Stowe School. Photo: Trevor Rickard CC-BY-SA-2.0

Outdoors campaigners are taking on one of Britain’s top private schools in a bid to thwart plans for its new golf course.

A Ramblers group and the Open Spaces Society are objecting to plans by Stowe School in Buckinghamshire to move its golf course to an area crossed by public rights of way.

The OSS and the Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex Ramblers have submitted objections to the local council over the public school’s proposals for its new course.

Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society, and footpath secretary for the Ramblers in Buckinghamshire, said: “We have objected because the proposed golf course will be slapped down right on top of public paths.

“There are three bridleways and four footpaths either crossing the site or in its immediate vicinity. The enjoyment and safety of walkers, riders and cyclists will be severely affected.

“This is a tranquil and beautiful part of Bucks, where people should be able to exercise their rights peacefully in unspoiled countryside. Indeed, flying golfballs so close to those enjoying public highways may constitute a public nuisance.”

The £28,965-a-year school’s old boys include campaigning environmental journalist George Monbiot, Virgin boss Richard Branson and the late jazz singer George Melly.

Aylesbury Vale District Council is dealing with the planning application.

Ms Ashbrook added: “We commend the submission from Buckinghamshire County Council’s strategic access officer. As highway authority, the county has a duty to protect the rights of path users and it has urged the district not to grant permission for this golf course in its current form.

“Stowe School, with its arrogant motto Persto et Praesto – I stand firm and I stand first – should rethink its proposals and decide not to stand firm in pursuing this obnoxious application.

“As a leading public school it should set an example by respecting the rights of the public to enjoy the public paths.

“So our message is: Stow it Stowe and withdraw your plans.”