Tenants of Powys County Council or developers who have bought council land are not given preferential treatment when it comes to public footpath diversions, says the council.
This follows a question asked by Cllr Roger Williams at a meeting of the Planning, Taxi and Rights of Way Committee on Thursday.
The councillors were discussing a proposal to divert part of public footpath 65 on land near The Firs, Churchstoke, which had been part of the PCC, farm estate.
Cllr Williams said: “When was the application made?”
Assistant commons registration and definitive maps officer, Claire Lewis, replied that the application by Miss G Delves had been submitted on 1 November 2017.
Cllr Williams added: “That’s a very speedy resolution.”
Cllr Williams said that a farmer, Mr Llewelyn, he had spoken to, told him he had made an application to divert a path, 10 years ago and it had still not been decided.
Cllr Williams added: “What I don’t want to see is any favourable treatment be given to Powys (CC) or someone who has bought something from Powys (CC).
“How has this been allowed to jump the queue?”
Commons Registration and Definitive Map Officer, Sian Barnes, answered: “The approach we
“This practice applies not just to PCC land but to all developers.”
Roger Williams replied: “I want it noted, my great disappointment that we have this delay in making these orders.
“Mr Llewellyn is trying to sell his farm, and now feels that not having this diversion in place, is causing problems.”
On 5 October 2017, planning permission was given to build three detached properties, at The Firs.
The pathway diversion was part of the plans at the time.
The new path is proposed to be 114 metres which would replace 109 metres of path 65.
A pre-order consultation was held over a year ago in May 2018.
Outlining the report Ms Lewis, said: “Churchstoke Community Council have no objection provided the landowner of the neighbouring property over which the new route is planned, is content with the proposal.
“They asked that self-closing gates were installed on the exit to the highway to reduce the risk of animals straying if gates are left open by users of the footpath.”
“The tenant of PCC Farms Estate, initially objected to the proposed diversion of footpath 65, as he felt that it would result in users of the footpath walking through the area in which he feeds sheep.”
“However that has been resolved and he has withdrawn his objections.”
Cllr Michael J Jones (Independent – Churchstoke) said: “Obviously this is in my ward and is I think, quite a straightforward application.
“It enables
The footpath diversion was passed unanimously.