A LONG-RUNNING argument over whether to open up ancient lanes in Dorset could be drawing to a conclusion.

The Supreme Court has ruled Dorset County Council was wrong to reject applications by the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) claiming public vehicular rights on five rights of way in Dorset.

The lanes in Dorset at the centre of the case are at Bailey Drove, Batcombe; Doles Hill Plantation, Cheselbourne; a route between Tarrant Gunville and Chettle; another between Meerhay and Beaminster Down; and a fifth at Crabb’s Barn Lane, Beaminster.

The ruling brings an end to a long-running debate with the matter having also been heard in the High Court and Court of Appeal.

This case first came about after TRF made applications to add rights for vehicles on to the Definitive Map and Statement, a record of public rights of way in Dorset.

They wished to record the five lanes as Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs).

Upon first being submitted, the county council stated the maps were not of the required scale. They said they were not to the required 1:25,000 scale, but were instead blown-up copies of Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 maps.

The High Court agreed with the council when the TRF appealed. When it was taken to the Court of Appeal, however, judges ruled the routes should be recorded as BOATs.

This led to the county council bringing the matter to the attention of the Supreme Court. It was announced yesterday, however, that the Supreme Court had decided to rule against the council.

In response to the court ruling, Cllr Robert Gould, leader of the county council said: “I am pleased that the Supreme Court recognised that this matter was an arguable point of law of general public importance.

“This ruling gives us a reasoned balanced outcome that we can apply consistently in the future.

“Modifications to the definitive map often raise opposing viewpoints.

“Our job is to consider the evidence presented and apply the law before deciding whether the map and statement should be changed.”

The ruling means that the five applications will now be considered and the public rights for mechanically propelled vehicles will be fully consulted on.