Fixed
Newly Installed stile does not conform to BS5709:2018
Sent to Northumberland County Council 1 minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 7506420.
The beginning of the week saw a new fence obstructing the entrance to the the Public Right of Way 138/005 (previously a large gap), the following day an oversized stile was erected to allow access over the fence which has been reported by a number of people. I realise land owners do not legally have to adhere to BS 5709:2018, but new structures should where possible conform to the standard. Surely when seeking permission from the local authority before installing the stile, the following would have been discussed: The standard states that the least restrictive option must be chosen - the order being - gap, gate, kissing gate, then stile, were any of these considered other than the stile that has appeared. The standard states that new structures on public paths shall not be stiles other than in exceptional circumstances. Was consideration given to the standard's guidance on the dimensions of stiles - the maximum height for the steps and cross rail are 350mm:350mm:350mm. On the roadside of the newly installed stile, the height of the first step from the ground is 550mm and from the top step to the top of the fence is 455mm. On the field side, the first step measures 465mm and 455mm from the top step to the cross rail, which does not make easy access especially as you can't touch the fence as you would get covered in the preserative that the fence has been coated in. The standard also mentions, for new stiles the dog gate is said to be mandatory. Can someone from the Council look into this and report back as the height of the steps/fence is hard enough to climb over without having to lift a couple of dogs over at the same time!
Updates
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Thank You for your report. We will review this report at our earliest opportunity.
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Your report is with the Council’s Countryside and Green Spaces Team and will be investigated by the relevant Area Countryside Officer.
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Thank You. Your report has been inspected and works have been identified to resolve the issue. Whilst on site I noticed that the double metal gate has not been locked with a padlock, there is a lynch pin securing the bar in place. This would not be a permanent solution, but it may be an alternative option for you to use in the short-term. We are in the process of contacting the land owner to resolve this matter. Thank you.
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Report update. This work is now completed in the area and the issue is now resolved. Thanks You
This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.