The bridleway through Twigside Farm. Photo: OSS

The bridleway through Twigside Farm. Photo: OSS

Access campaigners are fighting plans by the grandson of the late oil tycoon John Paul Getty II to build a deer fence across a public bridleway.

The Open Spaces Society said the 1.8m- (6ft)-high fence at Twigside Farm at Ibstone in the Chilterns would be an eyesore.

The fence would run along and would also cross the public right of way near the home of Tara Gabriel Galaxy Gramophone Getty, grandson of the man who was once described as the richest person in the world.

Buckinghamshire Ramblers, Buckinghamshire County Council and Ibstone Parish Council have also objected to the plans for the fence at the site about 8km (5 miles) west of High Wycombe.

The proposal would also involve moving the bridleway off line, the OSS said.

Kate Ashbrook, the society’s general secretary, said: “Twigside is in a lovely, quiet valley in the heart of the Chilterns area of outstanding natural beauty.

“Deer fencing would be an eyesore in the AONB and in particular for users of the bridleway which is an attractive, open route with a wide path on a direct line.

“The fencing would result in the path being narrowed in two places, causing a pinch point for walkers, riders and cyclists; this would adversely affect their enjoyment and ease of use.

“The path would also need to be shifted off its true line which would require a further formal diversion order under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. We would object to this and it would have to be determined by the Secretary of State for Environment.

“The path could not be moved unless this diversion order was confirmed.

“We believe the fence would also obstruct a footpath which runs to the north of the bridleway.”

Ms Ashbrook said, with electronically controlled gates, the fence would make the whole area appear private. “Already the owner has erected discouraging notices about CCTV,” she said. “The fencing would make this situation worse. We have urged Wycombe District Council to reject the application.”

The application is due to be determined by 18 January.

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