Please show your support by signing this petition against the proposed diversion of a well-loved public footpath in Great Dunmow. The diversion would take the path away from a valued rural setting through a new build housing estate should planning permission be granted.

 Together we can make a difference!

 We, the undersigned petition Essex County Council to protect Public Right of Way 23 so that we can continue to enjoy appreciating the intrinsic beauty of this valley side landscape whilst walking along this path.

We value the amenity that this footpath provides to local dog walkers, walkers and ramblers groups from the wider area.

This footpath is easily accessible from green and open spaces near to the river Chelmer:

• Starting at St. Edmund’s Lane, a pleasant walk alongside the stream with views across the field of historic Ford Farm within its agricultural setting.
• Crossing the stream, walking through the agrarian landscape on either side of the path and ahead with rising views of Merks Hill woods.
• As the footpath rises in elevation, appreciating the views of an open valley side landscape and edge of woodland in front, which includes two veteran English oak trees (Ancient Tree Inventory references: 254043, 254047).
• Approaching from the east walking on a circuit around Merks Hall or from Stebbing, enjoying the cross-valley view towards Dunmow Park and the wider Chelmer valley to the south.

This beautiful footpath plays an important contribution to the appreciation of the local landscape in two local walks in “Walks around Dunmow” brochure (Walk 5: Dunmow to Merks Hall; Walk 7: Dunmow to Stebbing). The area provides an important wildlife corridor on countryside between long established woodland and the stream.

We ask both Essex CC and Uttlesford District Council to protect PRoW23, which has great amenity value to existing residents and for future generations to enjoy.