A definitive map is a record of public rights of way in England and Wales. In law it is the definitive record of where a right of way is located. The highway authority (normally the county council, or unitary authority in areas with a one-tier system) has a statutory duty to maintain a definitive map. In national parks, the National Park Authority usually maintains the map. The Inner London boroughs are exempt from the statutory duty, though they have the powers to maintain a map: currently none does so. Details of the definitive map process are set out in the Natural England document A guide to definitive maps and changes to public rights of way.[1]
Each right of way also has a written description referred to as the definitive statement. Generally the definitive map takes legal precedence over the definitive statement.
Examples of Definitive Maps
edit| Ceremonial County | District council | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bedfordshire | Bedford | Official website |
| Bedfordshire | Central Bedfordshire | Official website |
| Berkshire | West Berkshire | Official website |
| Berkshire | Bracknell Forest | Official website |
| Berkshire | Windsor and Maidenhead | Official website |
References
editExternal links
edit- [1] Public Paths and the Definitive Map from the Ramblers Association
- [2] Definitive Map Orders: Consistency Guidelines from the Planning Inspectorate
- [3] List of online Definitive Maps for each UK county
- [4] Natural England document A guide to definitive maps and changes to public rights of way
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