Wimbish countryside footpath saved from permanent closure

The 463-metre route, known as Wimbish Footpath 70, lies south of Wimbish Green and passes through the grounds of three residential properties.

An application was made by a landowner to close the path, on the grounds it was not needed for public use.

Wimbish Byway 98, which is not a suitable alternative (Image: The Open Spaces Society)

Essex County Council supported the application and issued an order under Section 118 of the Highways Act 1980 to formalise the closure.

The Open Spaces Society and Wimbish Parish Council objected to the closure, prompting a public inquiry.

Katherine Evans, the Open Spaces Society’s correspondent for Essex, said: "I am delighted that the inspector’s decision has highlighted that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Presumptions Guidance says that path diversions or replacements should be the first port-of-call and not closures.

"Many farmhouses and rural cottages are on footpath routes as people used to walk to work, the chapel, the pub, and other destinations.

"In a world of gated dwellings, these paths are in danger."

Inspector James Blackwell held the inquiry on April 21 and ultimately decided not to confirm the order, allowing the footpath to remain open for public use.

The path runs in a north-east to south-west direction, beginning on common land before passing through woodland, crossing a ditch and continuing over a grazing field.

The landowner who applied for the closure claimed the footpath had seen little use for the past 50 years and described it as overgrown and missing a footbridge.

Katherine argued one nearby byway was rutted and regularly used by vehicular traffic, which made it unpleasant for walkers.

She also emphasised the footpath formed part of a circular walking route.

The Planning Inspector said, if reinstated, the "levels of use would be comparable to the usage of other recreational footpaths in the area".

He said privacy and security benefits for landowners would be relatively minor and legislative tests for closure had not been met.

Helen Clayton, the society’s case officer for rights of way, said: "We are pleased that the inspector recognised the utility and recreational value of Wimbish Footpath 70 as a necessary and integral part of the rights-of-way network in the area.

"We are delighted that Katherine fought to oppose its closure on our behalf, saving the footpath for public use and enjoyment."