The Highways Committee of Durham County Council met on Monday 14 September 2026 to consider a proposed diversion of a public footpath. The meeting's agenda included a report on the proposed diversion of Public Footpath No 80 Wolsingham.

Proposed Diversion of Public Footpath No 80 Wolsingham

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application to divert a section of Public Footpath No 80 Wolsingham, located at Middle Fawnlees. The landowner, Mr te Lintelo, applied for the diversion under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980, citing reasons of security and privacy for the property, which is undergoing renovation for potential holiday let use.

The proposed diversion would reroute the footpath away from the immediate vicinity of the buildings at Middle Fawnlees. The new route would start at a more southerly point on Footpath No. 79 and run in a generally westerly direction to rejoin the original line of Footpath No 80. This proposed path would have no gates or stiles and its construction had already commenced.

Consultations on the proposal received no objections from local members, Wolsingham Parish Council, the Ramblers Association, or the British Horse Society. However, an objection was lodged by the Open Spaces Society. The society's objection centred on the belief that the new route would be less direct, less enjoyable, and less convenient than the current path. They also suggested that the character of the path would change and that there would be no adverse impact on future residents if the path remained on its current alignment.

The report outlined the legal framework for such diversions, noting that an order could be made if it was deemed expedient in the interests of the landowner or the public. It also stated that the diverted path must be substantially as convenient to the public as the existing one. The report suggested that the proposed diversion would be marginally longer for some users but would offer increased privacy and security for the property, potentially enhancing the convenience for walkers by avoiding proximity to the buildings. The report also referenced the Rights of Way Improvement Plan for County Durham, which supports diversions that reduce conflict and benefit both land managers and path users.

The committee was presented with the recommendation to make an Order to divert part of Public Footpath No 80 Wolsingham. If confirmed without opposition, the order would be made. In the event of objections, the order would be referred to the Secretary of State for determination.