Watts Meadow - register a Designated Public Footpath

Good to see that our protests have had an affect and that we now we have a promise to allow access through the site for walkers from Borstal or Priestfields to Watt’s Meadow!

The following is a section of correspondence from Simon Fowler to Derek Munton, me and others who had emailed him. It was sent on January 6th 2011:

'To update you all on the status of the public right of way through the site to Watts Meadow, I have spoken to a representative of Bellway Homes, a Mr Dean Chapman, and the Councils public right of way officer who have both confirmed that the right of way will be reinstated once work has been completed on site and shall not be affected by the proposed wall.'

However, it is still not clear whether the route through the houses will be a Designated Public Footpath included on the Definitive Map. If planning permission is given then this should be a condition of consent.

It is important that the route is secured for walkers permanently: being given permission to cross the development is quite inadequate. We are aware that permission granted can be refused later. The issue of access is crucial because without ease of access, Watt’s Meadow could fall into disuse and itself be threatened by housing development. 

If permission is not granted, footpath RRX15 as shown on map dated 22/9/10 should be amended to continue from Watt’s Meadow to Priestfields.

We have asked Simon Fowler to keep us up to date with progress on registering this route as a designated public footpath.

Watts Meadow is an area of natural beauty that should be protected for residents now and for future generations. Thanks to everyone who has been involved in demanding answers and showing support.