Please see recent communication between the Residents’ Association and our local MP, Jonathan Lord, in regard to Muddy Lane:
From: RATreasurer
Sent: 18 February 2017 14:28
To: LORD, Jonathan
Cc: RA Chairman; RA Deputy Chairman; RA Secretary; Richard Wilson
Subject: Muddy Lane Byfleet
Dear Mr Lord,
Muddy Lane Byfleet – Wisley (Also known as Sandy Lane and Sanway Lane)
I have been asked to write to you on behalf of the Committee of the Byfleet, West Byfleet and Pyrford Residents’ Association.
As you may know, following the construction of the M25, this lane which connected Byfleet and Wisley Churches for many centuries became more difficult to pass (especially in waterlogged conditions) and became more lightly used but remained an important thoroughfare, for especially residents of south Byfleet. With change of ownership of land on the Wisley side, through passage was frequently obstructed and the landowner took steps to prevent its use particularly by cyclists and equestrians.
In due course, Surrey County Council determined that this thoroughfare should be considered an official bridleway. This is a position we support and we also understand and accept the prohibition of motorised transport even though this goes against historic usage but certainly recognises the layout of the thoroughfare under the M25.
Unfortunately, the landowner appears unable to accept this compromise and has appealed against Surrey County Council’s decision to the Secretary of State. We understand this matter is still before the Secretary of State and several months might pass before a decision is published.
We would be grateful if you could urge the Secretary of State to reach a speedy decision and to uphold Surrey County Council’s determination of this thoroughfare being a recognised bridleway.
With kind regards
RA Treasurer
On behalf of the Committee of Byfleet, West Byfleet & Pyrford Residents Association
On 22 Feb 2017, at 21:10, LORD, Jonathan wrote:
Dear RATreasurer and All,
I note your thoughtful stance on this. Thank you, too, for the further information that I requested and that you duly sent to me. I have also heard in similar vein from a local cyclists’ group.
I will write over the next few days to the SofState to urge a speedy decision – but I do so in the full knowledge that this particular appeal process, as you fear, almost always takes time! On the positive side, the process is fair and reasonably transparent, and more often than not comes to a fair and well-argued decision too.
With best wishes.
Kind regards,
Jonathan
Jonathan Lord MP
Member of Parliament for Woking
House of Commons
London, SW1A 0AA
Tel. 020 7219 6913
jonathan.lord.mp@parliament.uk
From: RATreasurer
Sent: 23 February 2017 10:37
To: LORD, Jonathan
Cc: RA Secretary
Subject: Re: Muddy Lane Byfleet
Thank you Jonathan,
Would you be content for this correspondence to be published on our Residents’ website?
Kind regards
RATreasurer
Treasurer, Byfleet, West Byfleet and Pyrford Residents Association
From: Jonathan Lord
Date: 24 February 2017 at 15:17:03 GMT
To: RATreasurer
Subject: Re: Muddy Lane Byfleet
Yes – very happy for it (or just appropriate extracts) to be published.
With best wishes.
Kind regards,
Jonathan
Jonathan Lord MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
Ditz Brown says
I would like to add that, although the construction of the M25 made through traffic more difficult when the waters rise on the flood plane, Muddy Lane was split into two footpaths under the bridge with a ramp from the Byfield side leading up to a raised section so that pedestrians could still use it without problems. When the fence across the lane was erected the landowner was probably not aware that this actually blocked a footpath, denying people from Wisley access to the only shop within walking distance which is in Byfleet. This matter has been brought to the attention of the council back in 2012 I have continued to write to the council ever since – without success – for its re-opening.
I understand that upgrading the footpath can take a long time, but opening an illegally blocked footpath should be treated differently. As Mr. Harry Salaman, the landowner, wrote in his last paragraph in a message dated 2nd September 2016 to Ripley Parish Council “You may also like to know that I have proposed to the Council that the kissing gate by the M25 underpass should be moved to the side so that the path can still be used if it floods.” I fail to understand why we should still be denied the use of the upper footpath.
Kind regards,
Ditz
Church Farm House,
Wisley,
GU23 6QL
Paul Luton says
Nearly another year has now elapsed. Surrey Council carried out a thorough investigation so it is difficult to see why the Secretary of State is prevaricating.
Keith Creswell says
I agree and he had. He has now decided on a Public Enquiry before an Inspector. This will take place on 22nd May 2018 at Woking Council Offices. Hopefully no more delays after that!
ken martin says
can you tell me who owns the small field at the start of muddy lane to the right as you go down opposite the bungalow.