James Matthews Opposes Public Footpath at £15M Estate, May 29

James Matthews, husband of Pippa Middleton and brother-in-law to the Princess of Wales, told a planning inquiry on May 28 that his family needs enhanced security at their £15 million Berkshire estate. The dispute centres on whether part of the driveway should be designated a public footpath. West Berkshire Council found the route was “reasonably alleged to exist as a public right of way,” but Matthews has objected, citing security risks tied to his family’s public profile.

The Security Gate and the Footpath Claim

Matthews purchased Barton Court, a 145-acre property in Kintbury, West Berkshire, in August 2022 for £15.5 million. He installed an electric security gate on the driveway in September 2022. The West Berkshire Ramblers group applied in January 2023 to have the route formally recognised as a public footpath. West Berkshire Council investigated and found the route was “reasonably alleged to exist as a public right of way” based on evidence and case law. Matthews objected to the council’s decision, and a six-day public inquiry began on May 28 at Kintbury Coronation Hall in Hungerford.

Matthews’ Defence: Limited Use and No Warning

Matthews told the inquiry the route is rarely used and that neighbours raised no objections when the gate was installed. He said nothing in the conveyancing documents alerted him to any public use of the drive. The estate manager who worked at Barton Court from 2016 to 2022 testified he encountered only occasional walkers, roughly one person every two to three months. Matthews said the gate remains shut except when family or friends visit, and was upgraded in summer 2025 due to ongoing security needs.

Public Right of Way: The Legal Test

Under UK law, a public footpath can be designated if evidence shows it has been used by the public for an uninterrupted 20 years without force, secrecy, or permission. Alternatively, it can be recognised if evidence shows a landowner dedicated it to public use in the past and the public accepted that dedication through use. Local residents claim the pathway has been used by walkers since the 1960s. More than 30 residents backed the West Berkshire Ramblers’ application. A planning inspector will issue a ruling in June 2026.

Family Profile and Security Concerns

Matthews stated: “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.” He and Pippa live at Barton Court with their three young children. A spokesperson for the couple said Matthews has the right to create a safe environment on his private property, away from uncontrolled trespasses. The inquiry will determine whether public access rights override the family’s security needs.

Final Thoughts

The planning inspector will decide in June whether the driveway qualifies as a public right of way under the 20-year use rule. Matthews faces a legal test that hinges on whether locals used the route consistently for two decades, not his security concerns alone.

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