7th August 2026

Dear Resident,

Many residents will be aware that the Parish Council’s application, submitted on behalf of local residents to register Coombe Lane Woods as a Town or Village Green, was unsuccessful.

In Spring 2026, additional evidence provided by residents was submitted to the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (RBWM) Public Rights of Way Team in support of an application to formally recognise historic routes through the area as Public Rights of Way. We are currently awaiting the outcome of that application.

The Parish Council would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to complete and return user evidence forms in support of the applications. Your contributions provided valuable evidence of the historic walking routes used by residents over many years.

The Clerk recently met with Thames Valley Police following several reports of anti-social behaviour, trespass and criminal damage within Coombe Lane Woods and adjoining private land, subsequent discussions with RBWM Public Rights of Way Officers have confirmed that Public Rights of Way (PROW) applications are complex and can take a year or more to determine. A specialist consultant has been appointed by RBWM to undertake a detailed examination of historical records, user evidence and information provided by affected landowners before a recommendation can be made.

Residents are reminded that Coombe Lane Woods remains private land and is not currently a recognised Public Right of Way. Thames Valley Police are working with landowners and the Parish Council to monitor the situation and investigate reported incidents.

We respectfully ask residents to:

  • Respect the decision relating to the Town or Village Green application.
  • Refrain from entering private land without the permission of the landowner.
  • Avoid behaviour that may cause damage, nuisance, alarm, or distress.
  • Allow the Public Rights of Way application process to proceed without interference.

The Parish Council understands the strength of feeling surrounding Coombe Lane Woods and the desire of many residents to preserve access to these historic routes. We remain committed to representing residents’ interests and pursuing all lawful avenues available. However, it is essential that due process is respected while the application is under consideration. Allowing the process to run its course without interference gives the application the best opportunity to be considered fairly and to achieve the desired outcome.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support. The Parish Council will provide further updates as soon as there is significant progress to report.

Esther Cope

Clerk/RFO

For an on behalf of Sunninghill and Ascot Parish Council.