CLA praises right-to-roam case

LANDOWNERS HAVE praised a decision by the Planning Inspectorate to uphold, in part, pop star Madonna‘s appeal against incorrectly mapped right-to-roam land.

The CLA said the decision to reduce the area of land classed as open country on Ashcombe Estate in Wilts was a “victory for common sense”.

President Mark Hudson said the CLA had long been aware of inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the mapping process.

“The whole issue of access puts a burden on all landowners, and it must be remembered that there are hundreds of appeals in progress which do not enjoy the high profile of this case.”

The Ramblers Association said it was delighted that walkers would still have access to another 54ha (133 acres) of downland on the estate.