Footpath diversions turned down
A government planning inspector has refused controversial plans to divert footpaths and bridleways at Pitshill, Tillington.
The decision is contained in a 14-page report by Peter Millman, an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State followed a public inquiry held at Lodsworth village hall last month.
It came after objections to path orders made by Chichester District Council to divert the routes of footpaths and a bridleway at Pitshill House.
The inspector’s decision to reject the proposals by Lord Cowdray’s half-brother, Charles Pearson, to allow the rights of way to be moved further from the dilapidated Grade II Georgian mansion which Mr Pearson bought ten years ago, have been welcomed by objectors this week.
Among them are West Sussex County Council which was represented at the inquiry, the Ramblers’ Association, the Open Spaces Society and several individuals.
West Sussex County Council cabinet member for environment and economy Louise Goldsmith said: “The county council had consistently argued against the Pitshill proposals and I am delighted the inspector has agreed with us. The Ramblers Association and the Open Spaces Society were also clear in their objections against the orders.”
Rights of way committee chairman Bill Acraman said: “The committee took the decision to oppose the proposals as any changes to the bridleway and footpath network would have made the views of the house and grounds, as well as the spectacular views across the Rother Valley to the South downs, less enjoyable for members of the public.”
And a spokesman for the Ramblers’ Association said it was ‘delighted with the ruling’.
“The point was made at the inquiry that Chichester district councillors had ignored professional advice from its staff. It appeared to have been unduly influenced by the offer of Mr Pearson to spend considerable sums of money restoring the house, but only on condition the paths were first moved.
“The inspector ruled such promises and conditions were irrelevant.”
But the spokesman added: “Mr Pearson is to be applauded for the additional paths he has constructed for the benefit of the disabled. They constitute, however, a circular route with no bearing on the decision on whether or not to close the existing route.”
Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society, said: This is an excellent decision and shows we were right to oppose the plans to shove walkers and riders away from Pitshill.”
But on Wednesday, Mr Pearson expressed his regret at the inspector’s decision.
“We are obviously disappointed with the inspector's decision not to confirm the orders. However, we remain buoyed by very considerable and determined local support and we intend to consider any options under law which remain available to us. We do nothing in haste.
“We are immensely grateful for the support and assistance of the district council, the local county councillors and the 150 local individuals who either wrote to, attended or spoke at the inquiry.
“At the heart of this issue remains our guiding principle – diverting the right of way is the right thing to do as it anticipates genuine public safety issues before they happen rather than waiting for an accident to hurt someone. The law may struggle to act in anticipation, but we can and must try.
“Pitshill is not a conflict between the Pearsons and walkers. It is about good, forward-thinking land management aimed at preserving heritage for all, long into the future. Common-sense and decency must surely prevail.”
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Weather for Midhurst
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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Temperature: 14 C to 25 C
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