Landowners at a Shropshire beauty spot 'remain concerned' over bridleways decision

Landowners at a Shropshire beauty spot 'remain concerned' after a planning inspector decided to give horse riders the right to use a network of routes around the area.

Raby Estates, which owns large parts of The Wrekin and has forestry operations at the landmark site, says leisure activities need to be managed to "protect the site's heritage and special interest."

Duncan Peake, chief executive at Raby Estates says the company respects the findings of the planning inspector.

"But remains concerned about the consequences of this decision for visitors and the site itself.

"The Wrekin is an iconic and highly designated landscape attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year."

Peake adds: "We have seen an increasing number of mountain bikers using the area, in addition to horse riders and walkers adding to visitor pressures.

"These activities need to be managed carefully and sensitively to protect the site’s heritage and special interest as well as the health and safety of all visitors.

“The safety of all visitors and the integrity of the Wrekin remains our primary concern, and we encourage everyone using the routes to do so responsibly and with respect for other users.”

Planning inspector Claire Tregembo ruled that horse riders had used a network of routes for 20 years between 1976 and 1996. It was welcomed as the "biggest bridleway gain ever in Shropshire."

Horse riders say they need safe places to ride as they are being squeezed out of Telford due to the housing developments.

The new bridleways – in Little Wenlock, Uppington, Wroxeter, and Wrockwardine – were confirmed the inspector following a public inquiry in September.