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Wycombe District Council has rejected a planning application for polo practice at Low Grounds Farm, near Marlow in Bucks, because it would interfere with walkers, riders and cyclists using Harleyford Lane.
The application was for change of use of land from agricultural use to polo practice and would have resulted in heavy use of Harleyford Lane, a public right of way, by large horse-boxes. The lane runs from the A4155 Marlow to Henley road in a south-westerly direction, providing a connection to the Thames Path National Trail and other routes. Walkers, riders, cyclists and carriage-drivers have the right to use it.
The Open Spaces Society, Ramblers and Bucks County Council’s strategic access officer were among the objectors. Wycombe District Council rejected the application because ‘the development by virtue of its associated vehicular movements would intensify the use of Harleyford Lane which would be detrimental to the convenience and public amenity enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and horse-riders passing and re-passing along restricted byway no 35 Marlow parish, known as Harleyford Lane’.
It is excellent that the council agreed with us that the development would endanger lawful users of this lane. Large horse-boxes do not mix safely with the public on a narrow byway. This is a pleasant path for people of all ages and is much enjoyed by a wide range of users, being the main access between the Thames Path National Trail and western Marlow.