Proposed diversion of footpath at Top Barn Farm
Countryside Access Legal
Oxfordshire County Council
County Hall
Oxford
OX1 1ND
Director of Environment & Highways
Date: 3rd December 2025
Our Ref: ABS/03888
Postcode: OX15 5BW
Dear Sir/Madam,
Informal Consultation
Proposed Diversion Under the Highways Act 1980 s.119 Part of Sibford Gower Footpath No. 12 at Top Barn Farmhouse.
This consultation concerns an alteration to a public path in the parish of Sibford Gower. Comments received in response to the consultation will be considered when the Council decides whether to make a public path Order reflecting the proposed change.
The Council has powers to make Orders to divert public rights of way under section 119 of the Highways Act 1980. A diversion Order would be made in the interests of the owner of the land crossed by the public right of way.
The proposed diversion is shown on Plan HA 1980 s119/903/03888. The existing length of FP12 to be diverted is length A – B – C – D and runs north-eastwards along a field-edge, around the outside of a barn and past the front of Top Barn Farmhouse. The property is isolated and the owners would like to secure their security as much as reasonably practicable. The applicants’ car was recently stolen, and whilst this is not necessarily attributable to walkers using the path, a diversion away from the house will lessen the owners’ concerns. The path runs along the low front wall of the patio and main aspect of the buildings such that there is a clear view into that area, and the owners would also like to secure their privacy by diverting the path to the opposite side of the property.
The proposed route (A – E) runs through a hedge, across a field to Tyne Lane, directly opposite FP17. The owners feel that whilst the proposal is promogulated in their interests, the diversion would also benefit the public as it would avoid the need for walkers to first walk along the verge of Tyne Lane to reach FP17 (or vice versa). The existing path is 112m long whereas the new path is 100m long and would be 2m wide and level. The surface would be reinstated crop. The existing path has a stile at Point D whereas the new path would have pedestrian gates at Points A and E. Additionally, the applicant will replace the stile at Pound Lane (not part of the diversion) with a pedestrian gate so that the footpath is stile-free.
The administration and advertising costs this Council incurs in respect of an Order will be recharged to the applicant. The applicant will be responsible for any outstanding works required to bring the new route into a satisfactory condition for public use and the Council will waymark the new route.
Any comments received will be considered when OCC decides whether or not to make an Order. I would be grateful for any comments by 14th January 2026. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate in contacting me on the below number.
Yours faithfully,
Andy Sylvester
Technical Lead – Public Path Orders and Agreements
Direct line: 07919 306237
Email: andy.sylvester