Britain's Longest Running Planning Row Finally Resolved

Britain's longest running planning dispute has been resolved, but has dragged on for so long that the siblings who contested the status of a 'public' footpath 58 years ago have both died.

The row began in 1959 when a muddy track outside Archie and Ivy Peppard's farmhouse in Somerset was wrongly included on a map of public footpaths. They claimed they were 'besieged' with walkers past their front door.

The brother and sister objected to the lane being classed as a footpath, and began legal action which lasted nearly six decades.

After long-drawn out battles that reached the High Court, the siblings, now both dead, have eventually won their case. The Peppard's representative showed planning inspector maps dating back to 1799, proving that the lane was not historically a public right of way.

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said:

"We will be updating our records in the coming days to show that the route is no longer recorded as a Right of Way.

"The Ordnance Survey will also be informed of the change in order that they can update their mapping."

If you are in dispute with an organisation or individual, our solicitors may be able to help. Call our Rochdale team on 0800 810 1010.

Whitestone Solicitors

Dispute Resolution