Public path orders

If you are a landowner who would like to create, divert or extinguish a public right of way that runs across your land you must contact the Council before undertaking any work on the ground. Public rights of way are legally protected public highways, therefore a legal process must be followed.

Creating, diverting or extinguishing public rights of way requires a legal Order often under the Highways Act 1980 but developers can also apply under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. It is important to understand that public consultations are usually a legal requirement which can result in applications being successful or rejected. Applications are also subject to a fee chargeable to the landowner. For more information contact the Council’s Public Rights of Way Officer. 

Application form with guidance notes (PDF document)

Public path order consultations

Public path order notices

View existing recorded public rights of way on our interactive public rights of way map.