The UK Government has given local councils more time to map rights of way in England. Previously, councils had until 2031 to map unrecorded public paths and bridleways on an official ‘definitive map’. The deadline has now been lifted, giving councils the chance to assess whether paths meet requirements to be included on maps. Walking campaigners have praised the decision, labeling it an opportunity to protect ancient paths and green spaces. However, the National Farmers’ Union is concerned that claims for new paths will continue to disrupt farm businesses.
The ‘definitive map’ legislation was introduced in 1949, requiring local authorities to show public rights of way in their area. While the documents have been continually reviewed, anyone with evidence can apply to have a path added. There are over 40,000 unrecorded miles of rights of way in England. The previous Conservative government had also planned to scrap the cut-off date for historic paths to be registered, but in 2010 it was extended from 2026 to 2031 to provide more certainty to landowners, councils, and path users.
However, limited resources hindered councils processing applications, leaving nearly 8,000 path requests waiting to be dealt with by March 2022, according to the BBC. If paths are not recorded, landowners might plant crops on them or they could be built on by developers, according to Kate Ashbrook, General Secretary of the Open Spaces Society.
Deputy president of the National Farmers’ Union, David Exwood believes that productive farming and public access need to be in balance. He feels the government’s new plan focuses on outdated routes, which “haven’t been used for centuries”. Instead, he proposes a fit-for-the-future network that promotes responsible use, working farmland and safety, according to the Countryside Code. Meanwhile, the government is planning to repeal the cut-off date when parliamentary time allows.
Ross Maloney, chief executive of the Ramblers charity, is pleased by the announcement’s outcome. He says it ends “the threat to thousands of miles of historic rights of way in England”. Additionally, Baroness Hayman, the Minister for Access, states that the government wants to ensure “our countryside and green spaces are a source of great national pride, but too many people across the country are left without access to the great outdoors.
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