Yorkshire villagers angry with developers over access to ancient footpath

People living in Woolley claim builders blocked a cherished pathway known as the Avenue of Trees which runs to the rear of a Grade I listed church. The dispute is the latest fallout over the construction of exclusive properties in the rural village to the south of Wakefield.

Linfit Developments Ltd has been granted permission to build six detached homes on land adjacent to the footpath. The well-trodden path is thought to be the route taken to St Peter’s Church from Woolley Hall by the Wentworth family, who for centuries owned the 17th century country house nearby.