Battle over proposed bridleways on The Wrekin set for public inquiry

Horse riders and bridleway objectors are set to face off at a public inquiry over plans to designate new routes on The Wrekin.

A planning inspector has been appointed to lead a four-day hearing after objections were received to eight proposals which would add up to a route of bridleways at the hill near Wellington.

Horse riders have told the Planning Inspectorate in evidence that they have ridden routes over The Wrekin since at least 1954. Riders say evidence of use of the routes was first submitted more than 25 years ago.

The majority of eight new sections of routes are already footpaths which the riders want to upgrade, documents show. Two would be new rights of way if the inspector accepts that they have been used as such without challenge or hindrance.

One rider, a retired police officer from Little Wenlock, said she started riding in 1981 at the age of 12.

But landowners and others including at least one walker have objected to the changes. They claim that some riders would have “ignored” signs.

A regular walker of The Wrekin for more than 30 years has lodged objections in the "strongest possible terms”.

They said they were "alarmed at the potential damage to ancient woodland".

Landowner the Raby Estate has also submitted objections to the inspector.

It said the estate has "always challenged riders found on the land who have been informed that there are no public bridleway rights”.

Telford & Wrekin Council has told the planning inspectorate that it will take a "neutral stance" on the move.

It said it accepts evidence that the paths have been used continuously by the public for a period of 50 years and that the users have crossed a threshold needed to prove their case.

But it added there are contradictions between the users and the objectors that mean it should be resolved by an examination of witness evidence at a public inquiry.

"The council respectfully submits that this issue is one that should be resolved by an examination of witness evidence at a public inquiry."

Only last month, July 2026, Telford Bridleways Association members celebrated a public inquiry win after an inspector decided that a route known locally as Ginny Rails at Coalbrookdale could be upgraded from a footpath to a bridleway.

The group started a campaign a quarter of a century ago to establish more, safer off-road routes for riders.

Sally-Anne Robinson of the group said there are more than 45 further bridleway applications currently "sitting in a dusty drawer in the Telford & Wrekin Council offices”.

She has written to The Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard with her concerns over slow progress.

A spokesperson for Telford & Wrekin Council contested the numbers but added: "If Telford Bridleways Association believes there are more than 45 open applications, we would encourage them to contact the council directly so that we can investigate this further."

A statement added that Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMOs) are subject to a "detailed legal process which local authorities are required to follow”.

"Each application must be carefully investigated, with officers reviewing historical records, user evidence and other relevant information before a decision can be made.

"The time scales for DMMOs can also be significantly extended where objections are received from landowners or other interested parties.

"In some cases, applications may need to be determined through a hearing or public inquiry, which is an independent process outside the council's direct control.

“The council remains committed to progressing DMMO applications and ensuring decisions are robust, evidence-based and legally sound for all parties involved.”

The inquiry is set to be held in Telford from 10am on September 8.