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The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Team
Closed petition PE2154: Ensure planning consideration for equestrian accessibility
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to review and update planning policies to make it mandatory for new urban developments to give consideration to equestrian usage, and ensure suitable access and signage is included as part of this consideration.
Background information
It is incredibly upsetting for the everyday equestrian to watch as their already limited opportunities to ride are being paved over and greenspace being designed without equestrian usage in mind. Urban development is knowingly being approved without respecting the nearby community and is reducing or severing links to important greenspace and off-road opportunities.
New residents to these developments may have limited or no experience living in rural areas or for when encountering equestrians both on road and in shared paths and greenspace. We are made to feel unwelcome on both because our presence in the area has not been designed for, advertised, or protected.
Urban development must include access pathways and signage for all. New greenspace should include horse access either as full access or as a link to further equestrian-friendly spaces or places of interest, such as other equestrian facilities or local riding spots like local monuments, parks, beaches and woodland.
This petition was considered by the Scottish Parliament
273 signatures