Gate stays closed after three-year fight

Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews won their legal battle to keep their Berkshire estate's driveway closed to hikers. The couple installed an electric gate at Barton Court in 2022, sparking a dispute with nearby villagers.

Villagers wanted path access for generations

About 30 residents from Kintbury, supported by the Ramblers Association, argued the driveway had been used as a hiking route for decades. They said it provided safe access to the village church without walking along dangerous Station Road.

“Until recently I have never known Mill Lane to be closed for any reason.”

The gate went up in September 2022

When Pippa and James moved into the 12-room Georgian mansion, they installed an electric security gate with signs reading 'Private: Not Open to the Public.' The property cost approximately 15 million pounds.

Council recognized public right-of-way in 2024

In January 2023, villagers obtained formal recognition of a public right-of-way through a 'definitive map modification order.' The West Berkshire District Council approved it in 2024, but Matthews immediately challenged the decision.

Matthews claimed insufficient evidence of use

During the May 2026 hearing, Matthews argued there was no proof the path had been used continuously for 20 years, as required by British law. He also said he wasn't informed of any public use when he purchased the property.

Royal security became a key argument

Matthews emphasized that Pippa's status as sister of the future queen required heightened security. He noted that tabloid press in the UK is famously invasive and that the gate was installed specifically to protect the family.

“There are implications for my family, due to their high public profile, which means there is a need for a higher level of security.”

Former owner testified for the couple

Lady Victoria Conran, widow of designer Terence Conran and the previous owner, testified she saw only one unauthorized person use the driveway in 30 years. She never noticed groups of hikers crossing the property.

Estate manager saw almost no foot traffic

David Hill, who managed Barton Court from 2016 to 2022, testified he saw no consistent pattern of people using the driveway. He estimated encountering someone lost or trespassing only once every two to three months.

“There was no consistent pattern of people coming and going.”

Inspector revoked the public right-of-way

Urban planning inspector Kenneth Taylor concluded the driveway's use by hikers was too limited to prove public access rights. He also found evidence the path had been marked private since 1983.

Private road signs dated back decades

A sign reading 'Barton Court Private Road' had been posted since 1983. In June 2020, it was replaced with an even more explicit notice: 'Barton Court Estate, Do Not Cross the Driveway.'

Local councilman expressed disappointment

Tony Vickers, a local councilman, said he was 'surprised and very disappointed' by the decision and found Matthews's arguments unconvincing. The ruling favored the couple's privacy.

“I was surprised and very disappointed by the decision against them.”

Parking lot dispute followed weeks later

Just weeks after winning the gate battle, Pippa and James faced another complaint. The West Berkshire Council rejected their appeal to keep a parking structure built on the estate, calling it 'unsightly' and visually intrusive.

Protected countryside rules apply

The parking structure was deemed to introduce 'an urbanizing and visually intrusive feature' into the Wessex Downs, an area designated as protected countryside for its scenic value. The council upheld objections filed in February.