James Matthews, the husband of Pippa Middleton and brother-in-law of the Princess of Wales, has argued for enhanced security at his West Berkshire property as a planning inquiry considers whether part of his drive should be designated a public footpath. Matthews, a hedge fund boss, moved to Barton Court with his family in autumn 2022 and installed an electric security gate on the drive in September 2022, sparking the current controversy.
The West Berkshire Ramblers group sought a 'definitive map modification order' in January 2023 to formally recognise a public right of way across the land. Following an investigation, West Berkshire District Council determined that the route was 'reasonably alleged to exist as a public right of way based on evidence, legislation and case law', according to inquiry documents.
Speaking at the inquiry on Thursday, Matthews objected, stating the route is rarely used and the gate raised no objections from the local parish council or neighbours. 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.' He added that in the last three-and-a-half years he has seen 'only a handful of people, on maybe two or three occasions, walking along the drive'.
David Hill, former estate manager for Barton Court between 2016 and 2022, told the inquiry he does not recall regularly encountering people on the drive who were being told not to be there. 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.'
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.' The inquiry continues in Kintbury Coronation Hall, Hungerford.
