PROW NEWS – OCTOBER 2026 UPDATES
At last – a couple of Planning Inspectorate decisions on cases in their backlog:
- Eastry EE500 – creation of new footpath to Hammill approved by Inspector
This was a rare claim by Hugh Craddock that would not be useable by horses. The Inspector examined written submissions made by all parties and made a site visit. After which, he decided on the balance of probabilities that a path formerly did exist, although it seems to have been a very close-run thing in his mind.
The new footpath leaves Gore Lane, near Eastry Primary School, at GR 306 550. Heading westwards across country, it terminates on the lane south of the old Hammill brickworks site, at GR 290 555. At about a mile long, this would be a very useful addition to the PROW network – the drawback being that it is currently impassible in several places. And putting new PROW in a fit state is not high on KCC’s priorities. So it may be a while before we can make use of it.
- Stelling Minnis (HE374) – Inspector rejects claim for a new bridleway south of the village
Again, having examined all the written submissions and made a site visit, the Inspector (the same man who investigated EE500, as it happens) ruled at the end of August that there was insufficient evidence to support this claim for a new bridleway. Nowhere is the route visible on the ground, but it would have run from a point on Eastleigh Court Road (opposite the corner of Eastleigh Wood) ENE to Sandy Lane. Then, from almost opposite that point in Sandy Lane, SSE to High Minnis (the main Rhodes Minnis to Stelling Minnis Road), just south of Wheelbarrow Town.
- Hythe – order now made to create two new public footpaths (HB88/HB89) across Hythe Green
These proposed new rights of way are both very visible on the ground, having a tarmac surface. One runs north to south and the other north-east to south-west, both being some 200 yards long. Hythe Green is situated just south of the Dymchurch Road (A259) bridge across the Military Canal, on the southern edge of the town centre.
- Woodnesborough footpath EE196 – order now made to create an official extension, designated EE505
In law, EE196 is currently a cul-de-sac, with its northern terminus at Ringleton Gate (GR 298 574). In reality, walkers then turn through 90 degrees onto a track which leads north-west in 100 yards to Coombe Lane, south-west of Ash village. It now appears that this track was an old public road, and as such should be redesignated as a public footpath. In practice it was never under threat, but to have legal status as a right of way can only be a good thing.
However, the order as published unexpectedly contains two new cul-de-sac footpaths: (a) continues the new path SE for a further 40 yards beyond its junction with the existing EE196, and (b) is a 60 yard path which leads NW off byway EE471 at GR 300 572. Some 225 yards separates paths (a) and (b), with no connection between the two. Quite what benefit this will have for walkers is hard to determine…..
- Deal (Mongeham) ED39 – order made to divert footpath around new approved housing
New housing between the A258 Sandwich Road and Mongeham Road was approved some time ago (Dover planning ref 22/00652). The diversion will take the footpath a little further west than now, between the two areas of housing via a “green infrastructure corridor” – probably the best outcome we could have anticipated.
- Sholden – temporary closure of footpaths EE389 and ED48, south-west from the A258 Deal-Sandwich Road
This temporary closure is due to the house building taking place in this area. The paths (actually one path – just a number change part way through) run from the A258 Deal-Sandwich Road opposite Sholden New Road, SW to footpath ED38, which runs along the NE bank of the South Stream. An alternative parallel route is available via footpaths EE386 and ED37, some 300 yards to the NW. The closure order runs from 2 October for 6 months.
Development issues:
- New large (300 acres) Solar Farm and Battery Energy Storage System proposed for Eastry and Nonington parishes – discussed by Dover DC
Known as the “Elvington Solar Farm”, in four parcels west of byway EE335 and Thornton Lane and affecting Eastry, Elvington, Nonington and Tilmanstone, this proposal has attracted 609 objections, including all the neighbouring Parish Councils, but also 222 expressions of support. On 17 September, this application (see planning ref. 25/00709) was discussed by the Dover D C Planning Committee. Arguments on both sides were made, but in the end the Committee decided to defer a decision. Citing particular concerns regarding landscape issues, and how HGV’s would negotiate the very narrow lanes of the area, especially during the construction phase, the vote went in favour of a detailed site visit on 13 October – just two days before the next Planning Committee meeting. Those making the site visit have been tasked with identifying the exact issues that it was felt could be successfully defended at an eventual public enquiry.
- Ash – proposed 200 acre Goshall Valley Solar Farm, between East Street and (very near to) Richborough Castle – Public Enquiry just completed
The formal application (Dover planning ref. 23/01363) was rejected by Dover DC Planning Committee, but an appeal was subsequently lodged. As a result, a Public Enquiry was held at the Dover DC offices between 15 and 25 September. Whilst no PROW would have been directly affected, views from a number of nearby paths would have been impoverished, with the panels very conspicuous in a flat landscape. Also the temporary access road during construction would cross footpath EE97 and adjoin footpath EE92A. A verdict is expected some time during November.
- Minster Marshes Electrical Converter station – all Enquiries now completed, just waiting for the Secretary of State’s verdict
I have mentioned this major project (Sea Link) several times in the past, but now we are getting very close to the final decision – which is expected within 6 to 8 weeks. However, with what appear to be preparatory works already taking place, and the general attitude of National Grid, it seems to be a done deal already.
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
