The brother-in-law of the Princess of Wales has defended his installation of a security gate at his £15 million estate, arguing that his family's high public profile necessitates enhanced protection amid a bitter dispute over an alleged public footpath.
Background of the Dispute
James Matthews, a hedge fund manager and husband of Pippa Middleton, purchased the 145-acre Barton Court in West Berkshire in August 2022. Shortly after, in September 2022, he installed an electric security gate on the driveway. This prompted the walking group West Berkshire Ramblers to apply for a definitive map modification order in January 2023, seeking official recognition of a public footpath across the land.
West Berkshire District Council investigated and concluded that the route was reasonably alleged to exist as a public right of way based on evidence, legislation, and case law. However, at a planning inquiry held today in Kintbury, Mr Matthews contested this claim.
Matthews' Testimony
Appearing before the inquiry, Mr Matthews stated that the route is rarely used and that no objections were raised by the local parish council or neighbours when the gate was installed. He emphasised that the conveyancing process did not alert him to any public use of the drive.
He said: "There are implications for my family, due to their high public profile, which means there is a need for a higher level of security than would otherwise be the case if the circumstances were different."
Mr Matthews explained that the gate is kept shut except for expected visits from family or friends. He added: "When the gate was put in, no one from the Parish Council or the village came to speak with us, or contacted us, about the gate to say that there was any problem with it being there."
Since the footpath application, security has been further upgraded, with gates at Station Road being closed and upgraded in summer 2025. Mr Matthews noted that in the last three and a half years, he has seen only a handful of people on the drive, on maybe two or three occasions, and each time he informed them it was not a public footpath.
Evidence from Witnesses
David Hill, estate manager for Barton Court between 2016 and 2022, told the inquiry that he does not recall regularly encountering people on the drive. He said: "There was no consistent pattern of people coming and going. Occasionally I would come across someone who appeared to be lost or unaware that they should not be there. It’s hard to estimate but probably one person every two-to-three months."
However, local residents provided statements to the contrary. Trevor Coles said: "Past proprietors of Barton Court have always respected the authenticity and value of this right of way and it is only since new owners have been in residence that obstructions have appeared. Historically, I have absolutely no recall of any hindrance being put in the way of locals and ramblers."
Neal James Pike added: "I do not understand why the present owners are trying to close the use of Mill Lane when it has been used by the walking public for decades."
Legal Context and Response
The inquiry is being held at Kintbury Coronation Hall in Hungerford. West Berkshire District Council stated that the application is based on the legal principle that a public footpath can be deemed to exist if it has been enjoyed by the public for an uninterrupted period of 20 years, without force, secrecy, or permission.
A spokesperson for Mr and Mrs Matthews said: "James Matthews has the right to create a safe environment on his private property, for his young children playing outside, away from foreseeable risks through uncontrolled trespassers and traffic. For as long as records exist, there has never been a footpath/public right of way on the land currently under discussion. For decades past there has always been signage pointing out this is the driveway to a private property, with no public access. There are other clearly marked footpaths nearby."
The inquiry continues.
