Planning Inspector Sides with Couple Over Estate Access
Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews have successfully blocked a public right of way through their West Berkshire estate after a planning inspector ruled there was insufficient evidence that walkers had continuously used the route over the legally required 20-year period.
The decision overturns a previous ruling by West Berkshire District Council that had designated the country lane leading to the couple's £15 million Georgian mansion, Barton Court, as a public footpath. The dispute centered on a driveway at the Grade II-listed property, which features 32 rooms set on approximately 145 acres.
Background to the Dispute
Matthews, Chief Executive of Eden Rock hedge fund and heir to the feudal title of Laird of Glen Affric through his father's 10,000-acre Scottish estate, contested the council's 2024 decision at a public inquiry in May 2026. He stated he was not made aware of any public footpath when purchasing the property in 2022.
The estate was previously owned by designer Sir Terence Conran, who had allowed local villagers to use the country lane for over 50 years. West Berkshire Ramblers petitioned the council in 2023 for formal recognition of public access to the driveway, which was initially granted in 2024.
Legal Framework
Under UK law, a public right of way can be established where a footpath has been used continuously for twenty years or more without being challenged. However, the planning inspector determined that evidence of such continuous use was insufficient in this case.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 stipulates that landowners wishing to alter a public right of way must seek a Diversion Order or Extinguishment Order from their local authority. It is a criminal offence under the Highways Act 1980 for private landowners to block or obstruct public rights of way without lawful excuse.
About the Couple
Middleton, sister of Catherine, Princess of Wales, married Matthews on 20 May 2017 at St. Mark's Church in Englefield, Berkshire. The ceremony was attended by members of the royal family including Prince William, Catherine, Prince Harry, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
The couple's property portfolio in Berkshire has seen changes recently. They purchased Bucklebury Farm Park, a 72-acre property, in 2021 but sold it in 2026 after accumulating debts of £807,543 by 2025.
Similar High-Profile Cases
The footpath dispute joins a series of similar high-profile cases involving wealthy landowners and celebrities in the UK. Nicholas Van Hoogstraten fought a battle in 2000 after blocking a footpath, with ramblers succeeding in reopening it. Madonna and Guy Ritchie clashed with ramblers over land access in 2004. In 2012, Keith Richards successfully diverted a public footpath from his Sussex estate, citing privacy and security concerns.
The decision represents a victory for the couple in their three-year battle to maintain privacy at their country estate, though it has disappointed local residents who had used the route for decades under the previous owner.