A farmer fears “feral” nuisance bikers could descend on his fields once again if “land-grabbing” horse riders transform a footpath into a bridleway.

Jonathan Tapp has taken aim at the British Horse Society (BHS) after it petitioned Kent County Council (KCC) to allow equines through his Margate land on an established thoroughfare.

But the society says it merely wishes to improve horse safety by identifying and securing historic routes while working with local riders - essentially helping them get off roads.

KCC has powers to change existing footpaths into bridleways by making public path orders following in-depth investigations.

Yet Mr Tapp, who has run Hengrove Farm for decades, believes the move would pose a “safety nightmare”, attracting nuisance bikers to tear through his farm, as they did years ago.

The father-of-three said: “All it would do is open it up for feral motorbike riders again - they used to shoot through the farmyard at high speed.

“It was very dangerous for everyone which is why we installed gates at either end of the path in the 1990s so that only pedestrians could use it.

“It would be a complete nightmare for safety.”

It is illegal for motorised vehicles to be driven on footpaths or bridleways, however, Mr Tapp stresses imposing the rules around the clock is almost impossible.

Currently, gates to the footpath through Mr Tapp’s land are only large enough for walkers to fit through.

But if the route upgrades to a bridleway they will need to be significantly larger to accommodate horses, essentially big enough for motorbike access.

There has been an acceleration in similar applications throughout the UK, as some rights of way are due to be extinguished in 2031 due to expiring legislation.

But while the BHS argues horse access off Shottendane Road would help improve equestrian safety, Mr Tapp believes the animals trotting past his farming operation would spell trouble.

“It’s a land grab, and I think it’s grossly irresponsible to their members,” he added.

“For the operation of the farm itself, it would really be quite disruptive because of horses being so flighty - but the path actually opens out onto a blind corner of a road.

“The last horse traffic accident we had around here was actually on that road right next to the path - more of those kinds of accidents would happen.”

“[The BHS] are trying to say it’s all about historic rights of way, but I’m saying no it’s about the reality on the ground now.”

The membership-based charity argues the safety of horses and riders is central to its mission.

A BHS spokesperson added: “The British Horse Society recognises how important off-road riding is to improving equestrian safety and is committed to enhancing as well as maintaining the UK’s access network.

“As part of this pledge, our access and rights of way team work closely with equestrians on a local level to secure historic and safe routes.

“In this case, we are liaising with the landowner and Kent County Council to ensure the best possible solution for all of those involved.”

A KCC spokesperson confirmed receipt of the application adding: “As with all applications we receive, this will be subject to a full investigation in due course.”