Developer told to clear overgrown footpath in Devon village

Walkers in a village near Exeter have complained that a developer’s neglect has made a public footpath “nigh on impossible” to use safely.

Residents in Blackhorse said Persimmon Homes had been told a year ago to move fencing to enable Blackhorse Lane to have a 1.5m (5ft) width.

Devon County Council said it had instructed the developer to realign the fence and cut back the overgrown vegetation by Monday, 6 May or it would face legal action.

Persimmon Homes apologised for the delay and said wildlife surveys needed to be carried out before work could begin.

Jess Pinn said her dog Nina had been injured by the thorns and nettles that have encroached on the footpath.

She said: “Safe access has been nigh on impossible and I have to worry about tripping over the feet of the fencing each time I come along here.”

The council said it had instructed Persimmon Homes to realign the fencing and cut back the overgrown hedging.

Devon County councillor Henry Gent said: “They could move the fence back, that’s what they need to do early next week, and if they don’t then the county council will take powers to move the fence.”

A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes South West apologised for “the delay in clearing the footpath and any inconvenience caused”.

They said: “Before commencing the clearance works, we must conduct surveys for nesting birds and dormice, which will take place imminently.

“Upon receiving the necessary permissions, we will urgently carry out the required works to clear the footpath and resolve this issue for the community.”