THE route of a public footpath at Dudsbury Fort is set to be changed in order to improve the privacy of the Guide camp.

Despite objections from Historic England and West Parley Parish Council, Dorset County Council officers have recommended that a new, longer track around the edge of the site be approved.

Submitted by Bournemouth Guide Camp Association, the application will be considered by the county council’s regulatory committee on Thursday.

Its proposals seek to alter the footpath route, which runs through the camp, to a new trail around its boundary.

The Guide group has warned that walkers stray from the existing path and a report says that there have been incidents of damage to the fort – an ancient monument – and to equipment as well as issues with dogs “frightening” camp users.

The request to change the route has been supported by the council’s definitive map officer, Carol McKay.

In a report to the regulatory committee she says that the new route would “significantly improve privacy and security” for camp users and the owners of Castle Rings.

Ferndown county councillor Andrew Parry has also supported the change, saying that it would assist with safeguarding for the Guides.

However, opposition has been lodged by Historic England, which says that the change would have “implications” for the management and protection of the fort,

In a letter to the council, its ancient monuments inspector Keith Miller said: “We understand the desire of the property owners to change the route of the path.

“However, the proposed permanent change to the public footpath has implications for the management and protection of the scheduled monument and for its appearance and setting and for public experience and appreciation of the monument.”

West Parley Parish Council has also opposed plans to install fencing along some of the route as well as raising concerns about the presence of ‘possibly carcinogenic’ ferns on the new path.

The application will be considered by county councillors on Thursday with a recommendation that they approve the diversion of the footpath.