A DECISION into whether a green lane near Langcliffe should be open to vehicles will be made within a few weeks following a public inquiry.

Andrew Roberts from the Planning Inspectorate, held an inquiry into whether Gorbeck Road should be designated a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) at the Victoria Institute in Settle.

Gorbeck Road runs from Clay Pits Plantation just outside Langcliffe, past Victoria Cave, across Malham Moor to Langscar Gate above Malham and is part of the newly opened Settle Loop on the Pennine Bridleway.

The national park authority's rights of way committee made the original order to designate Gorbeck Road as a BOAT in 2002.

Nick Oldham, the authority's press spokesman, told the Herald the decision to make the road a BOAT had been taken because Gorbeck Road was unclassified.

"As it stood, the road was unclassified which meant the emphasis was on vehicular traffic.

"By changing it to a BOAT, the focus changes to recreational use, horses, walkers and mountain bikers, although there will still be vehicular access," he added.

The other advantage of Gorbeck Road being classified as a BOAT means it is included on the definitive map and will then be on Ordnance Survey maps so people can see that it is there to use," said Mr Oldham.

When the road was unclassified, it came under the jurisdiction of North Yorkshire County Council.

"We felt that there was enough evidence to support the road being classified as a BOAT and made the order in 2002," he said.

After the order was advertised, there were nine objections to it.

In December last year, a Traffic Regulation Order forbidding motorists from using the track, was put in place for improvement and maintenance work.

The public inquiry heard evidence from a number of people both for and against the designation of Gorbeck Road as a BOAT.

A decision from Mr Roberts is expected in a few weeks' time.