VILLAGERS have stormed a building site after a 6ft tall fence appeared outside their homes and they were left without an explanation.
Locals took direct action in a row with a developer over a public right of way.
Residents in Borden and Grove Park, Kent, decided to take matters into their own hands when a footpath did not reopen after its temporary closure order ended.
Abbey Homes, which is building 50 houses at a nearby farm, had permission from Kent County Council (KCC) to close the footpath for six months from February 10.
However, despite the order ending on August 10, a fence continued to block the route.
Locals gave the developer a couple days’ leeway before pulling a gate to one side and entering the site on August 14 – hoping to track down a manager.
Among them was Vivien Smith, who said the blockage showed the developer’s “total disrespect” for local people.
She added: “The route should have been opened and there are signs outside the development that make it clear when the closure had run out so they have no excuse.
“So we decided to get our opinion across by entering the site and try and find some answers.
“We had tried to speak to someone on Saturday (August 10) before we went but no one was there.”
Meanwhile, resident Dale Sharman says the closure has been “so difficult” and forced her to take “unpleasant” routes which not only take 20 minutes longer – but also take her away from the countryside and down busy roads.
The teacher, who used to use the path three to four times a week, said: “I do a lot of walking in the area, walking through Borden to get to Sittingbourne, to go to the gym, to go to the shops… and the closures have made it so difficult.
“I now have to go up A2 with all the air pollution and the amount of traffic and lorries.”
Swale Cllr Mike Baldock, who represents the area, claimed the situation showed “the contempt that developers had for the local residents”.
He said: “This is a well-used footpath which has been here for donkeys’ years and is part of a big circle that people can use for walking.
“It’s just part of that network of footpaths that we have that people use to get from A to B, but also to go and walk for relaxation, for exercise and active travel, all those things that the government is supposed to be encouraging.
“KCC really need to be taking a stronger line with these developers.”
The highways authority, in this case KCC, can demand that anyone who obstructs a public right of way must remove it.
If the obstruction isn’t removed, the authority can do so and charge the responsible party for the cost.
However, Abbey Homes applied for a retrospective extension on August 13 – three days after the order ended and the day before residents entered the building site.
Meanwhile, when asked whether Abbey Homes would face punishment for not reopening or diverting the path, KCC said the process of assessing the retrospective application was ongoing.
A KCC spokesman said: “A temporary closure can be put in place initially for up to six months and this can be further extended upon application.
“KCC has now received a retrospective application to extend the closure from the operator and this is currently being assessed.
“Meanwhile, the route remains closed to protect the public and KCC is working with the developer to expedite the new alignment of the public footpath.
“Members of the public are advised to use alternative routes.”
Another footpath in the area will also be closed off for six months due to the development.
This started on May 18 and runs until November 18.
The Sun Online has contacted Abbey Homes for comment.
