Warren Farm campaigners vow to fight council decision not to register footpaths

Warren Farm campaigners will launch an appeal following the council's decision not to register two footpaths on the land.

Ealing Council's Regulatory Committee voted against two applications to turn two footpaths into Public Rights of Way at a meeting on July 14.

It comes after QPR Football Club was given the go-ahead for a multi-million pound training facility on the council-owned Metropolitan Open Land in 2013.

But solicitor Rheian Davies, who represents the campaign, said she will take judicial review proceedings to the high court.

'Appalled'

She told getwestlondon : "We are disappointed that the footpath that has been enjoyed for many years by so many of Ealing’s residents has not been recognised by the council.

"We believe the decision is erroneous and therefore my client has instructed our firm to appeal the decision.

"In the meantime, Ealing Council has now given planning permission to QPR PLC for a scheme that will apparently allow them to be paid to dump of thousands of tonnes of landfill on publicly owned land.

"My client is appalled at the environmental impact this will have.

"We have today notified Ealing Council that my client, acting on behalf of the community intend to take judicial review proceedings in the high court to try and stop the desecration of this valuable part of London’s green belt land."

Campaigners claim the footpaths should be registered, having used them for over 20 years to gain access to the site.

Solicitors argued citing the Highways Act 1980 and presumed dedication, a principle that long use by the public without challenge can "constitute evidence that the landowner intended to dedicate the used route as a public right of way."

But this was rejected because the council argued the routes were never meant to be footpaths for public access.

'Defend our position'

An Ealing Council spokesperson added: "Following careful consideration of the evidence the regulatory committee concluded that both applications for modification of the Warren Farm definitive map should be refused.

"Any appeal to the Planning Inspectorate against this decision will be defended.

"It is disappointing that an application for a judicial review against the council's earlier decision to grant planning permission is being considered.

"If it goes ahead we will continue to defend our position. The council has kept its roles as a landowner and as the planning and registration authority separate throughout the process, and the planning committee's decision was sound and based on proper planning conditions.

"There are proposals to use inert fill material at the site such as gravel, stone, soil. This process is fully licensed and schemes such as Northala fields have used this approach.

"Ealing Council has secured an excellent deal for residents; QPR will invest millions of pounds into community sports facilities and a comprehensive community sports development programme - and at no cost to tax payers."