you decide not to do anything. In that case you will not be able to speak at the public enquiry and your original objection may carry less weight, although you can still attend. To request a copy of the newsletter or if you have any information which could help please contact Mel Chapinal on 778325 or email cheshamboats@btinternet.com.