Couple's Bid to Close Popular Footpath Sparks Local Outcry in Hampshire Village
A couple's application to close a public footpath near their £1.2 million home in Brockenhurst, Hampshire, has led to significant local opposition. Over 180 objections have been lodged against the proposal.
In the picturesque village of Brockenhurst, located in England's New Forest National Park, a controversy has erupted over a couple's attempt to close a popular public footpath. Adrian Mincher and Allison Mincher, residents of a £1.2 million property, have submitted applications to local authorities seeking to restrict pedestrian access to a walkway adjacent to their home.
The 220-yard path in question is a well-used route to the New Forest National Park, attracting up to 50 daily users. Established over four decades ago, it has become an integral part of the community's outdoor lifestyle. Brockenhurst, the largest village in the New Forest with a population of approximately 3,500, is renowned for its free-roaming ponies and cattle, embodying the unique charm of the area.
The Minchers cite privacy concerns, vehicle damage, and issues with dog waste as primary reasons for their application. However, their claims have been met with skepticism and opposition from local residents and the parish council.
"What frustrates me is if any of these issues were real concerns to them, come and talk. Dog fouling? Talk about it. If those issues were real issues, they would impact us as much as them. Their hostile planning application and exaggerated claims are what has upset the neighbours."
The controversy has highlighted the importance of public access in the New Forest, an area covering 219 square miles that became a national park in 2005. The region is not only a haven for wildlife, including all three native British snake species, but also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts engaging in activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.
Brockenhurst Parish Council has dismissed the Minchers' application, pointing out inconsistencies in their arguments. The council noted that the couple had previously made alterations to their property that reduced their privacy, including installing a front door facing the path and removing tall hedging.
The dispute underscores the delicate balance between private property rights and public access in areas of natural beauty. The New Forest, with its unique commoning system allowing locals to graze animals in the forest, has a long history of shared land use dating back to its mention in the Domesday Book of 1086.
As the New Forest National Park Authority deliberates on the application, the outcome will likely have implications for the community's access to nature and the preservation of local traditions. The decision will need to consider both the Minchers' concerns and the strong opposition from residents who value the footpath as an essential community asset.
