When the planning consultations took place relating to the conversion of the Harperbury Hospital site into housing, we lobbied hard for a network of bridleways. Strangely although they are shown physically on the plans, there is no legal work to record them, so we will continue to press the developer and councils on this point.
One bright point is that the Pegasus Crossing of Harper Lane has been constructed, demonstrating some good intentions, as such crossings are not cheap. The photograph shows the northern holding area for the crossing.
This route runs from Shenley Lane to the North Orbital Road, along the former south-western slip road which is now closed to motor traffic. Taken with the wide verge from St Stephen 85 bridleway in the west, it allows access to
St Albans City 58 bridleway off Napsbury Lane to the north, or various routes into London Colney to the south. The old slip road had been turfed over, so it is a nice grass route.
This route used to be a slip road onto the North Orbital Road westbound carriageway, but motor vehicles were prohibited by order in 1990. The County Council agreed with our application and made an order to record the route as a byway open to all traffic, but this remains subject to the the 1990 prohibition of driving order. The net effect is that it is a nice turfed route for walkers and riders.
Post year end note: The order was confirmed in 2020.
We were pleased that the County Council has started to investigate our application for the link between Searches Farm and Millhouse Farm, Bedmond, to be recorded on the definitive map and statement. This route was often used by riders from Patchetts Green and Holland Farm to reach Pony Club events in Bedmond in the 1970s and 1980s, and the route is currently (Jan 2020) obstructed by bollards.
The Buckinghamshire County Council (Restricted Byway No.44 (Part) Chalfont St Peter and Restricted Byway No.2 Denham) Definitive Map Modification Order 2018, made 14 Aug 2018, proposes to upgrade the Shire Lane route to restricted byway.
The Hertfordshire County Council (Aldenham 12, Aldenham 84) Modification Order 2018, made 14 Dec 2018, proposes to add a bridleway along the physical roadway though Wall Hall.
The Hertfordshire County Council (Bushey 76) Modification Order 2019, made 27 Nov 2019, proposes to add Finch Lane to the definitive map and statement as a byway open to all traffic.
The Hertfordshire County Council (St Albans City 104) Modification Order 2019, made 11 Dec 2019, proposes to add the turfed-over former slip road to the A405 to the definitive map and statement as a byway open to all traffic.
The Hertfordshire County Council (Offley 41 Bridleway) Modification Order 2019, made 12 Dec 2019, proposes to record a width for the route and specify in the definitive statement that there were no limitations.
© 2025 Patchetts Green Bridleways Trust.
