A Landowner’s Guide to Public Rights of Way - Roles and Responsibilities
In this section
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Landowners’ Principal Responsibilities
- 3. Who is responsible for Stiles and Gates on Public Rights of Way?
- 4. Who is responsible for Bridges on Public Rights of Way?
- 5. What fencing is permitted near a Public Right of Way?
- 6. How Wide is a Public Right of Way?
- 7. Who should maintain the surface of a Public Right of Way?
- 8. Who should maintain hedgerows?
- 9. Can I plough and grow crops across a Public Rights of Way?
- 10. Can I change the Route of a Public Right of Way?
- 11. Can I remove a Public Right of Way from my land?
- 12. Can I challenge the accuracy of the Definitive Map and Statement?
- 13. Can I protect my land from the addition of more Public Rights of Way?
- 14. Contact Us
12. Can I challenge the accuracy of the Definitive Map and Statement?
The appearance of a path or way on the Definitive Map and Statement is conclusive proof of its existence in law, however the map and statement are subject to continuous review to ensure the legal record remains accurate.
If a landowner/occupier believes that they have sufficient evidence to support making a change to the legal record by either adding, removing or altering a recorded public right of way across their property they can make a Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) application.
DMMO applications involve completing a number of forms and there are a numerous steps, some with set durations, that must be completed by the Local Authority before the application can be determined. The Council must be satisfied that the relevant legal tests under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) have been met before a DMMO can be made and confirmed.
No change may be made to the Definitive Map and Statement without a legal Order. Please contact the Countryside Access team (or visit our website) for further information and the necessary forms.
