A new town green and footpath are to be created in Witney on land between Thorney Leys and Curbridge Road.

Richmond Care Villages (RCV), which is developing the land, originally wanted to move a footpath from the site.

The footpath was a traffic-free direct route to and from countryside south of Witney and the proposed move was objected to by the Open Spaces Society, which said the revised route was longer and less pleasant for users.

The organisation's local correspondent Chris Hall told RCV he would withdraw the society's objections if land on the site was designated as a town green, which would ensure it is protected against development.

The society also insisted that the public should be invited to visit the development to see the old and new paths and the position of the new green before the changes are made legal.

RCV accepted this and will also offer an additional new path across the estate, linking to a pedestrian-controlled crossing of Thorney Leys.

Open Spaces Society Kate Ashbrook said: "While we deplored RCV’s illegal obstruction of the public footpath, we are pleased to have found a solution which will benefit the people of Witney. 

"They will have a new path across the site, made easily accessible by a pedestrian-controlled crossing of Thorney Leys and a wheelchair-accessible kissing gate, and an attractive green space for quiet recreation.

"This is our message to developers. 

"Do not ignore the existence of public paths on your sites, nor think you can get away with illegally obstructing them. 

"If you don’t sort out the paths before proceeding with your development you can be delayed by months or even years—as RCV has discovered."