LOCAL campaigners in Bratton are celebrating a new designated public right of way following the decision to approve the ‘Watercress Walk.’
Known by local people as the Watercress Walk, it runs alongside the edge of Luccombe Mill in Bratton. Although it has never been a designated public footpath, it has been used by walkers for over 60 years, say local residents.
But in 2016, the new owners of the land took away access stiles and erected barbed wire fencing to stop public access. An application was then filed to Wiltshire Council by residents led by Phillip Workman, to make it into a public right of way.
Following a public inquiry held in Bratton in September, the planning inspector, Heidi Cruickshank, made the decision to confirm the walkway as a public footpath.
At the public inquiry, the owner of Luccombe Mill, Henry Pelly, who objected, was represented by a top London QC, Peter Village, Eleven villagers gave evidence in support of the application. Wiltshire Council’s Rights of Way team for the supporters were represented by barrister, Trevor Ward, and Craig Harlow, rights of way case officer.
The landowner, Henry Pelly, has six weeks from 16th November to appeal to the High Court but only if he can prove the Inspector has erred in law. In the meantime, the path will be opened in the coming weeks.
