Responses to Consultations in relation to Public Rights of Way

Planning Applications

Planning applications within the County are checked by the Mapping Team to ensure that provision is made for any public rights of way that may be affected.

1. ·Where there is an adjacent public right of way not directly affected or where a public right of way crosses the site but will not actually be built over, comments are made to ensure that the applicant, developer and the planning authority are all aware that the public right of way should not be moved, blocked or encroached either temporarily during the development or indefinitely as a consequence of the development and the circumstances in which a temporary closure may be required.
2. ·Where there is a public right of way for which provision has been made on the application on the existing line, then comments are made to ensure that all parties know that a temporary closure must be in place prior to commencement of any works that will interfere with the right of way.
3. ·Where there is a public right of way for which provision has been made on the application on an amended line, then comments are made to ensure that all parties know what is required in terms of securing a legal diversion or extinguishment prior to commencement of the works.
4. ·Where there is a public right of way for which no provision appears to have been made on the plans, or inadequate or inappropriate provision then an objection is made. This may subsequently be withdrawn upon clarification or appropriate amendment.
5. ·Comments are also made where public rights of way are not to be directly encroached but where the nature of the way will be adversely affected and an alternative approach would produce a better long-term result.

Parish and Town Councils have a significant role in the planning process and communication between them and Countryside Service often assists the process of responding to these applications.

Other Consultations

Other consultations that may affect public rights of way, mainly Agri-environment stewardship schemes, are also considered and responded to as appropriate.

• Countryside Service
• Public Rights of Way
• What are Public Rights of Way
• Definitive Rights of Way Map
• Maintenance and Obstructions
• Reporting a Problem
• Recording, Changing and Closing
• Rights of Way Improvement Plan
• Local Access Forum
• County Council Working Practices
• Working Practices
• Local Contacts
• Section 31 Deposits
• Definitive Map Modification Orders
• Definitive Map Modification Order Reports
• Rosses and Guises Lanes, Wichenford