Madonna, or should I say Esther (?), has had mixed success in talking round planning officials in a bid to get those pesky ramblers off her land. As previously reported, Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie were fighting a decision by the Countryside Agency that 350 acres of their Ashcombe Estate in Dorset/Wiltshire was 'open country' - meaning ramblers could ramble over it at their leisure.
Madonna and Ritchie managed to persuade the powers that be to transfer 15 of the 17 parts of their estate the Countryside Agency said were 'open country' back into private land. But two rather big bits - mounting to 135 acres - remain classified as 'open country'. Madonna and Ritchie's legal people made no comment on the decision, although rumour has it they will appeal through the High Court.
Planning inspector David Pinner told reporters the areas in question were not in sight of Madonna's grade II listed Georgian mansion and "it is not a matter that can be dealt with in the context of a mapping appeal and it would be beyond my powers to consider it".
Jon Gambles, of the Ramblers' Association added: "Some very significant areas of downland will be available to the public which is excellent news because it is beautiful countryside."