Residents in a leafy village near the home of Shakespeare‘s mother have rallied against plans to « block » a historic footpath, proposed by the chair of their local parish council. Colin Ray, who presides over Wilmcote Parish Council in Warwickshire, a pretty village where William Shakespeare’s mother grew up in the 16th century, was granted a lawful development certificate to build a single-storey side extension, described as a « snug », to his £800,000 home in January.
He can move forward with the plans despite an outpouring of opposition from villagers, who believe the new outbuilding would block access to a popular walk between the village church and Stratford-upon-Avon canal. The route currently passes through the driveway of Mr Ray’s home, but locals argue that the walkway dates back far beyond the construction of the council chair’s multi-million-pound property. Incensed villagers, including fellow parish councillor Sarah Hession, have written to Stratford District Council warning of the « danger » of waving the « snug » through as a lawful development.
Ms Hession insisted that Wilmcote’s « popularity with visitors and residents, especially walkers from Stratford and [the] surrounding areas » meant it was of vital importance to « maintain our public footpaths ».
« Simply ignoring the extenuation of a public footpath to suit one resident is, in my opinion, morally wrong, » she added.
« The original architect of [this property] was unable to close the footpath or re-route it … and that precedent cannot be relinquished, » another local added. « The right to use this [walkway] should be safeguarded for future generations. »
The Ramblers Association walking charity also expressed its opposition to the plans, with local member Sheila Rose, 82, telling MailOnline: « We just can’t understand why the chairman of the parish council is applying to do something like this.
« Lots of footpaths go through gardens. If you do the right thing and go through in single file, then hopefully you’re not trampling on anything. »
Michelle Oliver, who is the fourth generation of her family to live in Wilmcote, told the council that walkways such as the one potentially blocked by the new development was « an important factor » in the area’s appeal. « I have regularly used the public footpath through this property [while] walking my dogs, » she said. « As well as access to country walks, it also holds many fond memories. »
Villagers, including Philip Mander, also sounded the alarm over the « dangerous precedent » that could be set by the footpath being shut off. Alongside warning against « approving a building which obstructs a public right of way », he also pointed out that the only other way to access the path was by « passing through three private gardens, including my own ».
Mr Ray previously told the Stratford Herald: « I’m following the proper planning process, and there’s nothing underhand. »
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