A LEGAL battle over a right of way by a cottage once occupied by Laurie Lee is to become even longer and more costly following High Court decision.


Successive owners of properties in Slad have argued over the path near to Lee's former home, Woodside Bungalow.


The most recent battle is between its current owner, Jonathan Nunn, and neighbours, Charles and Christopher Price, over rights to use the track.


Last year, a High Court case ended in a draw after a judge part rejected and part allowed an application by the Prices to strike out Mr Nunn's claim.


The Prices have subsequently been given leave to appeal and on Thursday, February 7 Mr Nunn was granted permission for his own appeal against the decision.


Mr Nunn, who bought the bungalow in 1991, claims he is entitled to a private right of way over the track or alternatively that there is a public right of way along it.


The Prices last year succeeded in having his claim to a private right of way struck out but the public right of way issue was left open.