The Princess of Wales’s sister moved to Windsor in 2022
A long-running dispute over public footpath access at Pippa and James Matthews’s Berkshire estate is heading towards a crucial public inquiry next month.
The Princess of Wales’s sister and her financier husband purchased Barton Court, valued at £15million, from Sir Terence Conran and subsequently closed off a walking route across the 145-acre property.
Local campaigners have since challenged this decision, with West Berkshire District Council ultimately backing residents who wish to use the path.
The couple shares the estate with their three children, Arthur, seven, Grace, five, and Rose, three.
Pippa Middleton footpath row heads to inquiry as council confirms key dates
| PA
The public inquiry is scheduled to take place from May 13 to 15 through the West Berkshire District Council, and the prospect has caused considerable unease among some residents.
Liberal Democrat councillor Tony Vickers, who resides approximately 15 minutes from the estate, has stepped forward to assist those feeling daunted by the formal proceedings.
Writing on the Kintbury Village Facebook page, he stated: “If anyone submitted written evidence to West Berks Council or Ramblers claiming they used the route on foot between 2002 and 2022 but doesn’t want to speak and potentially face cross examination by a barrister acting for the landowner, feel free to contact me.”
Mr Vickers emphasised his role in representing constituents and supporting the council’s decision to issue the Path Order last year, noting his previous experience at such hearings, adding: “They can be quite intimidating.”
The Barton Court Estate website shows pictures of the Georgian property | BARTON COURT ESTATE
The West Berkshire Ramblers has raised safety concerns about the closure, forcing pedestrians onto roads.
Eugene Futcher, the group’s chairman, told The Times: “It is a safe way to get to and from the village, so walkers are put at risk if they have to use the road.”
The Ramblers Association has highlighted broader inequalities, noting that residents in less affluent areas are disproportionately affected by a lack of safe, accessible paths to green spaces.
Despite the ongoing footpath controversy, the couple received welcome news in February regarding separate planning matters.
Pippa and Carole Middleton at the Together at Christmas Carol Service in 2024 | GETTY
Pippa became one of the most famous people in the world after her sister’s royal wedding
| PA
West Berkshire District Council approved their application for an extension and internal alterations to the property, following discussions about potential disturbance to Palaeolithic artefacts during construction.
The approval stipulates that building work must begin within three years.
The planning permission represents a positive development for the Matthews family amid the continuing access dispute, which has seen local walking groups and elected representatives align against the landowners’ position on the contested route through their estate.
West Berkshire Council declined to comment when approached by GB News, as this matter is subject to a live process and is currently with the Planning Inspectorate for determination.
News
PRIVATE LIFE FIRST: Dara Huang OPENS UP ABOUT WHY Princess Beatrice’S STEPSON IS KEPT OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT
Wolfie has been seen at Sandringham and the Princess of Wales’s annual carol service Dara Huang has offered a rare insight into how she protects her son, Christopher “Wolfie” Woolf Mapelli Mozzi. The mother-of-one revealed that she deliberately avoids sharing…
Royal Frenzy in Italy: Catherine, Princess of Wales, Stirring Up Crowds – But Her Real Mission Has Only Just Begun 🇮🇹
Princess of Wales draws screaming crowds in Italy as Catherine’s real mission begins The future queen showed how she plans to turn global fascination into lasting change There is no doubt that the Princess of Wales is an international icon….
Trouble continues to mount for Prince Andrew as new action is reportedly being taken to remove one of his remaining public honours
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor suffers fresh blow as action taken to strip former duke of Freedom honour The censure motion will come before the Court of Common Council at its meeting on May 21 The City of London Corporation has decided to…
What’s behind the fresh new look? Meghan Markle has sparked buzz after updating her profile picture and giving both her Instagram and As Ever website a noticeable refresh.
Meghan Markle in major rebrand as Duchess changes profile picture The Duchess of Sussex has given her Instagram and As Ever website a new look. Meghan Markle had a major rebrand (Image: Getty) Meghan Markle has updated her Instagram profile picture for…
“SILENCE SPEAKS VOLUMES…” — Meghan Faces Backlash Over Mother’s Day Post
Meghan Slammed After Leaving Doria Ragland Out of Mother’s Day Tribute: ‘Silence Speaks Volumes’ Meghan Markle’s Mother’s Day silence is being dissected by royal watchers following her latest brand expansion. Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland, at an event…
A spokesperson for Meghan Markle has firmly denied claims that the Duchess of Sussex is planning to sell her clothes for profit
Meghan Markle’s spokesman shuts down speculation about Duchess of Sussex selling clothes The Duchess of Sussex previously hinted she may expand into fashion ‘down the line’ Meghan Markle’s spokesman has shut down rumours about the Duchess of Sussex selling clothes….
End of content
No more pages to load