A SHORT cut through the grounds of a block of luxury apartments, which residents claim had been used for more than 50 years, has been declared a public right of way.
The decision to designate the footpath from First Drive through the grounds of Eastcliffe House, formally the Victorian villa Eastburn, and on to the coastal footpath comes after a two-day public inquiry last month.
Planning inspector Adrian I'anson confirmed the order after hearing from 15 residents who claimed to have used the access without hindrance.
Seven residents objected to the order and some claimed that the gate had been locked for periods of time. The route has been inaccessible since Tiverton-based Devonshire Homes started work on the site two years ago.
A padlocked gate with signs warning off trespassers was erected to stop people walking though. Now, Devon County Council will advertise the confirmation order on site and expect 'no more locking of gates to occur', said public rights of way officer Michael Martyn.
He added that the council does have powers of enforcement, but was hopeful that it would not be necessary.
Town councillor Sylvia Russell, who spoke at the inquiry, welcomed the decision. 'It is a common sense decision and I do not think that the residents of Eastcliffe have anything to worry about in terms of inappropriate use. 'People just want to continue to enjoy using the path as they have done for years,' she said.
Devon county councillor for Teignmouth, Cllr Chris Bray, said: I am delighted that the inspector has found in favour of Devon County Council's order.
'The huge number of residents who attended the hearing at Bitton House is a testament to the strength of feeling in the community that this was a walk which had been used for a considerable time and that had been taken away from local people.'