Obstruction (Barbed Wire) on Public Footpath – Estate behind Aldi, Buckingham

I am writing as a resident of the new Bovis/Vistry development situated behind Aldi off the A413 in Buckingham to report a dangerous obstruction blocking a designated Public Right of Way.

A walkable pedestrian path constructed as part of our estate leads directly to a recorded Public Footpath. However, a landowner/farmer has installed barbed wire directly across the access point at the boundary of the field to block public access, despite official Public Footpath signage being present.

Under Section 137 and Section 143 of the Highways Act 1980, it is an offense to obstruct a public right of way or place dangerous materials across it. The use of barbed wire poses an immediate health and safety risk to residents, children, and dog walkers trying to access the countryside -

Action Requested: Buckinghamshire Council Rights of Way Operations: Please could this be reviewed and the area inspected and if required, issue a statutory notice to the landowner requiring the immediate removal of the barbed wire? As a dog walker around the area, I believe I should be able to follow the public footpath signs shown in the photos. If not, I am confused why the developers have designed a walkway to the area, for it to be blocked? Buckingham Town Council: Please log this with the Planning & Estates Committee to ensure the Buckingham ward officer escalates this, if in fact the barbed wire and fence should not be there. Vistry / Bovis Homes: Please confirm whether this access point forms part of the estate’s approved Section 106 / Planning Permission pedestrian access strategy, and liaise with the neighboring landowner and council to ensure safe, unobstructed access is established for residents as intended.