Footpath closed at Plymouth school

PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY THROUGH SCHOOL CLOSED – Following an application submitted to Plymouth City Council to seek the closure of a public right of way running through a school site, the case was referred to public inquiry due to local opposition. The case was made through a robust statement of justification to support the application made under the Highways Act 1980. This required a carefully thought through strategy to clearly demonstrate how each of the legal tests was met, and exceeded. Assembling the case meant bringing in other professional disciplines to provide supporting evidence. The work involved close cooperation with the Council officials, attending publicity and consultation events and advising the School on how best to make their case. Once we had been granted leave to appeal it was then necessary to support the legal Counsel in assembling the appeal case and organising the structure of the inquiry. It was very satisfying to see the appeal succeed and the instant impact this had on improving school safety over night. As part of the process we have secured planning permission for other areas of fencing for the school site and the whole package of measures will make the site safe for pupils and staff.