I am a council tenant and next door is bought, they are saying that even htough I am due to have a new drive in from the council and a new path leading up between the two houses that if they do not want it done it won't be as they have the accsess rights to the paths

Really depends on the actual deeds of the property.

Are the drive and path shared between the houses ?

By law, you must have access to your property. You cannot be "landlocked". I agree with C-Ben, utilize all documents, plats, deeds, tax records,etc.

Are you saying the new owners plan on blocking the council plans? I assume you are in the UK, but as I understand "council" property, their plans take precedence over home owners.