The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel of Staffordshire Council met on Friday 16 January 2026 and unanimously approved three proposed diversions of public footpaths. These diversions were located at Finney Green Farm in Keele, Duncombe House in Ellastone, and Denstone Parish. Additionally, the panel approved both temporary and permanent diversions for a public footpath at Willington Quarry, also by unanimous decision.

Diversion of Public Footpath Keele No. 6, Finney Green Farm

The panel approved the diversion of Public Footpath Keele No. 6 at Finney Green Farm. The existing path, which runs from A to B, will be extinguished and diverted to a new route from C to E, F, and D. This change aims to move the footpath away from the farmhouse and residential buildings, improving privacy and security for the landowner. The new route is a similar length to the original and links into other public rights-of-way. Concerns raised by a neighbouring landowner and the parish council regarding the width of gates and the relevance of planning applications for the farmhouse development were addressed. It was clarified that the gates would be pedestrian, approximately 1.2 metres wide, and not intended for stock control. The panel was satisfied that the landowner interest test was met and that the alternative route was not substantially less convenient or detrimental to the enjoyment of the path. The diversion was also assessed for accessibility, with gates to be installed to British Standards, ensuring suitability for disabled users.

Diversion of Public Footpath Ellastone No. 10, Duncombe House

A unanimous decision was made to approve the diversion of Public Footpath Ellastone No. 10 at Duncombe House. The existing path, running from A to B, will be replaced by a new route from C to D to E. The current path is situated within the residential curtilage of Duncombe House, which is undergoing substantial renovations. The proposed diversion will reroute the path through an open field. Objections from local residents cited concerns about access, views of nearby abbey ruins, and the owners' social media presence during the refurbishment. The panel noted that the abbey ruins are largely off the proposed route and that an online presence does not equate to a physical security risk. While the property had recently been burgled, the panel acknowledged this as a sympathy but not a direct consideration for the footpath diversion, as criminals do not typically rely on public access routes. The new route is a grassed path, and while slightly narrower than the existing driveway-like path, the panel noted that a comparable width could be stipulated if desired. The diversion was deemed to meet the landowner interest test and not significantly impact enjoyment or convenience.

Diversion of Public Footpath Denstone No. 15

The panel unanimously approved the diversion of Public Footpath Denstone No. 15. This application seeks to regularise a situation that has physically existed on the ground for approximately 15-16 years. The current definitive path runs close to and within the residential curtilage of the property. The proposed diversion, shown by the broken black line CD to E to B, runs just the other side of a hedge and has been in use without public complaint. A section of the proposed path (C to D) is 1.2 metres wide, which is narrower than the usual modern standard of 1.8 metres. However, the panel accepted this width due to its long-standing use and public acceptance. The continuation of the path (D to E to B) runs through an open field. An objection was raised by the Peak and Northern Footpath Society regarding the width of the C to D section. This objection was resolved, with agreement reached on the installation of a gate at point D, replacing a stile, and ensuring the new route is measured to account for hedge growth. The applicant will cover all costs associated with the diversion.

Temporary and Permanent Diversions of Public Footpath Burton No. 10, Willington Quarry

The panel unanimously approved both a temporary and a permanent diversion for Public Footpath Burton No. 10 at Willington Quarry. These diversions are necessary to enable quarrying operations, as the existing path will be quarried away. The temporary diversion will run along the riverbank until mid-2027, after which the permanent diversion will come into effect. The permanent route will skirt around ponds to be created as part of the site's restoration. An objection was lodged by the Open Spaces Society, primarily concerning the link of the existing route at point B to other public rights-of-way and the lack of a definitive map record for a well-used path beyond point A. The council's officers addressed these points, clarifying that the existing route does link to a bridleway and that the route beyond A, while not on the definitive map, is a well-established and used path. The council has advised the applicant on applying for a definitive map modification order for the route beyond A. Despite attempts to have the objection withdrawn, it remained outstanding. The panel noted that if the objection were to be formally lodged, the orders would be referred to the Secretary of State. However, the panel was persuaded by the arguments that the diversions are necessary for development and that the proposed routes offer pleasant walks, especially the permanent diversion which will skirt newly created wildlife ponds. The panel also noted the potential for the council to recover costs if the objection is deemed unreasonable.