Public Inquiry 8-9 July 2025

Public Inquiry 8-9 July 2025

Residents are probably aware that a public inquiry into a claimed public footpath from the village to Corpusty Lodges will take place on 8th and 9th July.

The background to the Inquiry is that a claim has been made by a local resident, Rob Peacock, for the route to be added to the Definitive Map as a public right of way.  We have objected to the application because it is not the case that it is, nor ever has been, a public right of way and if it were to be designated as one, we would lose the ability to manage access for farm and forestry work and we would be unable to protect residents from the impact of uncontrolled public access. 

If Corpusty Drive were to be signposted and advertised as a public footpath, there will be a significant increase in car parking and dog walking by visitors to the village, as well as disturbance to the occupants of homes at either end of the route and in the village. There is potential for the route to attract motorbikes and off-road vehicles and it would be beyond our control to manage the impact on the village. 

We have been pleased to allow access for residents and visitors on a permissive basis for many years and we want to clarify that it is not (and never has been) our intention to close Corpusty Drive permanently nor prevent permissive access for local people and visiting friends. We are resisting the claim because we want to be able to control the impact of public access on the village and therefore we do not want to the route to become a public footpath.

If you would like to understand more about the Inquiry please contact the Estate Office and we will explain the background to the case.