Changing Public Rights of Way

Diversion Order

These are normally made under section 119 of the Highways Act 1980, to change the position of public rights of way provided the alternative route is not substantially less convenient for the public. Other types of public path order can be made to change the route of paths. These orders can be made for reasons of crime prevention, improvement of school security, railway crossing safety or for the protection or nature over land designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Orders can also be made under section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. These orders are used where changes are needed to enable building development to take place.

Creation Agreements

These may be made under Section 25 of the Highways Act 1980 where landowners agree that a new public right of way may be created over their land.

Public Path Creation Orders

These are made under section 26 of the Highways Act 1980, to provide new public rights of way where they are needed by the public.

Public Path Extinguishment Orders

These are made under section 118 of the Highways Act 1980, to close public rights of way where they are no longer needed for public use.

Path closure orders

Path Closure Orders

Public rights of way can be temporarily closed for a variety of reasons such as special events, maintenance works, construction works etc.  Paths can be closed for time periods ranging from one day to six months.