Nuffield - Proposed Diversion of Footpath No. 9 (part) at Fairway House. Ref: 03837
Proposed Diversion of Footpath No. 9 (part) at Fairway House, Henley
This consultation concerns an alteration to a public path in the parish of Nuffield. Comments received in response to the consultation will be considered when the Council decides whether to make a public path Order reflecting the proposed change.
The Council has powers to make Orders to divert public rights of way under section 119 of the Highways Act 1980. A diversion Order would be made in the interests of the owner of the land crossed by the public right of way.
The proposed diversion is shown on Plan HA 1980 s119/856/03857 (see right hand panel) and shows the existing length of Nuffield FP9 to be diverted as length A – B. The path forms part of the Ridgeway National Trail and runs through Fairway House between the house and garage which has accommodation for family and friends above it. They have a hedge between the house and the garage to give them privacy when path users pass near the front of the house and a pedestrian gate to provide access between the house and garage area. The amount of path users has increased with groups of runners especially leading to concern as they run immediately past the pedestrian gate leading to the house (60mm at its closest). One member of the family has been knocked over. The amount of use along the path now impacts their use of their property. Items have been stolen from their garage and dog waste bags left.
To enable the property to become one entity without a well-used National Trail dissecting it whist ensuring that path users continue to have an enjoyable path the owners seek to divert the path to the opposite side of their garage. This would ensure they have privacy and security at their home.
The proposed route (A – C - B) runs from the same point on the access drive (Point A) to the north of the garage to Point C and returns to FP9 at Point B just to the west of Fairway House. The proposed route has been cleared and prepared by the landowner and now used as a permissive path. The existing path is 58m long whereas the new path is 70m long, has no gates, will be 3m wide and is level.
The diversion would ensure the continuity of the Ridgeway National Trail and ensure a wide route is provided for path users.
The administration and advertising costs this Council incurs in respect of an Order will be recharged to the applicant. The applicant will be responsible for any outstanding works required to bring the new route into a satisfactory condition for public use and the Council will waymark the new route.
Any comments you wish to make are welcomed. I would be grateful for any comments by 17th July 2025. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate in contacting me on the below number.
If you would like further details, please contact the Case Officer, Andy Sylvester, on 01865 815302 or email andy.sylvester@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Progress on cases can be viewed on the Countryside Access web pages or by using the following link www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/modificationsanddiversions
