Changing the route of a public right of way

Rights of way are protected by law but that does not mean that change is impossible. Landowners and developers may apply to the Council for legal orders to change the route of a public right of way under a number of legal provisions. The Rights of Way Team will carry out initial consultations before a decision is taken on whether or not an order should be made to change the route. If an order is made, it will be formally advertised and any comments made by members of the public will be considered before any further action is taken. In most cases the applicant will be expected to pay the Council’s costs for consulting, making and advertising the order and the costs of creating any new route.

For further information about these processes, please contact the Rights of Way Team.