Pippa Middleton and James Matthews, who live in the Grade II-listed Barton Court estate in Kintbury, West Berkshire, have installed electric gates with keypad control and signs reading 'private' and 'no entry' across a section of Mill Lane on their property. Locals claim Mill Lane has been used as a public right of way for walking since at least the 1960s. The closure forces residents to use an alternative route along Station Road, which they say has no pavement and is frequented by HGVs and delivery drivers, making it dangerous. The dispute centers on whether the lane is a public right of way or part of the private driveway to the estate.
The Barton Court estate is a £15 million, 32-bedroom mansion formerly owned by Sir Terence Conran, with 145 acres of countryside on the banks of the River Kennet. The property's historical context adds weight to the community's claims, as the previous owner was known for allowing public access. Sir Terence Conran, the previous owner of the estate, never objected to walkers using Mill Lane and kept the gate open. This open access policy under previous ownership contrasts sharply with the current situation, where the gates are locked and controlled electronically.
In 2024, West Berkshire Council designated Mill Lane as a public right of way after an application by local walkers. However, James Matthews has appealed the council's decision. He also lodged a highway declaration notice in 2024 stating that Mill Lane was not accessible to the public. The appeal process will determine whether the gates can legally remain closed.
Historical precedent plays a significant role in this dispute, as Sir Terence Conran, the previous owner of the estate, never objected to walkers using Mill Lane and kept the gate open. This practice was longstanding and contributed to the community's expectation of continued access.
Local community reaction has been strongly negative, with residents describing Pippa Middleton and James Matthews as 'inconsiderate', 'not very popular', and 'think they're a bit better than everyone else'. The term 'diva' has been used to describe Pippa Middleton on multiple occasions.
A public meeting will be held next month regarding the dispute over Mill Lane. This meeting will provide a forum for community members to voice their concerns and for officials to explain the legal processes involved.
The legal arguments in Matthews' appeal are not publicly detailed, but they likely hinge on proving that Mill Lane is not a public right of way despite historical usage. The appeal specifics will determine the trajectory of the case, with potential outcomes including confirming the public right of way or siding with Matthews.
Safety concerns on the alternative route along Station Road are a major point of contention, as locals claim it has no pavement and is frequented by HGVs and delivery drivers, making it dangerous. These concerns are central to the community's opposition to the lane closure.
The motivations behind the lane closure appear to include privacy concerns, given the installation of electric gates and keypad controls, but the full reasons remain unspecified. The couple has not publicly commented on their decision to close the lane.
West Berkshire Council's decision timeline and potential outcomes are uncertain, as the appeal process could take months or longer to resolve. The council's designation in 2024 followed an application by local walkers, but Matthews' appeal challenges this.
Historical usage patterns show that Mill Lane has been used by locals since at least the 1960s, according to community claims. This long-standing access has shaped community habits and expectations, with many residents relying on the route for daily walks and recreation.
Broader implications for public access rights in the UK are at stake, as this case could set a precedent for how historical usage is weighed against private property claims. The outcome may influence similar disputes across the country, affecting public access to rural paths and lanes.