Erosion on Chapel Gate, an ancient packhorse route
National park bosses have confirmed a permanent ban on off-roaders using two routes in the Peak District.
Members of the park authority’s audit, resources and performance committee confirmed traffic regulation orders on Chapel Gate and the Roych, citing the need to protect the landscape.
A 3.5km (2-mile) stretch of the Roych, forming part of the Pennine Bridleway national trail, will be out of bounds to motorised vehicles, as will Chapel Gate, a 3km (1¾-mile) route skirting Rushup Edge.
The authority said the grounds for introducing the orders were to safeguard the natural beauty and special characteristics of the landscapes and the amenity for other users.
A TRO for the Roych was originally agreed in July 2013, but a small section was then repaired by Derbyshire County Council so the decision was brought back for review before it was implemented.
Members of the committee confirmed the order after deciding the repairs had made no difference to their original grounds for the order.
The TRO for Chapel Gate was agreed after assessing responses to a public consultation in which 1,391 individuals and organisations objected to the proposal, and 994 were in favour.
The committee heard speakers representing both points of view.
Committee chair Christopher Pennell said: “We understand the strong feelings on both sides of this argument, but as a national park authority it is our primary statutory duty to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area, and that outweighs other considerations where there is a substantial conflict.
“There are some 300 green lanes usable by motorised vehicles in the national park but we are concentrating the powers given to us to consider TROs on just a very few where the impact is causing special concern.
“Both these routes cross areas of outstanding natural beauty and wildlife habitats which are enjoyed by many: Chapel Gate passes through wildlife areas with the highest protection designation in Europe, and has historic interest as a packhorse route.
“We have visited the routes several times and have listened to arguments from all sides. On balance we have decided that the conservation of the natural beauty of these landscapes outweigh unrestricted recreational motorised use on the Roych and Chapel Gate.”
The authority said it has drawn up action plans to manage 36 of what it calls priority routes where activities cause most concern. More information is on the Peak District national park website.
