WALKERS who enjoy strolling an ancient footpath through the fields and woodlands near Wenvoe could find themselves walking a new route next to a new housing development if council plans go ahead.

Members of the Wenvoe Residents Action Group (WRAG) are opposing plans to divert "Footpath 21" - a route that has existed since the late 19th century - due to the new Redrow development west of Port Road.

Objections have also been raised by the Ramblers Society, Open Spaces Society and Friends of the Earth.

WRAG secretary Darren Bellamy said that not only is the diversion completely unnecessary, but it isn't even a "diversion" to begin with.

He said: "Firstly, to be clear, it is misleading that this proposal can be considered a 'diversion' of Footpath 21 as no part of the footpath has been 'diverted'.

"Both the start and end point of the proposed diversion are at completely different locations to the established path. The route taken by the new path does not intersect with the established path at any point.

"Therefore this is effectively a proposal to remove a well-established footpath and replace it with a new footpath alongside the new housing estate."

In correspondence with the Vale council, Darren cites factors such as the history and scenic value of the existing path and the loss of tourism revenue from walking events such as the "Orchard Tour" that uses the route as just some of the negatives that would arise from the loss of the old route.

He goes on to explain there appears to be no rational reason for the path - which does not fall within the boundaries of the new development - to be moved.

This opinion is echoed by Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society.

"There is no need to move the path in order to carry out the development," she said, "and we cannot understand why the council is doing this.

"The path itself is a historic route of considerable interest. It commands fine views over the Bristol Channel, Brean Down and Flat Holm, and it passes beside the ancient woodland of Wenvoe Wood.

"The land it crosses is designated as the Vale of Glamorgan Special Landscape Area. The proposed diversion on the other hand is grossly inferior, it would run close to the new development, with no views and no sense of history."

The Vale of Glamorgan council's operational manager for countryside and economic projects, Bob Guy, said: “Planning permission for housing has been granted for the site and construction is under way. Public Footpath 21, which currently runs directly through the development, needs to be realigned as a result.

“The Council will ensure there is an alternative, and has recently consulted on a proposed route. As a result of some objections, discussions with the developer have taken place and amended plans are expected shortly.

"We will consult further on these. It is hoped that the updated proposals will address many of the concerns.”