New Forest couple spark row in bid to shut public footpath

Adrian and Allison Mincher have outraged dozens of their neighbours by trying to prevent pedestrian access to the path that runs next to their £1.2 million home.

The 220-yard footpath runs from a peaceful cul-de-sac out to the countryside in the New Forest National Park and is used daily by locals and dog walkers.

Drawing their own battle lines by lodging an application for planning permission, Mr and Mrs Mincher insist their privacy is 'severely intruded' and claim there is an 'ongoing problem' with dog mess.

Residents have criticised the couple for their planning application (Image: Simon Czapp/Solent News)

However, angry neighbours have slammed the reasons put forward by the Minchers and claim they want to ‘increase the value of the house’ before they sell it.

A total of 183 people have objected to the planning bid and neighbours in the cul-de-sac have put up signs outside their homes saying 'Say no to footpath closure'.

The route, in the New Forest village of Brockenhurst, is thought to have existed for at least 47 years and is well-used by residents.

The Minchers moved into the property seven years ago and have applied to make variations to a deed on the land that was sanctioned in 2000.

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The New Forest National Park Authority are still yet to make a ruling on the Minchers' application.

The Minchers' plannign application said having right of way access "severely intrudes" onto the couple's privacy and is a "security and liability issue", while claiming the couple's cars were damaged and motorbikes have used it as a cut through.

Neighbour John Stanton, 53, opposes the application.

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Semi-retired business executive Mr Stanton said: "What frustrates me is if any of these issues were real concerns to them - come and talk. Dog fouling? Talk about it.

"Any of these issues we could have neighbourly discussions, help solve it.

"If those issues were real issues, they would impact us as much as them.

"Their hostile planning application and exaggerated claims are what has upset the neighbours."

Neighbour Bob Coombs, who has lived nearby for 17 years, is among the residents to have objected (Image: Simon Czapp/Solent News)

Bob Coombs, 83, has lived nearby for 17 years. He said the footpath has been there for 40 years or longer and was one of the reasons he and his wife bought their adjacent house.

Mr Coombs, a retired quantity surveyor, said: “It would be shameful to deny the community of this facility and frankly in my opinion a travesty to then allow vehicular access.”

The Minchers have been contacted for comment.