Pippa Middleton wins battle with locals over right of way through £15.5m estate

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PIPPA Middleton has emerged victorious in a battle with locals after a planning inspector ruled that the driveway to her home should not be a public right of way.

The Princess of Wales’ sister and her husband James Matthews went to war with ramblers over a footpath they blocked from going through their estate.

The couple argued that the route gives them “privacy and security issues” at their 145-acre Barton Court home.

After purchasing the property near Kintbury, Berkshire, for £15.5 million in 2022 they blocked access to Mill Lane, a locally named drive said to have been used by walkers since the 1960s.

Notices reading “Private: No Public Access” and “No Trespassing” were erected around the estate while electric gates were installed across the driveway.

The move sparked backlash from a group of more than 30 locals, represented by The Ramblers charity, who wanted the path listed as a right of way.

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Historic maps also failed to establish public rights over the route.

The inspector said the strongest evidence of regular use came from members of a single household.

Reacting to the news, local councillor Tony Vickers said: “I am surprised and very disappointed that the Inspector came down on the landowner’s side.

A spokesperson for the couple said: “We are grateful for the careful consideration given to the facts and appreciate the time invested by all parties.”

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Tuesday 15 September

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