Residents attempting to get open land designated a public right of way have hit a brick wall.
For as long as anyone can remember the public have been able to enjoy open land and footpaths over the land, alongside the railway line between Blunts Hall Road and Spa Road, Witham.
But now a planning application to build six two-bedroom flats with parking on the land has been submitted by Westwood Developments (Eastern) Ltd.
Nearby residents asked Essex County Council to modify the definitive rights of way map and designate the footpath a public right of way, because the public have had unrestricted access to it for more than 20 years.
But as soon as the landowners were informed of the application they put up a hoarding reinforced with scaffolding tubes, which completely blocks access to the land and footpaths.
In a recent Witham Town Council meeting some Blunts Hall Road residents expressed the view that any obstruction of the footpath would be potentially unlawful.
Members of Braintree Council's Witham area committee will make a decision on the planning application for flats at a future meeting.
Westwood Developments (Eastern) and their agent were not available for comment.
Published Thursday July 1, 2004
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