Natural England - Stakeholder Working Group on Rights of Way

Stakeholder Working Group on Rights of Way

Natural England has formed this Working Group to bring together representatives of the key relevant national interests to consider ways of improving access through public rights of way.

In particular, the Group will:

  • consider the issues and difficulties associated with the process of recording pre-1949 and other public rights of way that are not currently shown on the definitive map and statement maintained by surveying authorities; and

  • work together with the aim of reaching agreement on a balanced package of strategic reforms in law and procedure that, in the Group's view, would bring real benefit to the various interests potentially affected by the claimed existence of such rights.

Where appropriate, the Group will draw attention to other issues it identifies that may affect improvement of access.

A timetable has been agreed with the Stakeholder Working Group and it is expected that its proposals will be completed by the end of 2009.

Latest News

Since the summer, the Group has been working on refining and developing proposals across a range of issues which aim to improve the process of recording historic rights onto the definitive map. The latest Meeting Notes record the preparation of the final report which is now underway. Group members are active in the drafting of the report to ensure it accurately conveys the context within which the package of measures should be seen and the reasoning behind the proposals made. A further meeting is scheduled in January to complete this process.

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