The Regulatory Committee of Warwickshire Council was scheduled to discuss a proposed diversion order for public footpaths in Bidford-on-Avon and a proposed settlement of a Local Government Ombudsman report. The committee was also due to note applications dealt with under delegated powers since the previous meeting.

Diversion Order of Public Footpath AL28 & SD23a Bidford-on-Avon

This item was scheduled for discussion following a deferral from the previous meeting on 3 February 2026, to allow for a site visit which took place on 18 February 2026. The report pack indicated that the diversion of the footpath was proposed to provide privacy and security for an applicant, as the current path passes through their garden and is considered unsafe, particularly in wet weather. The report pack highlighted that the committee would need to consider the main themes of the application and the officer's response, as illustrated on pages 6 and 7 of the main report.

During the previous meeting, it was noted that the existing path, which goes around a golf course, is still used by the public despite signage indicating otherwise. The officer reminded councillors that a route cannot be considered simply because it is preferred by the public if it is not a public right of way. Concerns were raised about the safety of the proposed new route and its proximity to the golf course, with confirmation that the new route would be further away. The applicants had given permission for the proposed new route to be used 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and it would not be disrupted by rainfall.

A recommendation was made during the previous meeting that a site visit would be useful to view the proposed footpath diversion, particularly to see the impact of flooding at that time of year. This suggestion was supported by several councillors, including Councillor Keith Kondakor and Councillor Mike Bannister, and the committee unanimously supported the proposal for a site visit.

Proposed Settlement of Local Government Ombudsman Report

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposed settlement of a Local Government Ombudsman report. The report pack indicated that this item would involve the exclusion of the press and public from the meeting due to the disclosure of exempt information, as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. The Chief Executive of Warwickshire County Council, Monica Fogarty, was listed in relation to this item.

Delegated Decisions

Members were scheduled to note the applications that had been dealt with under delegated powers since the last meeting. This would provide an overview of decisions made by officers between committee meetings.