VILLAGERS in historic Holcombe have slammed a fellow resident's plan to construct a small fence with a gate they claim will serve as a guide for walkers.

Martin and Jan Parker have applied for planning permission to install the gate which they say will "show people who are walking in the area where they can continue their walk" along a footpath that runs through their property known as The Byre.

The location is a conservation area, which imposes strict regulations on any changes to the area, including the houses.

But other villagers believe the plans will reduce access to an ancient right of way and have voiced their concerns.

Nearby farmer Chris Barlow said: "As a landowner of the fields adjacent to The Byre and the access track where the footpath runs along, I was shocked to learn that the applicants had applied for planning permission to effectively fence off a well trodden access track and footpath to the lower pasture land of Holcombe Moor.

"This track and footpath has been used historically by the Holcombe Hunt and farmers who rear livestock in the pastures. There has never been a requirement from an agricultural perspective to place a fence and gate at this location to the entrance or egress route in the courtyard.

"My view is that the installation of a gate and fence would unnecessarily hinder the public’s enjoyment of this access way and is no benefit to the openness, heritage or visual amenity of the thoroughfare across the Mews courtyard."

The Byre itself is part of a small hamlet of converted buildings that historically made up Hey House Farm. Hey House is a Grade II* listed building, built in 1616 but The Mews area was converted in 1983 to residential buildings, named The Byre, The Coach House and The Farm House. There is an unrestricted and public footpath that runs through the entire courtyard and exits over the Parker's land.

Mr Barlow said: "Whether accessing the courtyard from the fields to the south of The Mews or the private lane and footpath from Branch Road, the route only requires appropriate signage and way markers to assist walkers, which would be sufficient and in no way impeding physically or visually in any way.

"Although the track isn’t used daily at present, it would be wrong for the area's heritage, not to preserve the route for future caretakers of the land. If the council approves the application of this fence and small gate, it will mean that we indirectly lose the right of way to access the fields for agriculture, potentially leading to a lengthy legal dispute."

Mr Barlow added that the fence and gate would also prevent access to carry out essential maintenance to the footpaths and fences which retain livestock and also link Redisher woods and Holcombe Tower.

"I cannot understand how this application is in synergy with current planning policy for this area," he added. "This is not just a fence and gate to guide walkers, it will block a historic route used for agriculture and the essential upkeep of the lower pastures of Holcombe.

"I would be grateful to those members of public who have a view on protecting Bury agriculture and this subject to submit a planning comment before the deadline on July 25."