James Matthews, the brother-in-law of the Princess of Wales, has defended his decision to block a public footpath on his £15 million Berkshire estate, citing the need to protect his family and their pets. Matthews, who is married to Kate's sister Pippa, purchased Barton Court near Kintbury in 2022 and subsequently installed electric gates and 'Private' signs, closing off Mill Lane—a track locals claim has been used since the 1960s.
More than 30 residents, including the West Berkshire Ramblers, have applied to have the route formally recognised as a public right of way. West Berkshire Council initially ruled in their favour, but Matthews challenged the decision, leading to a six-day public inquiry now underway at Kintbury Coronation Hall.
In a written statement to the inquiry, Matthews argued that his family's high public profile necessitates enhanced security. He also emphasised the need to create a safe environment for his young children and family pets—a cocker spaniel named Rafa and a Labrador—from 'uncontrolled trespasses and traffic.' Matthews claimed he has only seen a handful of people on the drive since moving in, and each time they acknowledged it was not a public footpath.
However, the government-appointed planning inspector, Ken Taylor, has told the couple that privacy and security concerns are outside the scope of the inquiry. The case will instead hinge on whether the public used the route frequently enough between 2002 and 2022 to establish legal rights of access. Local resident Trevor Coles stated in a written submission that past owners always respected the right of way, and obstructions only appeared after the new owners arrived.
Pippa Matthews did not attend the inquiry but was spotted walking on a public footpath near the estate. The inquiry continues.
