Maidenhead: Battlemead footpath debate prompts councillor to be 'silenced'

A hybrid meeting of a communities overview and scrutiny meeting took place on Monday, October 25, to discuss controversial plans to add a pathway, ‘dog proof’ fencing and screening at Battlemead Common east field.

Cabinet decided to approve the scheme, which was three years in the making, earlier this month for the public to enjoy the open space whilst also protecting and enhancing biodiversity and wildlife.

However, five opposition councillors took issue with the plans, fearing it goes against environmental law, the Royal Borough’s climate change and emerging biodiversity strategy, and “damages” wildlife instead of protecting it.

READ MORE: Adding footpath would "destroy" Maidenhead field, opposition say

One of the contentious issues was planning permission. Cllr Geoff Hill (TBF: Oldfield), who attended the meeting virtually, said if the footpath running through the east field does not get planning approval, the council will be breaking the law and its own policies if it goes ahead.

“For the borough to do such a thing is a horrendous act because it actually sets a precedent for everybody else,” he told panel members.

It was heard there have been two planning applications at Battlemead in the past that have been withdrawn, which include implementing a car park and changing the land’s use from agricultural to be used as public space.

Andrew Durrant, executive director of place, said he believes a scheme of this nature can go ahead without planning permission – but needed further advice from planning officers. None were present at the meeting.

Battlemead Common

Cllr Catherine Del Campo (Lib Dem: Furze Platt) tried to ascertain why it doesn’t need planning permission and why the two plans were withdrawn – but was told by the chairman, Cllr John Bowden (Con: Eton & Castle) that “should’ve or could’ve been researched beforehand”.

This prompted Cllr Hill to step in. He said: “I’m not going to let you [Cllr Bowden] ram it through.

“The officers cannot say whether this path does or does not need planning permission. So, the answer needs to be found and that’s what you need to do before a decision is made.”

Emma Duncan, monitoring officer, warned Cllr Hill if he was not able to “conduct himself appropriately” then he would be stopped.

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Cllr Hill refused, prompting him to be muted.

Cllr Bowden said: “Not only have you interrupted the meeting, you have also interrupted the monitoring officer that is trying to bring some order here and regrettably I had to ask you to stop.”

Mr Durrant retained his stance that this footpath, the fencing, and screening would not need planning permission to go ahead – but would defer it to the planning department for further detail.

Ultimately, the three Conservatives on the panel outweighed the two opposition members and favoured ‘taking no further action,’ which means the footpath will take immediate effect.