Barnett Hill Hotel has just tarmacked the track along Public Footpath 305, turning what was a rural track into a continuous asphalt surface.
Waverley Council currently considers this to be permitted development as an “improvement” to a private way. However, recent Planning Inspectorate decisions confirm that such works are not automatically permitted where they materially change the basic character of the existing track.
There is also a separate issue concerning the public footpath. Surrey County Council's own guidance states that landowners should seek its approval before carrying out works to the surface of a public right of way, specifically including changing a surface from gravel to tarmac.
Both Waverley and Surrey County Council to investigate urgently have been asked whether the necessary permissions existed for these works.
If you are concerned or outraged by the permanent transformation of this rural track and public footpath, please make your views known now to Waverley Borough Council and our local councillors, Jane Austin - Jane.Austin@waverley.gov.uk and Michael Goodridge Michael.Goodridge@waverley.gov.uk
Demand the asphalt is removed if not now at the end of 2027 following construction work nearing to an end ay Barnett Hill.
The more villagers who raise the issue, the harder it will be for such a significant change to the rural character of Footpath 305 to be accepted without proper scrutiny.
