Annotated map reproduced courtesy of Googlemaps.

This is a short route from Mill Road to Hitchin 42 footpath. At the time of the BHS 2022 Access Survey (39 Mar 22), there were no permanent obstructions to the proposed restricted byway section, but a car was parked in the middle of the route. There was a sign at the northern end that said 'Public Footpath' and a gate with kissing gate to the side the southern end of the restricted byway section.

View from footpath section Photo: Phil Wadey, 30 Mar 2022

Legal History 18 Aug 2019: Application for byway status. HCC reference NH/302. 3 Jul 2019: Secretary of State directed Hertfordshire County Council to determine the application by 3 Jan 2020. PINS reference FPS/M1900/14D/24. 30 Jul 2021: Hertfordshire County Council Investigation report issued. 10 Mar 2022: The Hertfordshire County Council (Hitchin 42) Modification Order 2022 will, if confirmed, record 25m of Hitchin 42 FP as RB. 17 Nov 2023: HCC sent order to the Secretary of State for determination. 26 Jul 2024: PINS consult on method of determination. PINS reference ROW/3333716. 6 Sep 2024: PINS advise that the written representations process will be used and provided the timetable. Application Process Path Application Certificate Direction Inv Report Order Confirmed EC1074 17 Aug 2017 NH/302 17 Aug 2017 ?? 3 Jul 2019 (6mo) 30 Jul 2021 10 Mar 2022 4 Apr 2025 Written Representations Timetable - ROW/3333716 Path Start Date OMA SOC Other SOCs Comments on SOCs Process Complete Result EC1074 30 Sep 2024 14 Oct 2024 25 Nov 2024 6 Jan 2025 26 Feb 2025 4 Apr 2025

Definitive Statement (4 Dec 2015) Path: [Hitchin] 42.  Status: Footpath.  Definitive Map sheet: 20 Commences from Mill Farm, Charlton thence SW past FP93 to join Maydencroft Lane at parish boundary at Well Head. DRAFT Definitive Statement (1 Jan 2022) Path: [Hitchin] 42.  Status: Restricted Byway / Footpath.  Definitive Map sheet: 20 Commences as RB from Road off Charlton Road (public highway, formerly known as Mill Lane) at TL 1784 2799 then SW along track for approx 25m to the field boundary at TL 1783 2797 then continues as FP past junction with FP93 to join Maydencroft Lane at parish boundary at Well Head. Width: Varies between 4m and 5m between TL 1784 2799 and TL 1783 2797 as shown in the Hertfordshire County Council (Hitchin 42) Modification Order 2022. Limitations: None between TL 1784 2799 and TL 1783 2797 Maintainability The RB part route is maintainable at the public expense because it was a highway before 1835 (if order confirmed). The FP route is maintainable at the public expense because it was a footpath or bridleway existing before 30 Apr 1959.

© 2024 Patchetts Green Bridleways Trust. File reference: EC1074. HCC reference: NH/302.