Apply to make a permanent change to the public rights of way network

The first step to making a change to the public rights of way network is to make an application based on what type of change you want to make.

Diversion

Landowners can apply to us for a diversion of a public right of way running across their land. There is an administration fee to cover the full costs of making the order and any works involved.

There are a number of steps to the process (some with set timescales) so it can take a long time to divert a public right of way. Also, there is no certainty that an application will succeed.

Modification

Claimed rights of way

Members of the public may apply to have a route added to the definitive map, this is called a 'claim'. This is a legal process governed by the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

This usually involves the addition of routes to the network because a footpath or bridleway is not shown on the definitive map but evidence suggests that it should be. However modification orders can also be made to alter or delete footpaths or bridleways from the definitive map.

Once a claim is received, the council must determine the claim by assessing the evidence provided by the claimants, which usually takes the form of statements from people who have used the route. Such user evidence must show that the route has been used continuously by the general public for at least 20 years, although it is not necessary to demonstrate that each claimant has used the route for 20 years.

Forms for claiming a public right of way (Word doc) [1MB]

Guidelines for completing public right of way claim forms (Word doc) [152KB]

Public right of way user evidence statement (Word doc) [96KB]

Extinguishment

Extinguishments are extremely rare but follow a similar procedure to diversions. If you want to apply for an extinguishment order please contact the countryside access team.