Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

There has never been a path here, how did the path get on the Definitive Map?

Answer:

The first Definitive Map was drawn up and agreed on 1st October 1952 following a long public consultation process in each area of the county. The Map was further reviewed between 1972 and 1989, when the current Definitive Map was produced, and many paths were added during this period. In all cases, affected landowners were consulted and informed of each addition of a path to the Map.

Some paths are not used as frequently as others, and may appear to have fallen into disuse, leading to the impression that a 'path has never been there'. When property is bought and sold, the information regarding the existence of public rights of way should always be declared by the vendor to the purchaser. When buying property, particularly in rural areas, you should always make sure that you, or your solicitor, check the Definitive Map for the existence of public rights of way affecting the property you are buying.

Contact for further information: Assistant Rights of Way Officer, telephone: 01432 260572 or see the Public Rights of Way section.

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Last Updated: 08 May 08

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