The Regulatory Committee of Warwickshire Council met on Tuesday 3 March 2026 to discuss the diversion of a public footpath and to note delegated decisions. The committee resolved to support the diversion of a section of public footpath AL28 & SD23a in Bidford on Avon and to authorise the Executive Director for Communities to submit the order to the Secretary of State for Confirmation.

Diversion Order of Public Footpath AL28 & SD23a Bidford on Avon

The committee supported the diversion of a section of public footpath AL28 & SD23a in Bidford on Avon under section 119 of the Highways Act 1980. This decision followed a site visit by committee members on 18 February 2026, which was found to be very useful in clarifying the application. It was confirmed that the current path used by the public, known as the Cinder Path, is a permissive footpath and not a public right of way.

Councillor Keith Kondakor, while generally hesitant to support footpath diversions, stated that the site visit had provided him with a clear understanding of why this particular diversion was necessary. Councillor Adrian Warwick proposed accepting the recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor Chris Morris. The proposal was approved by a majority of 11 votes in favour, with one abstention. The committee also authorised the Executive Director for Communities to submit the order to the Secretary of State for Confirmation.

The diversion of the footpath was sought by the applicants, Jack Broadhurst and Laura Coles, to provide them with greater privacy and security, as the current route passes through their garden. The proposed new route aims to address issues such as flooding on the existing path during heavy rainfall, which can make it impassable, and a steep embankment that users currently have to negotiate. The new route is intended to be accessible in all weather conditions and will have a width of 2 metres.

Numerous objections were received regarding the proposed diversion, primarily citing concerns that the new route would be less convenient for the public. Objectors argued that the proposed diversion would significantly increase the distance of the walk and would no longer allow for a popular circular route. Concerns were also raised about the loss of picturesque views and the potential detriment to the local community's exercise and mental well-being. Some objectors suggested that clearer waymarking signage on the existing route would be a more appropriate solution than a diversion.

However, the report presented to the committee detailed that the proposed diversion would be shorter in length than the currently usable section of the existing path, and would be suitable for all users due to the absence of a steep embankment and flooding issues. The new route would also offer greater visibility of the open countryside. The applicant has agreed to fund the installation of the new route and maintain its natural surface, with the council providing waymarker posts at an approximate cost of £190. The applicant has also confirmed they will be responsible for any compensation claims that may arise.

The decision to support the diversion aligns with the council's Rights of Way Improvement Plan, specifically Policy RW5c, which outlines minimum legal widths for new and diverted routes, with the proposed diversion meeting the 2-metre width requirement for unenclosed footpaths.

Delegated Decisions

Members noted the applications that had been dealt with under delegated powers since the last meeting. One such decision was the approval of a Section 73 application for the variation of conditions 3 and 7 pertaining to a consented application for the extension of Oak Wood Primary School in Nuneaton. This decision was made on 20 February 2026.