The Green Lane Association has won a High Court legal challenge against Central Bedfordshire Council. It has secured an order quashing an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order on Sandy Lane near Milton Keynes, with the result that the byway must remain open to all users.
Chris Mitchell, Chairman of the Green Lane Association, said: “We are pleased with the outcome of the court hearing, which means more people will continue to be able to use this public right of way. However, we regret that the local authority chose not to take up our repeated offers to work collaboratively to keep the route open without the need for legal action. As a result, taxpayers’ money has been spent on legal costs rather than on essential services for the residents of Central Bedfordshire – an outcome which was entirely avoidable.”
The two-day hearing took place in December, with the judgement released last week.
Central Bedfordshire Council had sought to close the byway to motor vehicles using an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order, citing concerns about unsuitable vehicle use, anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping. However, the High Court found significant flaws in the council’s decision-making process and ruled that the order should be quashed.
This was the third court hearing relating to Sandy Lane that has taken place in the last two years, with the council unsuccessful on each occasion.
Concerns have been raised about the council’s financial position and in March 2025, its audit committee revealed that a Section 114 notice had been served on its risk register meaning that it was at risk of bankruptcy. The authority has also reduced its workforce by 150 in recent years and is currently consulting with residents about a proposed increase to council tax.
The Green Lane Association now plans to maintain close contact with the authority to help identify constructive ways to maintain and protect this route, and others in the area, for all user groups.
See also the press release from the Chambers representing GLASS.
