In the latest instalment of a story that goes back to at least 2007, it appears that the government’s Planning Inspectorate is to hold a local inquiry into proposals to close and divert the footpath behind Bitterne Park Primary School.
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The school’s preferred option – from a number discussed at a meeting in 2014 – involves closing the existing path at the back of the school altogether to the public, and rerouting it around the playing field.
This would form part of already approved plans to enclose what’s said to be around 4% of Riverside Park behind the school mainly for pupils’ use, with provision promised for out-of-hours community access.
The council order to close the path was referred to the Planning Inspectorate because of objections, but was rejected in March on technicalities.
Witnesses are open to cross-examination
A new order to divert the footpath was submitted, and now it seems the Inspectorate is minded to hold a local inquiry. These are open to all, and usually take one or two days, but sometimes longer. They’re described as: “Formal settings where evidence is heard and witnesses are open to cross-examination. Inquiries are the best option where there is a lot of evidence, or there is conflicting evidence, or there are numerous relevant persons.”
The Planning Inspectorate says it lets interested parties know local inquiry details and aims to hold them within 26 weeks of giving notice. Additionally it advertises details publicly nearer the time.
It has also said that all objections and representations on the case should be made available, and is asking Southampton City Council to make public viewing possible at their offices.
