PROW NEWS – JANUARY UPDATES
- Confirmation of the creation of a new restricted byway in Eastry, running from Great Selson Farm north to Drainless Road (EE499)
This proposed creation has finally been confirmed by an Inspector after considering objections and written representations. Another Hugh Craddock claim, this is already awell-marked track, connecting Selson Lane west of Eastry village at GR 300 556 with the road from Eastry to Staple at GR 305 560.
- Diversion of Alkham footpath ER150 at Chalksole Green now confirmed
After a delay to allow the new route to be brought up to the required standard, this short and probably little-used path has now been diverted north-east (instead of running due east as at present) to avoid residential accommodation at The Paddock (GR 253 432). This is a better diversionary route than that originally proposed : less indirect and with extra walking along the quiet Ferne Lane reduced from 120 yards to 70 yards. Stiles on the old route have also been replaced by gates.
- Rebuilding of the closed footbridge on Sandwich footpath ES5 has been approved
Footpath ES5, between the town walls and St George’s Road, has been closed for most of 2025 due to the footbridge at GR 335 578 being deemed unsafe. However, the good news is that a £30,000 rebuild has now been approved, and the footpath should hopefully be reopened by Easter.
- Improvements made to the England Coast Path (also the NDW and Saxon Shore Way at this point) at Dover Western Heights
Improvements have been carried out to part of the King Charles III England Coast Path in front of St Martin’s Battery, adjacent to the car park off South Military Road at the Western Heights. This route is however not a public right of way at this point. Works have included widening the route with a compacted stone surface and installing new fencing to provide improved accessibility and safety. In addition, nearby buildings have also been cleared from overgrown vegetation, as part of an ongoing improvement plan for the area.
- Construction of the approved solar farm (Dover planning ref 22/00668) at Guston has begun, affecting footpath ER57
Footpath ER57, from Guston north-east towards East Langdon, is affected by construction of the new 60 acre solar farm. It leaves The Lane at GR 330 446, and the definitive line is officially closed. However, a hard track, suitable for construction vehicles (and walkers!) has been built along the north-west edge of the field, and so walkers are, fortunately, barely inconvenienced.
- Proposed new housing at South Court Garage in Great Mongeham village – application withdrawn
This was a proposal to build houses on the garage site in the centre of the village, opposite the Three Horseshoes pub (Dover Planning ref. 24/00296). Footpath ED38 runs along the north-eastern edge of the site, but the existence of the path was not acknowledged on the plans. However, the proposal was officially withdrawn on 11 December.
As always, if you would like more details about any of the issues mentioned above, or any others for that matter, please contact Roger King on 07779 533 583, or e-mail roger.rambler89@outlook.com In the meantime, a Happy New Year to all!
