Definitive Map and Statement
also known as: Map of rights of way, Public footpaths.
Information about the definitive map and statement and link to the rights of way map
Definitive Map and Statement
The Definitive Map and Statement is the
document where all public rights of way are legally recorded.
It provides conclusive evidence of the paths it shows, but there
may be other paths with public rights that are not shown.
Click here to
see the working copy of the Definitive Map and
Statement.
The copy is updated on a regular basis, but to
see the most up to date information you need to make an appointment
to see the Definitive Map at County Hall. This is recommended
where you are relying on the information contained on the map for
conveyance or other legal purposes. You can make an
appointment by telephoning 01670 534084.
Changes to the Definitive
Map
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 allows
anyone to apply to the County Council to make a Modification Order
to change the Definitive Map and Statement if they believe the Map
or Statement is incorrect. Modification Orders will be made
where reasonable evidence is found that:
- A route that should be shown on the Map is not recorded
there
- A route that is recorded on the Map shouldn’t have been
- A route may have been recorded incorrectly (e.g. shown as a
footpath instead of as a bridleway)
- A route is shown on the wrong line
- A route should be more precisely defined (e.g. have its width
recorded)
This evidence may be historical (e.g. based on
Inclosure Award Maps) and user based (e.g. the public have been
using the route uninterrupted for more than 20 years).
If you think that you have evidence that the
Definitive Map is in some way incorrect or believe that a route may
be a public right of way but is not recorded contact us on 01670
624136.
Register of Definitive Map
Modification Order Applications
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
placed a requirement on the Council to keep and maintain a register
of Definitive Map Modification Order Applications. The
purpose of the Register is to increase public knowledge
about applications which could result in changes to the definitive
map and rights of way network.
The Register has been incorporated as a layer
on the working copy of the Definitive Map and Statement. It
can be viewed by
clicking here.
If you have any problems using the link or
want further information please email DBrookes@northumberland.gov.uk
