James Matthews, the husband of Pippa Middleton and brother-in-law of the Princess of Wales, has argued that he has the right to protect his family's privacy and safety amid a dispute over closing a footpath at his £15 million Berkshire estate. Matthews purchased Barton Court, a 145-acre property near Kintbury, in 2022 and lives there with his wife and their three children.
Shortly after moving in, the couple blocked access to Mill Lane, a track locals say has been used by walkers since the 1960s, and erected signs reading "Private: No Public Access" and "No Trespassing" across the estate. Electric gates were also installed. More than 30 residents, including the West Berkshire Ramblers group, applied to have the route formally recognised as a public right of way.
West Berkshire Council ruled in favour of the application, prompting Matthews to challenge the decision. The matter is now being examined during a six-day public inquiry before a planning inspector. In a written statement, Matthews 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."
A representative for the couple added: "James Matthews has the right to create a safe environment on his private property, for his young children and family pets playing outside, away from foreseeable risks through uncontrolled trespasses and traffic." The family is believed to own a cocker spaniel named Rafa and a Labrador.
However, the government-appointed planning inspector, Ken Taylor, told the couple earlier this month that they could not rely on privacy and security concerns to justify closing the track. The case will instead turn on whether the public used the route frequently enough over a 20-year period between 2002 and 2022 to establish legal rights of access.
Local resident Trevor Coles stated: "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." Pippa Middleton did not attend the inquiry but was spotted walking on a public footpath near the estate.
