Charity launches legal cost fund

Vehicles have been produced at the Cowley plant since 1913

A charity that lost a court battle with car giant BMW over the closure of a footpath has begun fundraising after being told to pay £30,000 legal costs.

BMW won the case to close the 2,000-year-old bridleway near its plant in Cowley, Oxfordshire, on Monday.

The British Horse Society (BHS) had objected to the planning permission along with the Ramblers Association.

Both were ordered to pay joint costs of nearly £50,000. BHS has now launched a fund to meet its £29,700 share.

The Ramblers Association was ordered to pay £19,800.

Both charities had argued that the right to pathways should not be undermined by corporations.

'No genuine use'

At the end of the week-long hearing at Witney Magistrates' Court, Judge Brian Loosley decided in favour of BMW.

In April last year, BMW made a request to the council to "stop up" two highways that dissect the plant and a footpath on the grounds they were "unnecessary".

BMW and Oxfordshire County Council claimed that there was no genuine equestrian use, a suitable alternative route for pedestrians would be provided and it was a cul-de-sac providing access only to private premises.

BMW were not awarded any costs because the judge said in law the firm could not be regarded as a "complainant" in the case.